MISSOULA - Scott Allen Meacham, 52, of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, in his home, surrounded by family.

Scott was born Aug. 3, 1957, in Denver to Donald and Wilma Meacham, the second of four children.

He moved to Missoula from Illinois in 1976. He attended the University of Montana, where he received a bachelor's degree in geology. While in school, he met the love of his life, Mary Shark, at the UM food service. He flipped burgers down the line from where she scooped ice cream. They were married Aug. 15, 1981, and spent the last 28 years happily together. They had three beautiful children, Jacob, 22, living in Eugene, Ore.; Jessica, 19, attending Western Washington University; and Caleb, 15, attending Big Sky High School. Scott celebrated with Mary when she was reunited with her first son, Corby Hudson, who was adopted at birth. Scott welcomed Corby and his family with open arms.

After college, Scott worked as a geologist for various oil companies, a job that called him to work everywhere from the Arctic Circle to Recluse, Wyo. In order to be close to his growing family, Scott left the oil field and took a job at Montana Claims Service as an insurance adjuster, a business he and his friend eventually purchased.

Scott always enjoyed weightlifting and decided to compete in natural body-building competitions. He competed three times over the course of a couple of years, and placed each time. When he wasn't competing, Scott looked forward to the fall when he could pheasant hunt with his Gordon Setters. One of his main passions was carving birds from wood, a hobby that brought him comfort in his last days. Scott was known for his very dry sense of humor, which he patiently developed in each of his children. He could strike up a conversation with anyone because he was well-read and could find something in common with them. He understood the world's problems but kept a lighthearted, positive outlook on life; always making others laugh, especially his wife and children.

Scott discovered the beauties of the Yucatan Peninsula in 2005 on a fishing trip with a friend. He fell in love with the area and eventually brought his wife and children down to enjoy it as well. He dreamed of buying property in this region and building a home when he and Mary retired.