Sam Borla, age 82, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Prairie County Nursing Home in Terry.
Sam was born September 6, 1940, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Joseph and Esther Borla. In the fall of 1940, the family moved to Sunrise, Wyoming, and then in July 1948, they moved to the family ranch in Boyes to assist Joe’s parents, Emil and Teresa Borla.
Sam’s passion for hunting and fishing began at a very young age. He would think nothing of walking miles in pursuit of that trophy mule deer. His mother worried every time he ventured out as he would disappear for hours at a time, frequently not to return until after dark. On more than one occasion, she would walk miles in search of Sam only to find him on his journey home with a smile and evidence of his hunting success. He had an uncanny knack for finding the large bucks and the big trout. Over the years, he shared his passion with other avid sportsmen, many from outside Montana. Several of these people became lifelong friends with Sam and the entire family.
Sam made a home in Broadus with his wife, ArLynn, and their four children. Sam managed Midland Lumber in Broadus for many years. Sam eventually left Broadus, transferring with Midland Lumber to Miles City and then to Forsyth. His time in Broadus saw his family grow up with all his children graduating from Powder River County High School and Montana State University. As you may expect, all of Sam’s children were taught to appreciate the outdoors and to share in his love for hunting and fishing.
While living in Forsyth, Sam saw an opportunity to turn his love of the outdoors into a business and Big Sky Trophy Outfitters was launched. Throughout the years, Sam guided hunters from various parts of the US and formed friendships that continued over the years. He enjoyed great success, but as the years passed, Sam decided it was time to slow down. He returned to Boyes where he assisted his mother in caring for the family ranch. After he sold his business, he continued to guide a few hunters each year. Chasing that trophy antelope and elk were Sam’s personal preferences. One of Sam’s late life pleasures was teaching his granddaughter how to be a hunter. The smile on his face when there was hunting success will forever be remembered.
Sam is survived by his children Mark (Lourdes) Borla, Melanie (Mark) Butorac, Collin (Elizabeth) Borla, Quinn (Amy) Borla; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; and siblings Darleen Nicholson, Sally Borla, and Joseph Borla, Jr.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Boyes Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 23, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday September 22, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 23, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, Montana 59301
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Karen Gaskill says
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father and brother. I always enjoyed visiting with Sam and know he will be deeply missed
Andrea and Vern Rice says
Sally and all of Sam’s family, so sorry for your loss. sending our condolences.
The Stoddard Family says
Our condolences for your loss. We will miss our old neighbor.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
So sorry to hear of your loss. God’s blessings be with all of you.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
GONNA MISS YOU BIG BROTHER–I HAVE NEVER KNOWN LIFE WITHOUT YOU BUT THESE PAST FEW YEARS WERE NOT SO GOOD–I AM GLAD FOR ALL THE TIME/VISITS WE HAD TOGETHER–I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE–NO PAIN, NOT LONELY, AND WITH OUR FOLKS. I WILL BE JOINING YOU SOME DAY TOO AND WE WILL ALL BE WITH GOD.
Roberta Rickman says
Sally, so sorry to hear this. Hugs.
Tom and Judy Collins. says
To all the Borla family, we were sorry to hear about Sam. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you..
John and Collene Hill says
So Sorry to hear of Sam’s passing, he was a great friend, will be missed by all. Our Prayers and his good memories to the family.
Veda Hurst says
Sally, i am so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. I know you will miss him. Take care. Veda
TRACEY RIDENOUR GORDER says
Collin & Family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janet Rice says
Condolences to Sams family. He will be missed.
Carol Ferguson Moore says
Good memories of when Sam managed the lumber yard in Forsyth. He always gave an honest answer to a question that was asked. Rest In Peace. Sorry for your loss.
Laura Lee and Vic Ullrich says
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. I will lift up the whole Borla family in prayer as you navigate this most difficult time. Remember the good times and cherish the memories.
Patricia Franklin says
Sally and family, so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you at this difficult time! Hugs.
Della says
My condolences to you and your family Sally. A hug for you Sally, may your memories help you through this challenging time.
Leith Simonson says
So sorry. Sam was a friend to all. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by many. Condolences to all.
Leith Simonson says
So sorry. Sam was a friend to all. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by many.
Ginger says
Sally and family–Will miss Sam and his quiet, friendly demeanor. Thinking of you.
Dan Fraser says
Sorry to hear about Sam. He was one of the good ones.
Janet Rice says
Sally and all of Sams family, my condolences to you all. Sam will be missed.
Betty and Skin Collins says
To all of Sam’s family. Prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Skin thought a lot of Sam. They went hunting at Gardiner together with others and had a great time. I really enjoyed visiting with Sam. He will be missed by many. God Rest.
Karen Gunthet says
Thinking of all of Sam’s family, Ken and I had many wonderful times with his family Prayers for all
Pete Stabio says
Sam was a classmate and a hunting buddy for many years. I have many fond memories of our hunting days, of our high school days and of our sharing dreams and aspirations. Sam and I had a strong bond based on mutual respect and interests. My move to western Montana limited our contact and I felt a great loss not having Sam as a part of my life. I am so thankful to have been blessed with his presence in my life.