Colin Oscar “Scotty” Macleod

[gn_spacer size=”20″] [gn_heading style=”1″]Colin Oscar “Scotty” MacLeod[/gn_heading] [frame src=”https://michelottisawyers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/macleod1.jpg” width=”” height=”” lightbox=”on” title=”Colin Oscar “Scotty” MacLeod” align=”left” ]

Scotty was born in Hardin on March 5, 1919. He grew up on a ranch at Sarpy Creek. He graduated from Hardin High School when he was 16.

While in Hardin he became involved in the Order of DeMolay, served as State President and received the Legion of Honor Degree. He also met the love of his life, Viva Ann Shirley (Ty).

He attended the University of Montana with Mike Mansfield as his student advisor. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and was also elected the President of the Student Body. He was a member of the Silent Sentinel and participated in the advanced ROTC. He graduated in 1943.

That summer he was called to active duty and attended Officer’s Candidate School in GA. After graduation he and Ty married in Chicago. Shortly thereafter he was deployed to Europe where he served in the 115 Infantry of the 29th Division. He landed on Omaha Beach on D Day in1944. He served as Rifle Platoon leader and a month later was transferred to the Anti Tank Mine Platoon. In both positions his units saw heavy fighting and had many casualties. On July 19, 1944 he was wounded when the allies took control of St. Lo in France. He was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement for his leadership during this battle. Before the war ended in Europe he was

also awarded two Purple Hearts. Before returning home he was stationed in Germany where he was promoted to Athletic Officer for over 26,000 troops. He returned to the US after 22 months in Europe as a Captain.

Scotty and Ty began their lives together in Glendive where he started working for Conoco. His 35 year career included 11 transfers each with a promotion. His last position allowed him to speak to over 170 audiences in 36 states regarding marketing and government regulations in the oil

business. He also interacted with many government officials including Senators, Congressmen and a few Presidents. He was an award winning writer and wrote for many national and industry publications. He also

helped found the Petroleum Marketing Education Foundation. As part of his job at Conoco he attended Columbia University and taught classes at The University of Houston.

During their marriage Ty and Scotty adopted two children, Tom and Carol.

Their son, Tom, received a brain injury in a car accident in 1969. Scotty and Ty saw there was a great need for services for survivors of brain injuries. Together they started the MT Brain Injury Association (BIAM) and a local support group. Scotty served as the state president of the BIAM and also the MT Independent Living Project. He helped coordinate an emergency care plan for people living in rural Montana. He and Ty were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by MT Vocational Rehabilitation Association.

Although Scotty had a lifetime of achievements and successes he always considered his marriage and family to be the most important. He and Ty

were an effective team and enjoyed landscaping, gardening, camping and anything else they did together.

Scotty is is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ty; his parents Thomas and Hettie MacLeod; his son Tom MacLeod; his sisters, Dorothy and Edell; Barbara and Hal Koontz, Bill and Helen Shirley. He is survived by his daughter Carol Ritter (Dwight); his granddaughter Sara McDermott; Jean MacLeod (brother Burgess, deceased), Troy Carpenter (George Shirley, deceased) and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Scotty’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Highgate Senior Living and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the help and care they provided.

Memorial Services will be held 11am Monday, August 15, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials to benefit brain injured individuals in Montana may be made to the MacLeod Fund at Stockman Bank, 1450 Shiloh Road, Billings MT 59106.