Bryan Melvin Cummins was born September 21, 1950, to Ralph and Bernice Walz Cummins. He grew up and attended school in Fairview MT graduating in 1968. After high school he married Bonnie Mattingly. Together they had a daughter, Teri and a son, Patrick.

He learned all about being an electrician from his father. He would help his dad from a very young age. He later became a Master Electrician and worked many years doing that until he finally retired in 2025.

In 1994 on St. Patrick’s day (so he could remember the day) he was joined together in marriage to Patti Scheetz Reed. Along with this union came Patti’s children son Dallas and daughter Miranda. Together they traveled and visited as much as life would allow. They always said they had the best of times!

Bryan was known for having all kinds of fun. He always said he should write a book! From wrecking snowmobiles to motor cycles! He was up for anything!

From 1986 until 2017 Bryan was the mayor of Fairview. He was very proud of his little town and always spoke of it as his town. He was instrumental in getting the water treatment system up and running as well as many other projects for the town. He probably worked as many hours a week for Fairview as he did as an electrician. He loved Fairview! He always said that he has lived on that corner since a young kid and was going to die living there and he did.

Bryan always helped a friend. His idea of a friend was anyone he ever met! He had friends everywhere! Several times while traveling people would come up to him and he would know them! He also loved his dogs! When Patti suggested getting a small poodle he refused but she did it anyway and he fell in love! While in the hospital close to his death he asked the nurses if Patti could bring in Jack their dog. They said yes and it was done. Jack went to the hospital and Bryan was thrilled.

Bryan passed away January 5, 2026 in Sidney MT. He had battled cancer long enough. He leaves behind wife Patti, of Fairview, children Teri (Bill) Sturdevant, of Menifee CA, Dallas (Melissa) Bahr of Polson MT, Patrick (Ashley) of Anchorage AK, and Miranda (Frank) Dishon of Elberta AL. Grandchildren Kaelynn Nelson, Wayne Sturdevant, Grant Sturdevant, Addison Bahr, Tucker Dishon, Jacob Dishon, Ann Cummins, and Sami Cummins and great grandchildren Bjorn Nelson and Ingrid Nelson his sister Diana Rudicil, Billings MT and brother Todd Cummins, Helena MT, and his “other” daughter Kim Falkenhagen (John Wentz) Fairview MT. Bryan also leaves special cousin, Bruce Banderob and many, many friends and relatives.

Bryan always refused to give out the recipe for his Yellowstone Rip Ass. He always said you will have to wait until he dies and it will be included in the obituary so here it is:

2 qt Water
1 750ml Everclear
1/2 bottle of Gartano Rootbeer Schnapps
1/2c Annisette (any brand)
1 1/2c sugar

Bring 1qt of water to a boil
add 1 1/2 cup sugar
Stir until the sugar dissolves
add remainder of ingredients
bottle and enjoy!