Written by: Julie Mankin

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A Wyoming horse enthusiast who owned two world-champion stallions in his lifetime has passed away at 74. Trigg Marquiss, a native of Gillette, Wyoming, died on August 30 after an ATV accident in Story, Wyoming.

Marquiss was born Oct. 25, 1948, the middle child of Quentin and “Toots” Marquiss. Both his grandfathers amassed historic ranches along the Belle Fourche River and helped nurture the fledgling town of Gillette. From the Wagensen side came Trigg’s love of horses; from the Marquiss side his quirky humor and inventive spirit.

Starting around 1973, Marquiss raised cattle and horses on his grandfather Fred Wagensen’s Beaver Creek Ranch southwest of Gillette. He invested in the 1972 blue-roan Quarter horse stallion, Mr. Racerunner that later won a world title, and began raising Leo- and Clabber-Bar-bred horses with his TM brand on the right jaw or Dollar Sign on the left buttock.

Over Trigg’s 19-year marriage to Denise, they held several production sales “under the chandelier” in Gillette, plus hosted team roping jackpots and raised three children immersed in 4-H, rodeo and horsemanship. Trigg, who collected vintage silver bits and spurs like he did great horses, served on his county’s Land Board, in the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association, and more recently as a founding member of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo’s Gold Buckle Club.

In 2015, Marquiss invested in the blue-roan yearling Still Get Jealous by One Time Pepto out of a High Brow Cat/Smart Chic Olena mare. Now 9, the stallion is a former NRCHA futurity champ that was selected for herd work in last year’s World’s Greatest Horseman contest. Marquiss loved watching Jealous’ foals grow near his home in Story and would even move them near the highway so travelers could enjoy them, too.

For the past quarter-century, Marquiss enjoyed summers in Story and winters in Carefree, Arizona, with his wife, JoAnn. And he delighted in his grandson – Trigg’s namesake born on his own 60^th birthday. Marquiss “threw a big loop,” or was interested in many different facets of life. He provided horses and Longhorn steers to TV and movie sets. The proponent of “tough love” was at the same time quite proud of the accomplishments of his kids, his grandson, and of the horses he bred and raised.

He’s survived by his wife, JoAnn; his daughters, Stephanie Gies (Jason) and Stacy Marquiss; his son, Tait Marquiss (Jennifer); his grandson, Trigg Marquiss; and his stepdaughters Jennifer Newson and Jessica Newson. He’s also remembered by his brother, Gary Marquiss; his sister, Glo Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a lasting contribution in his memory can be made in the form of a donation to the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association (WHSRA), “In Memory of Trigg Marquiss.” Checks can be sent to:  Shelly Thompson; 4180 Rd 44; Yoder, WY 82244.