Sam Borla

Sam Borla, age 82, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Prairie County Nursing Home in Terry.

Sam was born September 6, 1940, in Deadwood, South Dakota, to Joseph and Esther Borla. In the fall of 1940, the family moved to Sunrise, Wyoming, and then in July 1948, they moved to the family ranch in Boyes to assist Joe's parents, Emil and Teresa Borla.

Sam's passion for hunting and fishing began at a very young age. He would think nothing of walking miles in pursuit of that trophy muley. His mother worried every time he ventured out as he would disappear for hours at a time, frequently not to return until after dark. On more than one occasion, she would walk miles in search of Sam only to find him on his journey home with a smile and evidence of his hunting success. He had an uncanny knack for finding the large bucks and the big trout. Over the years, he shared his passion with other avid sportsmen, many from outside Montana. Several of these people became lifelong friends with Sam and the entire family.

Sam made a home in Broadus with his wife, ArLynn, and their four children. Sam managed Midland Lumber in Broadus for many years. Sam eventually left Broadus, transferring with Midland Lumber to Miles City and then to Forsyth. His time in Broadus saw his family grow up with all his children graduating from Powder River County High School and Montana State University. As you may expect, all of Sam's children were taught to appreciate the outdoors and to share in his love for hunting and fishing.

While living in Forsyth, Sam saw an opportunity to turn his love of the outdoors into a business and Big Sky Trophy Outfitters was launched. Throughout the years, Sam guided hunters from various parts of the US and formed friendships that continued over the years. He enjoyed great success, but as the years passed, Sam decided it was time to slow down. He returned to Boyes where he assisted his mother in caring for the family ranch. After he sold his business, he continued to guide a few hunters each year. Chasing that trophy antelope and elk were Sam's personal preferences. One of Sam's late life pleasures was teaching his granddaughter how to be a hunter. The smile on his face when there was hunting success will forever be remembered.

Sam is survived by his children Mark (Lourdes) Borla, Melanie (Mark) Butorac, Collin (Elizabeth) Borla, Quinn (Amy) Borla; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; and siblings Darleen Nicholson, Sally Borla, and Joseph Borla, Jr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Boyes Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.