Scott Michael Merwin was born on August 21, 1952 in Hettinger, North Dakota. Although it cannot be proven, most people that knew Scott are pretty sure he immediately began arguing politics and religion with the other babies in the nursery. He spent his first 18 years in Hettinger and was liked by all. He was a well known hard worker, good friend, and an amazing athlete. His quick temper and unusual strength served him well as an athlete, earning him the nickname "Animal" amongst his peers and coaches. Even as a young teenager it was obvious that Scott was a bull headed free spirit that cared more about following his heart than following the rules.
When Scott was 18 he bought a van and went on a journey that took him to places and cultures that most people only dream of. Satisfied that he had learned all he could from this adventure, he traded in his van and hippie look for a cowboy hat and a horse named Dog Food. With no definite plan other than to head west, he rode on horseback from Hettinger to the Little Snowy Mountains near Lewistown,MT. He no sooner got there and winter set in. He found an old abandoned sheep herders wagon to escape the weather. He would explore the mountains when the weather was nice and edible game was non-existent. Scott had no choice but to rename his horse Fillet Mignon. By the time spring broke he was ready for a new adventure. He walked 40 miles through the mountains to Lewistown where he would soon meet his true love April "Smiley" Bates.
Scott became a logger and spent many years traveling the Northwest with his wife and three beautiful children living in tents and campers. They were all true modern day nomads but Scott wanted better security for his family so they moved to MilesCity, MT.
Scott got an 8 to 5 job; however it wasn't long before his spirit had to soar again. Knowing his family was secure and happy in one spot, he went back to logging and living the nomad life he always loved. He logged for many more years before he decided his battered and beat up body needed a break. He began driving trucks up and down the west coast hanging out with the Redwoods and the Pacific Ocean on a daily basis.
With all of the turmoil and controversy that seemed to tag along with Scott on the road of life, he truly was at peace with his family, friends, God, and himself. That's all any of us can ask for at the end of this journey here on earth. One thing Scott really loved to do was feed the birds on the west coast (he really cared for Gods creatures). Once, there was an eagle trapped in a snare during the winter, so Scott took off his winter coat to cover up the eagle while he removed the snare. Once the snare was removed the eagle flew away with his winter coat. He was left to wander through the mountains for miles in freezing cold weather until he spotted his winter coat. Scott was a hard worker and a modern day mountain man. He will be missed dearly. We love you Scott.
Scott died on May 23, 2006 of a heart attack in Springfield, OR.
He was survived by his wife April, son Mike, daughters Amanda( Dominick and Devon) and Angela(Tesiah Lorraine), brother Brad (Bradlee, Paul, Brian, Adsem, Jorden), all of Miles City, MT, brother Paul (Shelly, Marie, Lisa) of Lakeport, CA and his second mom, Mardy Merwin of Hettinger North Dakota.
Scott was preceded in death by an older brother "Little Al" Merwin, and his parents, Albert and Lorraine Merwin.
Scotts family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date. Should friends wish, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
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