With sadness we mark the peaceful passing of Robert Scott McCartney age 77 years at Sidney Health Centre on Nov. 13, 2025, following a tough battle with cancer.

Bob (Bobby Scott as he was known to close kin) was born on the Fourth of July, 1948, in Havre, Montana to Clay and Phyllis McCartney. Throughout his life he always enjoyed the party the entire country threw for “his” birthday. He grew up surrounded by the close community of Chinook, Montana, and graduated from Chinook High school in 1966. He worked as a ranch labourer in the community until he signed up for service with the U.S. Air Force. He wanted to be a jet mechanic but wound up being a munitions specialist with the ability to make any kind of bomb that was needed. He went to Vietnam and was stationed first in Da Nang and then to Na Trang then stationed in Germany for 2 years following his time in ‘Nam.

He completed his service and was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. As with many soldiers after that conflict, he didn’t come home the same person, but of the many stories he had from his service, a favorite was how he met Elvis Presley at a pub in Germany.

After his service, he moved north to Saskatchewan and attended the University of Regina. While there, he studied Political Science and took on a wife, Jeannine (Turgeon) and daughter Vanessa. Bob and family moved back home to Chinook in 1978 to assist and eventually run the Blaine County Abstract company which had been passed down from his grandfather Ross to his father Clay and eventually to him. Most years he would try to get outdoors to enjoy bow hunting and spear fishing with buddies. He remained at the abstract company working alongside his parents, spouse and siblings until the early 90’s when he moved on to work around the state of Montana. Bob was a common sight in nearly every courthouse along the hi-line and could even be spotted in Texas and all parts in between wherever the work would take him.

After many years on the road, he finally settled in Sidney, Montana but continued to pour himself into the career he had loved. He always said his work was his life and kept him sharp. Indeed, he was able to provide his expert land and title searches until as recently as 2024.

Robert was predeceased by his father Clay, mother Phyllis (nee Kohaly) and brother Lee. His quick smile and booming laugh will be missed by his daughter Vanessa McCartney, her husband Thomas Fleming, their son Christian Fleming, his sister Kathryn Marshall and her husband Patrick, his brother Marshall, his cousin Jolynn Sprinkle, and ex-wife/devoted friend Sue Vashus as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at the Sidney Hospital, who provided wonderful care during the many months he needed them, his doctors and nurses at the Sidney Cancer Centre who gave him strength and hope while they could, and his friends at the Crestwood who kept him company and shared his stories.