Gary Managhan,76, of Helena, Montana passed away Feb 1, 2025. He was born March 2, 1948 in Kalispell a son of Carl and Marguerite Managhan. He was a graduate of Flathead HS and the University of Montana. On June 19, 1971 he married Val Maricich in Anaconda, Montana. They celebrated 53 years together.
Gary was a detail oriented guy which lead him to a successful business career as CPA for the State of Montana. He enjoyed doing taxes for family and friends. Gary loved technology and often had four computers going on at the same time (with a TV on in the background). Golfing, fishing, boating, going to Brewers and Grizzly games and traveling Montana gave him much pleasure.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruthie Daley and in-laws Pete and Agnes Maricich. Within the past year brother Dave and nephew Mitchell Lynch.
Gary is survived by his wife Val, sister Phyllis Lynch of Kalispell, brother Jerry of Salem, Oregon, sister-in-law Lois Managhan of Kalispell, brother-in-law Rock (Cin) Maricich of Butte and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like thank the St. Pete’s Hospital and Hospice staff. A very special thank you to the caring staff and residents at Mt. Ascension Transitional Care who treated Gary with love and respect.
The family respectfully suggest donations in Gary’s name to the Humane Society or Mt. Ascension Transitional Care.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Vanessa Tolson says
Val, I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Vanessa
Mary Jane Troyer says
Thinking of you at this sad time,Val,knowing how much you will miss Gary.He was your soulmate.And that smile…..he could light up a room! I hope many memories of good times will sustain you until you are together again.
With deepest sympathy, Janie Troyer
Kaitlyn Schlueter says
Very sad to see this… thinking of you Val. Gary was always a joy to be around and I enjoyed getting to know the both of you. Kaitlyn
Sandra H. Smith says
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time of the loss of your Gary. sandy smith
Samuel Barrett Thomas says
I will miss you my partner in chipmunk chasing!! I always enjoyed see you and your wife at the airport and the Chipmunk adventure in the Terminal will be one of my fondest memories. The smile on your face said everything. Will keep you family in prayers and I am sure God will appreciate your expirence at numbers and in Chipmunk hazing abilities. Glad you are in a better place!!
Kerry Heffelfinger says
Growing up with Gary was one of those small, dependable joys you don’t quite recognize as golden until the years pile up and you remember who mattered to you the most. I remember going to his house with my parents—Sandy and Howard—my great brother, Ryan, and me. Gary was always prepared to entertain. He had “The Last Starfighter” queued up, M&M’s and pizza ready to go, and video games on his computer—probably something like “Oregon Trail”.
Saturdays were always the ritual. Gary and Val, my parents, and, if we were lucky, us kids, heading out for lunch. There were the long talks, the laughter—old students dissected like characters in a novel my mother and Val could have written together. “But the smartest kid was always Colin Meloy,” my mom would say over and over again, looking at me. I loved to hear that—ha ha!
“Really? More than Charlie Bahls? More than John Mues?” I said. “Chris Nicholson? Me? How about me? Your son?”
I could see Gary laughing out of the corner of my eye. He was just that kind of guy. And he got it.
And always, somewhere in the mix—usually after politics—Gary and I would land on technology. He had this way of making me laugh about how cell phone rays should be kept at arm’s length. And certainly not in our pockets. “RF meters like the Trifield TF2 or the Cornet ED88T can see them – I got one,” he said. “The rays literally shoot out of the cell phones.”
“Geez.”
“So yeah,” he said. “Just put it on speakerphone. I wouldn’t hold it up to your head.”
I looked at my cell phone like it was a laser gun. “Thanks, Gary.”
He was ahead of the curve. And he would always go to my parents’ house to fix their computers—because he could just do that kind of thing—and, of course, it was an excuse for Mom and Val to talk. Meanwhile, we’d nerd out. Again. Probably on terminal services (TS), modems and routers, or the new Microsoft update. I’ll admit this kind of talk often put me to sleep. It definitely did my mom!
But he was a great example to a kid of what a man should be.
He was a rare, gentle soul—the kind you almost take for granted because they seem so naturally decent, so effortlessly kind. He was one of the great ones. And we were lucky—so lucky—to have known him. And I’ll never forget him. Those were some of the great days I had as a kid. Love you Gary and Val. -Kerry
Kathy Hamill says
My heart goes out to you, Val. Gary was such an enjoyable guy. He will be missed. I know all your treasured memories will comfort you at this most difficult time. My sympathy to you and all who loved Gary.
Carol AnnDagenais says
My thoughts are with you, Val. You and Gary shared a sweet love story. He was truly a fine gentleman! Take care of you, now! Carol Ann
Jonathon Williams says
Sorry about the loss of Gary. Was a great guy that I enjoyed meeting and talking to. He will be sincerely missed. Keep in touch Val
Lee McDonald says
Val, I was so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. You two were such great neighbors for my Mom. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Cooney says
Gary was a special guy all around. When he considered you a friend, you had a friend for life. There is hardly anything Gary wouldn’t do for you. Gary and I worked together and that started our friendship. After he retired he was always there when needed. Even when we didn’t see each other as often as we used to, it was always a treat running into Gary and Val at the grocery store. We always got caught up on everything. Dear friend, I will miss you but I will always cherish your kindness, friendship and support.
Val, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and that you have my deepest sympathies.
Ray Larson says
Val, our prayers, thoughts, and condolences to you and the family. Gary was a special and significant person. Enjoyed our visits with you. The times when you, Gary, and your Mom would come to Great Falls were special. Our visits to you folks and staying overnight with you at times were grand. It was always fun wrestling with Gary over whose turn it was to pick up the tab. I always tried to grab it before him, and sometimes I succeeded.
Our hearts are with you as you navigate this transition. Love & prayers to you…
Della Dobbins says
I worked with Gary at the State of Montana for a few years. He was always willing to teach us anything and every thing about accounting. He always would celebrate his and Val’s birthdays for 2 weeks straight. And he loved to try every restaurant out in town. My thoughts are with you Val.
Peg A Hunter says
Val,
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s death. Know that your friends, even those you haven’t seen in a long time, are thinking of you and holding you in the light.
Peg
Sioux Roth says
Val:
I am sorry to hear about Gary passing. What a super talented guy who could make you laugh with his storytelling! Also Gary could fix any IT problem! Wishing you peace and grace during this difficult time. What a beautiful life you two shared