On October 23, 2016, Nina Lyn Harrison passed away after a transatlantic battle with failing health. True to character to the very last, she made her way back to Helena with her daughter Aidan to spend her final days with her family after receiving Last Rites in Ireland in June. She leaves her family and friends with a treasure of wonderful experiences and memories.
Nina was born in Great Falls, Montana, on November 11, 1942. She was the oldest of six children born to John C. and Virginia Flanagan Harrison. She lived in Great Falls until after her father returned from the European Theater of World War II, and moved the family to Helena. She graduated from Helena High School then attended college at St. Catherine’s in Minnesota, and the University of Montana. Her degree in history took her into teaching.
She met and married Eric Myhre in 1967. It was a tumultuous marriage, filled both with amazing highs and troubled times. The greatest high was their only child, their daughter Aidan. Being married to Eric meant being part of the family business, Myhre Advertising. Eric’s work took them first to Billings, then Great Falls, and finally, in 1978, back to Helena. In both Great Falls and Helena, Nina was very active in her community. She was in Junior League in Great Falls, and served on the very first board of directors for the Myrna Loy in Helena.
Regardless of where they lived, they maintained the Harrison family connection to Glacier Park. Nina had the good fortune of finding a cabin for sale on the shore of Lake McDonald, and it became an integral part of not only her life, but that of her family and friends. If you were in the neighborhood, you were always welcome to dinner, and if you needed a home base for your visit to Glacier, she would find a place for you in the cabin.
Having Irish roots, a spirited love of family history and story telling, she was drawn to Ireland. With creative energy and a bit of luck, she found the Harrison family farmhouse on Tullywinny Road, in Northern Ireland. She bought for a pittance what was then a roofless shell deep in the middle of the Irish Troubles. Tullywinny became her special place, where her heart truly sang. It was, like Glacier, a place where people were always welcome. Many of her best friends in life are in Ireland. Her love of Ireland took her into film making. She founded Tullywinny Productions which made two well regarded videos on Ireland: Irish Homecoming and Little Ireland. That in turn led to the production of two videos about Glacier Park: Going to the Sun and The Crown of the Continent.
Nina lived life to its fullest. She was an avid golfer, and spent the winter months in Arizona. She loved Glacier, and spent her summer months on Lake McDonald, frequently with a cabin full of visitors. Fall and Spring were reserved for Ireland, and occasional travel. Everywhere she had a tight circle of close friends and many acquaintances. Her fondest memories of her places usually involved her grandsons, Andrew and Peter. She loved cooking, and having friends over was a great excuse to cook. Her St. Patrick’s Day parties were legendary. She was generous with her money and her time. At the time of her death, she had just finished serving on the board of the American Indian Institute.
Nina was preceded in death by her father and mother, her brother Pat, and her son Brian Sullivan. She is survived by her brothers Bob and Randy, sisters Lee Harrison (Fred Olson) and Molly Howard, daughter Aidan (John Alke), and her grandchildren Andrew and Peter Frank, Molly, Madeline, and Anne Sullivan.
A special thank you to Dr. Weiner, his staff and the caring staff of Big Sky Care Center. A celebration of her life will be held at St. Helena Cathedral on Thursday, November 3 at noon with a reception following. Donations to Nina’s favorite places would be welcome: The Glacier National Park Conservancy, Glacier National Park Conservancy, P.O. Box 2749, Columbia Falls, MT 59912; The Myrna Loy in Helena, http://myrnaloycenter.com/support and the American Indian Institute, American Indian Institute, 502 West Mendenhall Street, Bozeman, MT 59715.
If you would like to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Nina please visit below.
Gerrianne Hutfles-Bray says
Reading about Nina’s life brought back a flood of memories of time spent with her and her family during my employment with Myhre Advertising in Helena. She touched many lives and I will always remember her for her kind heart and compassion. My condolences to her family.
Terry W Bass says
Always a classy lady. Carried the tradition of the Harrison family where she went. May she rest with Gods blessing.
Denise Barber says
I am sorry to have not known Nina, but am grateful she raised a kindred spirit, Aidan!
Lorretta Lynde and Bob Fusie says
Nina always was a warm and welcoming presence to us. We had the pleasure of visiting her in Glacier and several times in Ireland, and she always made us feel like good friends. She will be missed in the community, in her circle of family and friends, and in Ireland as well. Godspeed, Nina.
Vicki Nelson Duncan says
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Nina but went to school with Randy and was fortunate enough to form a friendship with Lee. Nina sounds like an outstanding person, sister, mother and friend. My thoughts are with you all.
Sydne George says
Dear Aidan,
We are so very sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing. What a beautifully written tribute to a remarkable lady who truly left an indelible mark on this world. Sending you lots of love during this difficult time.
Love,
Sydne, Mike, Mackenzie and Madison George
Maureen McCarthy Oelkers says
Dear Aidan,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nina. What a blessing you have been in her life. Our moms are our lifeline to this world and how blessed you were so have such an incredible Mother. Her spirit will be with you and your boys always. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult journey.
Love and Prayers, Maureen “MO” Oelkers
Una ,Brendan ,and children says
Condolences to you Aidan,Andrew ,Peter ,our hearts are breaking for you and all the Harrison clan ,we really do feel your pain,even though we are so far away,our prayers and our thoughts are with you all .We will miss Nina so much ,she was a big part of our lives and our children’s lives ,and always brought great cheer wherever she went,but she has left enough good memories to get us all through the tough times to come.Thinking of you all at this sad time , R I P Nina.
Robyn Armstrong says
It seems like yesterday that I would see Nina having lunch in the Pasta Pantry.
My best memory of her and probably about the coolest thing I have EVER done is stay at her place in Ireland and attend a U2 concert with her in Dublin. She really did live life to the fullest and my condolences to her family on her passing.
Lindsey Vroegindewey (Grovom) says
Aidan,
What a beautiful tribute to your mom – thinking of you and your family as you remember her.
Lindsey
Aiden J Meade says
Anyone who names her Desert Tortoise “Speedy” and her Irish Terrier “Dobbin” is likely to be unimpressed by conventional wisdom. Nina refused to see South Armagh as part of the “murder triangle” in Ireland. To her it was the welcoming heart of Harrison Country.
Love of Family: Dedicated cultivation of Friendships and Flowers, Fearless positive Independent Thought.
And always grounded in Montana courage.
That’s the Nina we were so lucky to know.
Mike Bowler says
I am so sorry to hear of Nina’s passing. She was a beautiful young woman whom I lost track of as we went separate ways, I just a couple of years older. For some years I delivered the IR to her home. What a beautiful tribute!
Mike Bowler
Baltimore, MD
Maret Finley Hutchinson says
Nina was my idol from the age of 6 at Hawthorne school in Helena. She stayed my idol during the time she faced separation from all those she cared for and who cared so greatly for her. She did everything with courage and the keen sight of her beautiful blue eyes. I am grateful to have had a few hours with her during her final days and to have been able to laugh and joke with her as we did when we were girls.
My love follows her. as it always has. And it goes out to Aidan and Nina’s loved ones wherever they are.
Dennis & Joan Taylor says
Aiden–Our condolences. You and your family are in our thought.
Gary Flatow says
My love for Nina will always remain. Best friends in Helena High. Had such a great time at our 50th class reunion. May she rest in Gods hands. My condolence to Randy and hear family.
Susan C. Witte says
Aidan, John, Andrew and Peter: we are so sorry. Your mom was such a central part of your lives. Your sense of kindness, community and giving surely comes from her, along with appreciation for others and a simple, beautiful life. Our thoughts are with you.
Susan C. Witte and the Lund family
Rick McAlmond says
Aidan, So sorry for your loss, Nina was always very kind and thoughtful to myself as well as my Family. It was so good to visit with her in September.She will be missed by many.
Our prayers are with you and your Family in this time of sadness.
Jody Wiegand Mabe says
Loved the picture of Nina. When I moved to Helena in the 9th grade, Nina was one of the few girls who wasn’t trying to wear her hair in the “fashionable” turned up bob. Typical that she would set her own style, and I liked her immediately. She was one of a kind.
Linda Pouliot says
Molly,
So sorry for your loss.. what a beautiful write up about your sister …sending love and prayers to you and your family …God bless you and yours
Patty (Benson)Prendergast says
I’m so sorry about your mother’s passing. She was a beautiful and kind person- I have such found memories of her-
Love and hugs-
Patty
Sidney B says
Dear Aiden, and Molly, Lee, Bob, and Randy,
Please feel the love, reflected by all your friends, old and new, speeding to you on the ether! Nina was one of a kind …. She was ALWAYS a role model! A caring, free-spirited young woman, wife, new mom, hostess, and in later life, a genuine friend and exemplary grandmother. As she aged, Her sparkling eyes and her sweet laugh reminded me of your mom, China. May these next 365 days fly by! The first “everything” will be so tough! Feel her love and power hold you up! My family sends you special strength! Be a Harrison!! Sidney B
Kathie R says
My thoughts and prayers are with all friends and family that Nina loved…
Frank Lewis says
Her endless interest, enthusiasm, curiosity, good humour, generosity, support .. in family, Ireland, politics, Scealta Chiarrai .. bubbled all day in her hospital room in Belfast only a few months ago. There was an easy, happy relationship with hospital staff. Nothing had changed. The unique vision she showed in ‘Little Ireland’. The near annual dinner gathering she hosted in Killarney. The pride in Tullywinny, her special place. Watching the great V formations of honking migrating geese in the evening sky over Glacier. In Helena her unique father, visiting family, art gallery and cathedral. In Arizona walking around an endless golf course surrounded by flowering cacti. A line from a prayer we picked up in an Indian Reservation
Let walk in beauty, and make
my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Ni bheidh a leithead ann aris/We will not see her likes again.
Bill Moore says
I knew Nina from our time at the University of Montana. I met Nina during magical and wonderful “field trip’ day we spent together to explore the Daly mansion for a her history course assignment. Her beautiful, gleaming eyes, spontaneous smile and warm personality from what would be a special day will always remain a treasured memory . Many years later I found Nina again and had the good fortune of yearly visits for tea with her at her Lake McDonald while travelling to the annual Sigma Chi gathering in Whitefish. I will truly miss her and our annual Lake McDonald visits. Nina will always be very special and unforgettable person for me. My profound condolences to Aiden and the Harrison family
Chandra Roberts says
Nina leaves a legacy of giving and cheerful sharing. I will never forget the wonderful and insightful conversations shared over a glass of wine whether in Glacier, Helena, Ireland or the Oro Valley. We are all enriched to have known her. I found an appropriate Irish poem as a tribute.
Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal.
Sheila Rice says
The heavens are brighter now with a new star among them. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Aiden, and your family and Nina’s many, many friends. May your memories of her life sustain you in this time of sorrow.
Mike Schruth says
Nina was always very loving and generous to me. Last year, I spent a few wonderful days with her at Tullywinney in No. Ireand and then touring No. Ireland with her. We went onto meet Molly and Randy in Turkey for 10 days…she showed her prowess as a traveler and guide, and also her deep spiritual side. I am sure she is looking over us from her better place…..Mike Schruth
Randy Gray says
Aiden and Harrison clan: Nina’s enthusiasm, optimisim, and can do attitude are ingrained in all who knew her. She overcame obstacles, charted her own course and inspired others along the way. My love and condolences are with you. All of you have been important parts of my life. Randy Gray
Sue and Jeff Miller says
You are all in our thoughts. We hope that your memories of her generosity and enthusiastic spirit are with you forever. Please accept our sincere expression of sympathy.
David Franklin says
I am seldom short of words to fully express I feelings on hearing of Nina’s passing.
Nina meant a very great deal to myself and all my immediate family, in particular my late Mother Edna with whom she enjoyed a particularly close friendship.
Her generosity ,hospitality and personal warmth were legendary and will be sorely missed by everyone who was fortunate to cross her path.
The next world’s gain is our loss as no doubt it will find out.
To Aiden ,John , all the grandchildren and Nina’s brothers and sisters my deepest sympathies on this sad occasion.
David Franklin
Kathleen and Klaus Gliewe says
While Nina and I had tea at my cottage one day, I remarked that my brother had been born in Ireland. As she had friends who were producing a documentary on the Irish orphans, it was truly remarkable how much she knew about the subject. On All Souls’ Day at the Mass of Remembrance, Nina will be especially commemorated along with those who have died; including my own mother, over the course of this past year. I lit a candle for her at the Cathedral of St. Helena and was reminded that the love you have for her will never be extinguished. Klaus and I are so sorry for your loss. Kathleen Gliewe
Bob & Catlin Marcinek says
Bob, your sister put up with us hooligans on several occasions in Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls. She always made us feel welcome no matter how obnoxious you and I were. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kamb says
Aiden, Lee and Families,
Nina’s unique spirit brought so much fun and light to her wide world that it’s very hard to lose her so soon. I can see that she lives on in so many hearts, including mine. Sending you all my love and prayers.
Jan Lawrence and Russ Worden says
We are deeply saddened by Nina’s passing. We will forever remember backpacking Glacier’s backcountry with her; Nina sorting through forested wild mushrooms and finding the edible ones to make a fantastic meal; and most importantly her extraordinarily beautiful spirit.
Our hearts go out to you, Aidan, and the entire Harrison clan.
Bill and Evelyn French says
We first met Nina when our son Dale French and Kate Bailey were married at Lake McDonald Lodge 20 years ago. She hosted a luncheon at her cabin the day of the wedding and included many of our friends and family. Remember, we had never met her before! We immediately fell in love with her and Aidan. Since then she welcomed us to her home in Oro Valley on several occasions and we always looked forward to seeing her when we visited Glacier. We feel blessed to have known her and will miss her in our travels.
Judith Lee (Formerly know as Judith Curtis) says
Oh Nina , what an impact you had on my so very young life . Nina was my freshman year in High School home room teacher , Frenchtown Montana . She was my mentor , my friend . After my Father past away that Freshman year , he was the Superintendent ,,she became my guiding light . She was my track coach , took me to track meets , took me to Glacier Park for week-ends to train , run , run , run , then fed me wonderful food , encouraged me in so many ways , bought me the ankle weights , I still have to this day . She taught me to ski , she drove me to school each day and brought me home each afternoon . She was truly my friend , when I most needed one . It breaks my heart to read of her passing and never being able to reconnect with her in the flesh . Long may her light shine . It gladdens my spirit to read of her life well lived and to the fullest . Thank you Nina for all the love you gave me so freely . My life was truly blessed by you !