WSTR News

Colby Lee Crago - 1980-2026

Colby Lee Crago was born January 30, 1980 in Miles City, Montana. He was the son of Linda (Simons) and Bruce Crago. Colby grew up near Belle Fourche, where he graduated from high school with the Class of '99. On September 14, 2002, Colby was united in marriage to Tanya Giannonatti. Together they were blessed with almost 24 years of marriage. Colby was a rancher all his life. For more than 20 years he owned and operated Crago Outfitting. For over 20 years he was also a volunteer fireman and he served most recently as Assistant Fire Chief for the Butte Volunteer Fire Department. He also volunteered for the Vale Fire Department. Colby excelled at team roping, attending many rodeos and roping events throughout his life. In 2013 he achieved one of his greatest rewards, winning a horse trailer at the Wrangler Team Roping event in Buffalo WY, when he won the Rope-Off competition. Colby also won several ranch rodeos with his teams.

One of the things on Colby's "Bucket List" was shooting a Zebra in Africa, and that happened just a few weeks ago. Colby enjoyed traveling and he and Tanya enjoyed several trips throughout the world, including Africa (last month), Dubai, and Cancun where he loved to sip on pina coladas. Attending the National Finals Rodeo was enjoyed many times as well.

Family was the most important thing to Colby. He loved his girls so much. As they got older, competing in team roping became less important to Colby. He wanted to coach his girls, and take them to area rodeos to compete. He was their number one fan for sure. Nothing could make him more proud than his daughters. Colby was a wonderful husband and father. So many memories were made with him. His smile will never be forgotten, and his loving spirit will be missed forever.

Colby went home to heaven at the age of 46. He is survived by his wife, Tanya; daughters, Chloe (and Katie), Lainey (and Drew), and Brylee. He is also survived by his son, Logan (Tori) Nelson of Canton SD; mother, Linda Johnson of Belle Fourche; father, Bruce Crago of Belle Fourche; grandmother, Margaret Crago of Spearfish; sisters, Stephanie (Robbie) Kazi of Atlanta GA, Sentel (Nathan) Schreier of Belle Fourche; brothers, Barry (Kristen) of Kaycee WY, Justin (Stephanie) of St. Onge; step-mother, Kim Crago of Belle Fourche; mother-in-law, Cora Giannonatti of Ludlow; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vincent Crago, Frank and Marlene Simons; father-in-law, Joe Giannonatti.