Stephen Simon

Sometimes....

Sometimes you meet and share a part of your life with a person larger than life itself, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Steve Simon, of Billings, Montana, on December 3rd, 2021, at the age of 67 years. His spirit is carried on by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and a worldwide family of friends.

Steve was born in Glasgow, MT and raised in Tampico attending school there at a young age and graduated in 1973 from Glasgow High School. Where he also participated in football, wrestling and track. One of the greatest Scots to ever live, Steve was raised on bagpipes and hunting in the Missouri River Breaks. Each hunting season was approached with great anticipation, in search of the wiley "ee-lick". Steve spent a great deal of time at his cabin in Crooked Creek, or better known to him as "The Quad C",and it became his gathering place for friends and family, old and new.

Steve was proud to serve as a Marine. Semper fi. There wasn't a marine he didnt identify with of any age or war. Afer he completed his service in the Marine Corps, Steve worked for the U.S. Forest Service for over 30 years as a Computer Specialist.

Steve developed the wildland fire computer program that supported fire resources nationally. As he put it, "the smoke got in his blood." Known in the fire community as "The Wizard," he became the heartbeat of every incident management team he was assigned to, and cherished every friend he made along the way.

Steve loved a good road trip. He was a natural-born storyteller, and would impart his wisdom, free life hacks, and history about the Missouri River Breaks and his family's history there on these long trips. Everybody was happy to hear it because it meant they didnt have to listen to another Neil Diamond or Johnny Cash cassette album on repeat. And how he loved a good joke.

He was the busiest retired person anyone ever knew. He was a mason, worked on the family ranch, and was an active member of the American Legion Post 41, Glasgow in which he was the Sergent at Arms locally, for the District and Zone. He was also one the founding members for the Sons of the American Legion Sqadron 41, Glasgow, also taking the role of Sergent at Arms for both local and state.

Steve and his dad floated the entire Missouri River in Montana over a series of trips. Some of those stretches were done in the "Damn Canoe," a very heavy canoe that Steve's dad had made. Summers, and in between fire assignments, were filled with family camping and fishing adventures. Steve also made several trips to England and Scotland to visit family, friends, and ancestral castles.

His dad's legacy of keeping a sourdough starter continued in Steve's kitchen. Steve loved mornings, sourdough pancakes and coffee. And don't forget the musselshell cocktails.

Memorials may be made to the Garfield County Museum in Jordan, MT (PO Box 31, Jordan, MT 59337) which was founded by Steve's Great Great Grandfather Arthur Jordan.

Details are pending for a celebration of Steve's life to be held in 2022. Until we all meet again, it's a beautiful day at the Quad C, and continual soiree.