Nate Plagmann was one of those outdoorsy guys we all envy. He was a fly-fishing guide, spending his summers on rivers like the Missouri and Bighorn. Come fall, he was hiking the mountains and plains in pursuit of big game, everything from moose to mule deer. He was an ice fisherman during the winter. Somehow, he still found time to be a husband, father and friend to numerous clients, coworkers and old-school buddies. Recently, at the age of 44, he had what’s known as a widow-maker heart attack after jogging on a warm summer day. He leaves behind a wife, two children and a lot of sad family and friends. “He was one of those guys, if you met him, he always made you feel like the most important person in the world,” said his best friend Beau McFadyean. It’s a struggle to come to terms with the death of someone close, even more so when they are young, active and seemingly healthy. Such tragedies should remind us all that life is short and should be lived to the fullest as much as possible, and to appreciate those special people in your life.

To learn more about Nate, check out my story at https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/billings-fishing-guide-nate-plagmann-beau-mcfaydean-fly-fishing-bighorn-missouri/article_f0915836-481b-11ee-93cc-832d2a1a7b91.html.

Written by Brett French | Outdoors Editor for Billings Gazette Communications