On the afternoon of October 22, 2019, Scott Howard Burley passed away peacefully of natural causes at Powder River Manor in Broadus. He was surrounded by his family; Scott was 92 years old.
Scott was born in Miles City, Montana on November 3, 1926, he was the second child of four and the first-born son of James and Freda Burley. Scott attended Kelly Country School with his older sister Carrie, they often rode to school in their horse drawn cart or horseback, even when it was below zero. Scott took violin lessons as a child and later learned to play the steel guitar. Music was a big part of his life, he loved dancing and providing the music with the “Powder River Playboys” and later in years with “The San Antonio Band”. Both bands were made up of family, friends, and neighbors.
Scott joined the Army in 1951 and he served his country until 1955. He then returned to his beloved ranch on the Cache Creek/Mizpah Creek. On July 16, 1956 he married his lovely bride, Vivian “Buntsy” Hurley in a double wedding ceremony with his brother Everett and bride Bonnie Cathey in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They were married 63 wonderful years. They worked the family ranch and started Burley Brothers Partnership with brother Everett. They ran cattle and sheep. Scott had several side jobs to provide for his growing family. He worked at the Truck Stop. In town in 1967 he took over Joe Gali’s mail route, 3 days a week with brother Everett, they shared every other week.
Scott was blessed with 4 children whom he loved so much; Debra Burley ~Feb. 18, 1957, Sheri Burley – Gali ~May 19, 1962, Jerry Burley ~June 18, 1969, James Burley ~ April 8, 1972.
Scott was a proud member of the VFW Post in Broadus where he served as Secretary/ Treasurer for many years.
Scott loved horses and everything about them. He rode on several wagon trains throughout the years. He loved his cow dogs “Hank” and “Spike” and his 7 greyhounds he used for coyote hunting. He was the most patient and kind man I have ever met – he will be missed.
Scott was proceeded in death by his father, James Burley, his mother, Freda (Mitchell) Burley, sisters, Florence Burley and Carrie Weber, brother, Everett Burley, and his daughter, Debra Burley.
Scott is survived by his loving wife Vivian “Buntsy”, sister, Thelma (Francis) Taylor, sister-in-law, Bonnie Burley, daughter, Sheri (Daniel) Gali, son, James Burley all of Broadus, son, Jerry (Joanne) Burley of Columbia Falls, Montana, 11 grandchildren; Travis (Amanda), Macey(Keith), Skyler, Dakotah (Sarah), Tymber (Bryan), Kristen (Brandon), Branden (Courtney), Shelden, Kaitlen (Dallas), Bailey, Brooke, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Bible Church in Broadus.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation (diabetesaction.org) or Powder River Manor.
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers to the Burley family! Scott was a great man! Loved listening and dancing to his steel guitar music through the years!
Bill & Denice Hedges says
Our love and prayers to the Burley family. Scott played that steel guitar and made beautiful music! May God and the angels wrap their arms around you all and guide the family thru these next difficult days. Love to you all.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Burley family.
Ginger says
Love and hugs to this wonderful family. Scott and my dad played music together for quite a number of years….they can now continue along with Dan; and Deb and the rest of the loved ones there with them can dance and cheer them on. God bless your journey Home, Scooter!
Gerald & Janet Himelspach says
Our deepest sympathy to Buntsy and family. Scott was a good friend and will be missed. May your memories sustain you through this time of grief.
Katrina Luther says
Thoughts and prayers to the Burley family. Hold your special memories close to your hearts.
Shawn & Wendy Richards says
So very sorry to all the Burley families. Thoughts and prayers for you all!!
Andrea & Vern Rice says
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to all of the Burley family, Scott will be missed by all who new him.
Sue Tarter says
Peace and love, Burley family. Love the picture on that beautiful grey horse, good one!
Veda says
R.I.P. Scott, you was a very kind and loving man. I know Deb and Everett were there waiting for you. To the family I am so sorry for your loss again. You have had some tuff times, just stay together as a family and love one other. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Connie Watts says
To the Burley family – May God be with you during this difficult time.
Aspen Beall says
Hugs you all of you. What a great man
Bonnie Powell says
I cherished those moments I got to spent with Scott at the manor. He would usually just listen to me ramble and play piano for him and Dad, but occasionally would visit with me. I share my condolences with you all.
Pete and June Minow says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Burley family. God bless all of you.
Ronda says
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Scott was a great guy, he’ll be missed.
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
Our thoughts are with you all, may God give you peace and comfort. Scott was such a good guy, always so friendly and kind….I loved listening to him play the steel guitar! Our condolences to the family.
Cindy Cathey Rock says
Some of my earliest memories include this wonderful family. Scott was very talented and one of the reasons the Broadus area had such a vibrant early musical history. This has been a tough year, with the loss of Everett and Debbie, but as we honor each passing, may Scott’s legacy be remembered and strengthened by loving memories and happy recollections of all who knew him and a life well lived. Sending my deepest condolences.
Carol Burley Dash says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family today.
I wish I would have had an opportunity to get to know you all. We went to Montana only once, for Uncle Jim’s funeral. I am a cousin-in-law from Idaho, Jimmie C Burley/Uncle Bill Burley.
Dorothy Taylor says
Hugs and prayers to the Burley family and extended families. The angels 👼 are singing with you all. 🙏🏻🎶❤️😋
Jennifer, Julie, and Tim Richards says
Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Levi and Amel McEuen says
Sincere sympathies to each of you. Scott was such a nice man, always had a friendly greeting. Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you during this most difficult time. Scott and Buntsy raised one of my most favorite people. 😉 As we head into 2020, may a peace that passes man’s understanding and a growing knowledge of the depth of God’s love for you be yours. Hugs, The McEuens
Jane & Les Thompson says
Our sincere sympathies to all of Scott’s family. Loved to hear him play in the old days when all the family would get together….so many musicians in our family and wonderful times together. Love to you all.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Prayers and thoughts are with the Burley family at this time. Scott always had such a wonderful smile and twinkling eyes. He will be missed by so many. God Bless you at this difficult time.