Matthew McCaskell

Matthew M. McCaskell, aged 37, a lifelong Black Hills resident, passed away Sept. 3, 2026, after a battle with stomach cancer. His mother and father were blessed to be present at the time of his death. His brother and best friend, Michael, was able to speak with Matthew by telephone. Matt’s last words to his brother were “see you later,” not “goodbye.”

Matthew was born April 28, 1989, in Guatemala and adopted into the McCaskell family Dec. 7, 1990.

Matthew grew up at High Country Guest Ranch and began working at age 10. His job, along with his friend, Jonathon Dusing, was stripping the beds and driving the old red station wagon loaded with linens to the laundry.

Horses were a huge part of Matt’s life. He began as an assistant wrangler at age 12. By 14, he was leading trail rides for literally thousands of guests. During his high school years, he also helped with construction on many of the cabins at the ranch.

His father once asked him, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, his answer was, “I don’t want to grow up, I like being a kid.” He carried this attitude into adulthood. Matthew loved life and did everything he could to preserve it until the end.

Matthew graduated from BHSU with a BA in Communications in 2017. During COVID, he came back up to the ranch to help his dad and to build a cabin of his own — Western Sky Cabin. In 2022, he set up his own business, Western Sky Vacation Homes LLC, and managed vacation home rentals.

Matthew was an active member of the Hill City community. He coached youth soccer and flag football. He also supported the Club for Boys’ Hooked on Hardwater, a fishing event for kids and pros held at Deerfield Lake every February.

He was loved by family and friends, and many of the guests who stayed at the cabins he managed became his friends. He always had a positive attitude, a big smile, and a friendly greeting for everyone he met.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Larry McCaskell (Julie Gard) and Bonnie McCaskell; his brother, Mike McCaskell; and dear friend, Aaron Webb. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles,  Deanna (Dennis) Weaver of  Tea, S.D., Blair (Mindy) McCaskell of Custer, S.D., Scott (Sharla) McCaskell of Rapid City, S.D., Gene Sauder of Bryant, S.D., Jerry (Stephanie) Sauder of Bryant,  JoAnn Sauder of Bryant, Jill (Tony) Opdahl of Hazel, S.D.; and 12 first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Lola McCaskell of Rapid City, and Harold and Dorothy Sauder of Bryant, Daniel McCaskell (deceased), and Leanne Sauder (deceased).

A very special thank you to the staff at Monument Hospital Oncology, sixth floor, especially to Penny and Sarika, and to Monument Home Health. Bonnie, Larry and Michael would like to thank you all for the compassionate care you gave Matthew.

An outdoor memorial service will be held Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. at Mickelson Trail Lodge, 12165 Ray Smith Drive, Hill City.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Club for Boys or Hill City Youth Soccer.