Colter James Dailey

Colter James Dailey, 23, of Paradise Valley, Montana, passed away suddenly from injuries sustained from an auto wreck on Sunday, June 20, 2021. The family will honor Colter with a graveside service, 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 26, meeting at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch's lower pavilion, beginning at approximately 11:30. Mountain Sky: 480 NF-132, Emigrant, MT 59027. Colter was born to Windee and Mike Dailey in Livingston, Montana, on November 19, 1997. He began his life in Paradise Valley. In 2000, his parents separated and Colter and his older big brother, Bryce, went to live with Windee at her folks' ranch near Lewistown. Colter was baptized in the Episcopal faith at St. James in Lewistown. He attended grade school in Lewistown until 2006. He then attended school at Grass Range School where he played soccer, basketball and football. He loved ranching life with his family, chasing cows, fishing trips to Fort Peck and exploring the outdoors with his childhood friend. He would spend his summers with Mike in Paradise Valley, shoeing horses and taking trips into the mountains. At age 14 he shot a prize bull elk, which most wait an entire lifetime for. Colter would come back to Park County to complete his last two years of high school at Park High, graduating in 2016. Colter then went to Anaconda taking classes with Job Corps and finished an advanced diesel mechanic course out of Salt Lake City. Colter once again came back to the valley working at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch that first summer home. He then started to help his father operating Horsetrack Outfitters. He was just coming into his own becoming an amazing guide, and so many of his clients enjoyed the times spent with Colter on the trail. Colter was known to be just a bit of a wildman. But those that knew him knew his heart and valued his time. Colter gave his heart to those he loved, but his brother Bryce held his heart tight. They had an unbreakable brotherly bond that was God given. Colter was protective but made sure that Bryce enjoyed a little fun too. One of Bryce's favorite memories was of last summer when Colter took Bryce in his truck cruising for chicks through Livingston. Colter had a profound connection with animals too. He was never more at home then when he was on the back of a horse. He so loved hunting and fishing, sitting at a campfire with friends, outdoor recreating & playing video games in his down time.Colter would greet you with a smile and leave you with a hug. He was never one for goodbyes. But he would leave you with a "See Ya Later" and his silly side smile. As part of two Paradise Valley legacy families; his mom being a Rigler of Dome Mountain Ranch and his Dailey side having homesteaded what is now Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, he lived with deep family roots supporting him and the entire world ahead of him. He had stories that seemed unbelievable, but they were everyday life for a family of outfitters. His ranching family instilled values and stability and his friends were his sunshine. We would give anything to have you back Colter. You are so loved and will be for eternity. Rest in peace our dear son, brother and dear friend. Fly high and ride on. Colter is survived by his mother, Windee Rigler (Jim Wright), of Corvallis, MT; father, Mike (Milee) Dailey, of Pray; brother, Bryce Rigler, of Corvallis; sisters, Mya and Macee, of Pray; uncles and aunts, Ande (Khristina) Rigler and their son, Arlo; Chris (April) Rigler and their daughters, Addison and Ainsley; and William Rigler; Shawn (Jen) Dailey, their kids, Cody, Harley, Clay and Orrin; Bridget (Ryan) Lightle and their sons, Cole and Kyle; grandparents, Jim Dailey and Lura VanGelder and Ron and Kari Rigler. Colter was preceded in death by numerous relatives including his god-mother Virginia O'Hair and great-grandpa, Paul Rigler.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.