Michael Chester Scoffield
Michael Chester Scoffield passed away on February 10 due to complications from ongoing health issues. He was 77 years old.
Mike was born March 25, 1945, in Tremonton, Utah, to Ethel and Chester Scoffield. At age 4, Mike’s family moved to Townsend, Montana. Mike attended Broadwater County High School and was active in sports, playing in the 1963 Class C State Championship games in both basketball and football. He was also a Civil Air Patrol member who was awarded a trip to Germany for his service.
After high school, Mike attended Brigham Young University and the University of Montana before enlisting in the Army in 1964, stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Mike received a Purple Heart for his bravery and service in Vietnam. On January 1, 1966, SP4 Scoffield was Crew Chief on an OH13 helicopter. The crew was flying on a security mission around Plei Mei Special Forces Camp. He was returning fire on the Viet Cong, with his legs hanging out of the helicopter, he was shot in the leg.
After his time in the service, Mike moved back to Townsend and started farming with his dad and brother Ward. In July 1970 Mike married Gaylene Rader and from this union, his daughter Niki Rae was born in May 1972. In 1986, Mike sold his farm to his brother and shortly thereafter began working for Broadwater County. Mike retired from Broadwater County in April 2005.
Mike was active in the Townsend community, serving as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and member of the school board for Broadwater County High School. He enjoyed both snow and water skiing. One of his favorite summer activities was pulling friends behind his boat, always with the goal of dumping them off the innertube. He played softball for Zipps Tires for many years and played city league volleyball and co-ed softball with his daughter, Niki.
In his later years of life, Mike enjoyed riding around town in his pickup. If he saw you, he would likely pull over to visit. He enjoyed his morning pop shop coffee group where he would get his daily Townsend gossip. He enjoyed playing cards at the VFW in East Helena and in Townsend. In the summers, he raided brother Ward’s garden. Simple joys and routines that had great meaning for him. Mike was an avid Montana Grizzlies fan.
Mike’s greatest legacy will be his love for his daughter and her twin daughters, Jade Leigh and Jordyn Rae, who were born in 1992. “His girls” were the loves of his life and he would share stories about them with everyone he knew. His role as father and grandfather defined him. In 2017, his great grandson, Jaxan Cruz, was born to Jade, and Mike’s heart expanded yet again.
Mike’s girls love him deeply and counted him among their greatest cheerleaders. They’re even considering saving some of his beloved UM Grizzly items in spite of their personal devotion to the Montana State Bobcats. Niki will particularly miss their friendly rivalry and will cherish the memory of their last bet and his hefty payout of a large bag of peanut M&Ms after the 2022 Brawl of the Wild. The matchup will never be the same again.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ethel Scoffield, his brother Dennis Scoffield, and his great nephew Michael Lindsey Scoffield.
Mike is survived by his daughter Niki (Eric) Thomson, his granddaughters Jade Leigh Scoffield and Jordyn Rae Scoffield, his great grandson Jaxan Cruz Peterson, his brother Ward (Sherry) Scoffield, his sister-in-law Trenna Scoffield, nephews Scott (Dawn) Scoffield, Bradley Scoffield, Lindsey Scoffield, James (Maija) Scoffield, Russell (Lisa) Scoffield; nieces Marta (Tim) Kindt, Julie Scoffield Bruce, and Laurie (Brian) Baker, and many great nephew and nieces.
Memorial services will be held on September 8, 2023, at Deep Creek Cemetery, at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at the American Legion in Townsend. Donations in his memory may be sent to the American Legion Post 42, PO Box 913, Townsend, Montana 59644.
Niki would like to thank Rich Berg, Dave Corner, Tanya Klinkenberg, and other Townsend community members for looking in on and providing assistance to him.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday September 8, 2023
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
Following the Graveside Service
Friday September 8, 2023
American Legion Post 42
211 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Terry McArdle says
R.I.P. My friend. We had a lot of laughs in the 80’s especially bowling Tournaments when Denny Schenk sponsored us: “Winston Bar- Best Bar in Town” our blue bowling shirts said. We’ll miss you, Mike.
Steve Sautter says
Going back some 50 years plus, I recall many fun times and especially conversations with Mike. His presence was always welcomed and most certainly enjoyable. God Speed Mike.
Dave Corner says
Rest easy Mike. Thanks for your service to your country and community. Lots of memories from softball, bowling and those out of town trips to tournaments. On our trips to Helena you gave me lots of answers to questions about what was happening at the Legion when you were commander and stopping at DQ for blizzards on the way home. Lots of memories Miss ya buddy.
Eric Thomson says
We know you are in a better place, no more pain and suffering. You were the best Father in Law I could ask for. I’m going to miss you so much. I Love You Mike. ❤️
Richard Berg says
RIP Mike, I will miss you greatly as a friend and my next door neighbor. I truly enjoyed cooking too much for myself and bringing you a hot meal for you to critique. You had no issues telling me your honest opinion of my cooking abilities!