Cover photo for Michael "Scott" Turner's Obituary
Michael "Scott" Turner Profile Photo
1968 Michael 2024

Michael "Scott" Turner

March 21, 1968 — December 10, 2024

Bozeman

Michael “Scott” Turner, 56, of Bozeman, MT passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024. Scott – as he was known by just about everyone – was born on March 21st, 1968, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Mike and Becky (Bishop) Turner. In 1970 Scott moved with his family to Montana as they pursued the expansive landscapes and open skies of the American West.

As a child growing up in Wilsall, Montana, Scott and his younger brother Matt could most often be found outside – shooting gophers, fishing in the Shields River, or helping their dad on the family property. It was here that Scott discovered his adventurous spirit that would help guide him throughout his life. Aside from the outdoors, Scott loved playing basketball and was a local standout for the Wilsall Longhorns. Many hours practicing in the gym helped him develop the determined attitude that would serve him so well in his career endeavors.

It was shortly after graduation that Scott met and married Cheryl Russell of White Sulphur Springs. Filled with a passion for aviation from boyhood, Scott obtained his pilot’s license and he and Cheryl moved to Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho to start a new career as a helicopter pilot. It was in Coeur d’ Alene where their marriage was blessed with three beautiful children – Scottie, Jared, and Hailey. Scott quickly rose the ranks of the heavy-lift helicopter industry where his meticulous precision and attention-to-detail served him well behind the stick of the Sikorsky S64 and S61 models. His career as a Skycrane pilot took him across the world to places like the arid mountains of Italy, deserts of western Australia, forests of British Columbia, and even Houston-metro completing jobs including aerial firefighting, heli-logging, and even placing A/C units on top of skyscrapers. Truly an elite pilot, Scott amassed over 15,000 flight hours and eventually went on to become a Designated Pilot Proficiency Examiner.

Beyond his professional life, Scott’s interests and activities revolved around his love for his children and home. Blessed with a servant’s heart, Scott was most often found shuttling his kids around to various activities, cooking dinner for his family, and always lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. He was known for his impressively landscaped yard and meticulously tidy garage and workspace where his stereo would play all his favorite classic country tunes.

Later in life Scott found great happiness with his second wife, Debra Fastje, where they spent many evenings at home with their dogs while watching the Montana State Bobcats, Dallas Stars, and Gonzaga Bulldogs. He also loved keeping up with the goings-on of his kids and their adventures while doting over his two granddaughters. 

Scott will be remembered for his unwavering love for his kids and family, an outstanding work ethic, and always sacrificing his own comfort to meet the needs of his coworkers, family members, and all of those around him.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Debra; sons Scottie (Dailyn) and Jared Turner of Coeur d’ Alene, ID and daughter Hailey of Boise, ID; mother Becky and brother Matt (Tina) of Bourbon, MO; granddaughters Whitney, Payton, and special nephew, Kayden as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert Dorothy Turner, Albert Cecile Bishop and his father, Mike.

A memorial service for Scott will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 20th at Wilsall Community Church in Wilsall with a coffee hour to follow.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Friday, December 20, 2024

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Wilsall Community Church

U.S. Route 2, MT

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