Donald K. “Bill” Scott
Bill was born May 20, 1934 to Harold Woods & Bertha Jane (Anderson) Scott. He spent his childhood on the historic Scott Ranch in Gillette, Wyoming. His father built a 30 x 90-foot barn by hand in the 1940’s and remains an icon of the working ranch in existence today, which is still ran by the Scott Family.
Bill went to school mostly by horseback. His favorite interests were FFA and Shop. He built a horse trailer his senior year. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1952. After graduating he was off to see the world and spent the next several years on the rodeo road competing in all events, outstanding in the Saddle Bronc riding. He went on to win several ALL- AROUND Championships titles including France’s first ever Inter-service Rodeo while there serving his country. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1956 and received his honorable discharge in 1959. After his tenure with the Army it was back to Jackson Hole. He spent the next few years saddleback working, operating and guiding fishing and pack trips as well as contracting with the Government to spray bug-infested trees, some in Grand Teton National Park. Bill also spent many days cutting his own poles to build many miles of buck rail fence as well as clearing numerous miles for forest and park service trails which are still in use today.
In 1966 Bill opened the Meadowbrook Stables at the base of Saddle Butte in the town of Jackson. This was the start of his 46 plus years of adventures wrangling dudes! During this time, Bill had several riding stables in and around Jackson as well as running the Stage Coach around the town square. He was an excellent teamster and loved collecting wagons and coaches which landed him several movie roles; Road to Denver, Dreams West, The Quick and the Dead and Rambo III, to name a few. Bill’s most recognized business; Jackson Hole Trail Rides is still operating today and further carries his legacy and western heritage on for others to emulate. He was an icon in the western community and truly a Jackson Hole Legend.
Bill and his lovely wife Vonona (Bailey) Scott were married for 41 years wrangling dudes and raising 7 children: Clay Scott, Shelly Scott, Kelly (Scott) Holmes, Wayne Scott, Jayne (Scott) Chambers, Jodi (Scott) McGhee and Shane Scott, all of which play a huge role in running the family business and today remain true to the western heritage, Bill and Vonona inspired in them. Bill was so proud of his children and 10 grandchildren and was a huge supporter of the JH Rodeo, Jackson High School Rodeo Club, Wyoming High School Rodeo Association, Teton County Fair, 4H and the Teton Barrel Racing Association. He was awarded TBRA’s 2008 Honorary Member.
Bill passed away April 23rd, 2009.