Daryle Syme

Daryle Syme

PLENTYWOOD - Funeral services for Daryle Syme were held Friday, April 4, 2008, with Pastor David Curtright officiating at Plentywood Lutheran Church; private scattering of Daryle's cremated remains on his ranch will take place later. Daryle died of a heart attack Sunday morning, March 30, in Plentywood.

Daryle DeWaine Syme was born Nov. 1, 1936, in Plentywood, the son of James and Gunhild (Nelson) Syme. He grew up in the Plentywood community, and graduated from Plentywood High School in 1954. He married Marlys ("Mickey") Nordhagen Sept. 11, 1956, at Plentywood Lutheran Church. To that union four children were born Scott, Tracy, Rocky, and Jackie. Daryle farmed alongside his father, then in 1976 bought his own farm/ranch adjoining Jim's operation. He continued to operate the family ranch until his death.

A member of the Sheridan Saddle Club since 1950, he served as president for nine consecutive years, and was instrumental in creation of the present Saddle Club arena and rodeo grounds. He was a founder and member of the Sheridan Snow Traveler's snowmobile association, became an early Arctic Cat dealer for the Plentywood area, and constructed the first banked snowmobile race course in the region. One of his passions was his horses. He always took pride in riding a well-bred, well-broke horse. Later he tackled becoming a teamster and was an active member of the Northeastern Montana Wagon Train Association. He wagon trained all over the state of Montana every chance he got, as well as participated in a number of U.S.-Canada international events and the "Big Drive of '89," the Montana Centennial Event. Saddle Club and Wagon Train events led to many long-time, cherished friendships with people who became his extended family.

Daryle was an avid reader of Montana history; he loved to cook, to dance, and treasured his friendships. He was always willing to drop everything to help out, to lend equipment or whatever it took to get the job done. Daryle always started his morning over coffee, usually making the rounds of the local cafes to meet with his wide circle of friends.

Daryle was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Gunnie, by his brother, Greg, and by his nephew, Nicholas. He is survived by his sons Scott and Rocky Syme, both of Plentywood; and daughters Tracy Christensen and her husband Chris, of Sheridan Mont.; and Jackie Brown and her husband Garth, of Big Beaver, Saskatchewan.

He is also survived by his sister, Adrienne Gibson, of Billings; by the mother of his children, Marlys Selmon, of Glendive; by six grandchildren Romi Anderson, of Bozeman, Kori and Pete Anderson and Cooper Christensen, of Sheridan, Mont.; and Chance and Tanner Brown, of Big Beaver, Saskatchewan; as well as all of his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood was in charge of arrangements.