Michael Dale Harris, 66, passed away unexpectedly at his Clancy home in the early hours Wednesday, December 14. He was three days from celebrating his birthday of December 17, 1949. Medical staff believe Mike likely died from an abdominal aneurysm.
Born in Bertha, Minnesota, and growing up in Cut Bank, Montana, Mike channeled his thoughtful and introverted nature into scholastic achievement. His energy and enthusiasm led him to athletics, especially baseball.
When he was 9, Mike’s parents divorced. The painful family dynamics led him to spend time with friends, where Mike fostered his determination to establish a safe, happy home.
In high school he met the best friend with whom he would forever share that determination. Grace Gardipee successfully pursued Mike despite his prior avoidance of dating. They were married on September 14, 1969.
Mike graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1968 and in 1973 earned his civil engineering degree at Montana State University (Bozeman).
In 1976 Mike and Grace moved to a suburb of Portland, Oregon. They enjoyed traveling before having their first child in 1978.
In 1986 they returned to Montana for quality schools for their three kids. Mike became facilities manager at the VA Hospital in Fort Harrison. He became heavily involved in the kids’ Clancy School, joining the school board in 1988 and helping to drive the school’s remodel and expansion.
Mike also devoted time to camping, fishing, boating, and traveling. He helped the kids with school projects and taught them sports, coaching Little League and attended the kids’ events.
Mike helped his children beyond schooling, sharing advice about budgeting, housing, and friendships.
He retired in 2011 to further enjoy his golden years and remodel his property.
Mike was predeceased by his mother Flora Marie Bluhm and his father Mervin Harris. He is survived by his wife Grace GardipeeHarris; children Tucker Harris (Kelly), Darby Harris, and Boone Harris (Michelle Davidson); grandchildren Keegan Nicolette and Tara and Tyson Harris; sister Jeane Tschantz (Ken); stepmother Sharlene Harris; nephews and nieces Brian Tschantz (Jenn) and family, Deann Ramm (Michael) and family, Amber Hernandez (Craig) and family, Bob Gardipee (Tiffany) and family, Wally Gardipee (Kelsey) and family.
Death could not stop him from helping others as Mike was an organ donor, saving lives and helping about 44 people in the process.
In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family suggests donations to the Humane Society or other animal rescue groups.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday December 19, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday December 19, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena , Montana 59602
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Ron Harris says
So terribly sorry to hear this. Mike was a “rock star” to me growing up. He was an extremely talented athlete and a cousin I wanted to be like. Would always be really excited when we would go to Hewitt and know that Merv and his family would be there too.
My dad (Ivan) loved Mike too and would always keep up with his exploits. In adulthood Mike was a great role model as a Husband and Father.
Alora and Leslie Sheridan Nermyr says
Grace, Tucker, Darby, and Boone, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have so many fond Mike Harris / Sheridan memories. He was a magnificent athlete, his outside shot made Willie DeGroot proud. What a pitching arm; He won many little league, babe ruth, and legion games with that arm.
Mike came over every Sunday to the Sheridan house to watch Bonanza with our family of seven. To say our tiny living room with its 12 inch television was cozy would be an understatement. The floor was occupied by several of us kids and our dog Spot. Mike began calling the dog Walter after the Cartwright’s dog. Spot (aka Walter) shared his fine aromas freely and since we were boxed in, there was no escaping the potency. This created much giggling, coughing, blaming, and teasing. MIKE WAS THE WORST.
Besides being brilliant, handsome, and an athlete, he was funny, kind, and he never put the four Sheridan girls down. We all secretly worshiped the ground he walked on. We bugged and teased him, but it always came back ten fold. Mike was much more than a friend, he was like a big brother to us.
Choosing Grace as his wife sealed the deal for our family. Together they were so good!
Humor, teasing, deep respect, and love encapsulates the essence of Mike Harris for me. You will be sorely missed. Tell Tommy Hello. Love Alora and Leslie Sheridan Nermyr
Houston family says
Karen Markuson Houston:
Grace and family: I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becky and Dave Powell says
I always thought of him as a Rock Star, too. I cannot even imagine not bumping into Mike randomly ever again. He always was happy to see us, and we always got a hug. He was a very talented and compassionate man. Grace and Family, there are no words I can express to comfort, but just know he was one of the Great Ones. xoxo
Steve And Maggie Mccartney says
Mike was my boss when I worked at the boiler plant. He was always fair and easy to work with. My wife and I enjoyed seeing him out in public with his friendly smile and caring manner. We are so very sorry for the loss of Mike.
Judy Epstein Siring says
Grace and family~
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hold close to your hearts the many wonderful memories and know he lives on in all of you. May God bless you all with peace.
An Old Acquaintance says
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas trees, around the World below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs, that people hold so dear,
But that music can’t compare, with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the Angels sing.
I know how much You miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far way, We really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me, loved ones, You know I hold you dear,
And be glad that I am spending Christmas,
with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift, from my Heavenly home above,
I send you each a memory, of My undying Love.
After all, Love is the gift, more precious than pure Gold,
It was always most important, in the stories Jesus told.
Please Love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings or Love, He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember,
I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ, this year!
Mike & Nancy (Edwards) Dusterhoff says
We are so sorry for your family at this time. My husband and I went to school with Mike in Cut Bank. We have good memories of him and I am happy to see that he grew up to be such a good man. Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers and may the memories of the good life he made for you, his family, bring comfort.
Patrick Johnson says
Mike was always kind and thoughtful from the time we were growing up until we became friends again in later years. He was two years older than I and a friend of my older brother, so I knew him growing up in Cut Bank. He was a great athlete and someone whom we all admired.
Rob Quist says
My heart goes out to Grace, Jeane and the rest of the family. I always considered Mike one of the finest to ever come from our little town of Cut Bank and we were always very proud of him. This has been a tough year for losing dear friends and now we have lost one of our best.
Jan Monroe Gray says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mikes passing. Our older sisters (Karen and Jeane) were friends, and I loved tagging along with her to visit Jeane just so I could see handsome Mike. We always had good visits at our reunions and every time we drove by Clancy I thought of Mike and Grace. We all cheered him on in his sports and are cheering him on now. Please feel our love and prayers being sent your way. May you be blessed with peace and comfort.
Phyllis Waggoner Sprunger says
Grace, please feel all the prayers and thoughts for your families. And Jeane, for you and Ken, and your families. What startling news to hear about someone so vibrant, so very much a man of great value to all his people. What a great loss Mike will be.
The childhood memories have always been so vivid of those days and nights as we all wandered our way through our young years, attempting to understanding the choices and decisions made around us that we really didn’t understand. And somehow we all came out the other end!!!
Thank you Cut Bank for making the efforts to get all of us gathered together from time to time to share a moment or two! May your hearts soon be lighter
And the loving memories linger forever.
Curt Folkestad says
Grace and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. What a shock to all of us. Memories of day’s in Hewitt at Grandma’s house and all the stories. One of the favorites was the story of Mike and Jasper and the ace pitcher throwing a fast ball to the old guy. Every time we heard the story, Jasper hit the ball further. I think Mike like to tell it as much as Merv did! I had the chance to talk with Mike many more time this past year and appreciates him even more and his eye for details. He was always fair, kind, and fun to be around. We will all miss him.
Craig Folkestad says
I always looked forward to Mike, Jeanne and Merv being around. Mike was always really kind to a punk kid. Later, Grace & Mikes visits meant Jeannie, the dogs and occasionally Jeanne would let Ken come. Special memories at Grandma’s, soon Glen & Geri, Marge & Herb, Loren & Ardy, Ivan & Janette would arive for Pickel Days. Family and memory’s are what is really important. Thank you for those memories!
Bev St. Cyr says
Grace, I am so shocked to learn of Mike’s passing. What a special man. I have so many memories of you and Mike in Bozeman and Helena. I remember the softball days and his third base coaching when you were at bat. I still laugh about those words. And who could forget the animal coat at the party.
Thinking of you during these difficult days. Take care, Grace.
Luke , Ashlee, Camaryn & Drew Beasley says
Tucker and family, we were so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, husband, and grandpa.
We mourn with you and know how hard this is to understand. Many thoughts and prayers from your North Dakota friends.
LORETO "PWEE" McCullough says
Grace & family,I am so sorry for your loss of Mike,he was a wonderful man & lots of fun to wait on him at the Credit Union. Mike will be missed by all who knew him. Take care all.
Paula Peterson says
Grace and family and my friend, dear Jeane. So sorry for your tragic loss. Mike was one of a kind and I remember him fondly. We Wish You peace during this holiday season. Take care and lots of prayers for you all. Jeane, I tried to call the phone number I have for you, but couldn’t reach you. Maybe you could call me after the first of the year, as Jim is having more tests this week to see where his cancer has moved to now. I will be thinking of you.
Leona Zaharko says
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I worked with Mike for many years at the VA and
he was always wonderful to work with.
Kate McNamer Gadbow says
Dearest Grace and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Mike. I adored him in high school. I was in awe of the two of you as a couple. I will always be grateful for his guidance as we navigated the VA system for our Dad. I’m thinking of all of you, with love.
Dee McNamer says
From the time he was a kid, Mike was a standout. So smart, handsome, kind, athletic, reserved, and quick. And yes, it’s true. I didn’t know of a Cut Bank girl who didn’t swoon a little in his presence. You and he made a great marriage, Grace, and all of your old friends ache for you and your family now.
Dee McNamer
Vanessa Brown says
I am so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I really enjoyed getting to know him the last few years he worked at VA Montana.
May you all find comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Sheri Steinmetz says
To Grace and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Mike when I first started working at the Credit Union in the VA. He has been a friend since. He always gave me grief about my smoking and was so supportive when I stopped. Mike was a super guy and will be missed.
Pat Money says
I was so very saddened to hear of your loss. I didn’t know Mike well. However, as a Sheridan cousin, I knew without a doubt what a fine guy he was in his youth as well as adulthood. My heart goes out to you and your family, Grace. Jeane, my very deepest sympathy also goes out to you.
Durand Lindbo says
I am sorry to hear about Mike. I enjoyed working with him at the VA and considered him a friend. He positively impacted and continues to impact the lives of many people through the work that he did and the projects he saw to fruition. I appreciated his knowledge and am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and work with him. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Sherrel R Rhys says
Bill and I are shocked and saddened to hear about Mike. He was an exceptional, loving, intelligent, and kind human being. We will miss our conversations over the fence. Molly will miss her loving pats. We are in shocked and in disbelief. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Grace, Darby, Boone, and Tucker, and the rest of your family and friends. Without a doubt Mike had no intention of leaving. He appreciated and loved his exceptional family.
Charlie Hail says
I was privileged to work with Mike for 21 years at VA Montana. He and I often sought each other’s advice. Most important, I considered Mike to be a good friend. He was very intelligent and meticulous, in other words, an excellent engineerror. He had a good sense of humor and was always considerate of his staff. I enjoyed discussing politics with Mike. (It probably helped that we generally agreed on issues that were important to both of us.) He and I retired within a few weeks of one another. Though we saw each other only a few times in the past 5 years, I will miss him. Mike was truly as fine a human being as anyone I have known.
Paul and Karen Grevas says
Great God Almighty, may the Lord forgive me as today is Dec. 20, noon, and Karen just revealed to me of Mike Harris’ passing. We are absolutely shell shocked words cannot describe. Had to read it twice to believe it was the Mike I know. Tears amany. Just 1 and 1/2 months ago Mike, Bob (Duke) Winfield, Tony Rusinski , and I all gathered together to have a big lunch and talk about the good old days when we played Baseball in college for the MSU Bobcats. We made a “four square” promise with our fists to meet again in the Spring. We will honor our promise and in God’s Holy Spirit which has now taken Mike, the four of us will reminise even more memories this time, specifically Mike. May God Bless Grace and his entire family whom Mike loved so much. I’m double and triple sad that I too, who live in little Clancy as Mike did, did not share more time with this absolutely intelligent, soft spoken, kind, just flat out brillant friend I will remember the rest of my life.
Nancy Getter Walker says
My heart is aching for you and your family. The past couple of years I have had lingering smiles and warm memories of the reunion and getting to spend time with Mike and you. I do know you are a strong lady. The write up you have for Mike is so telling of the man he was and the family you have. Much love to you all.
Susie Ehlert Kindred says
I remember Mike as a great example of what a true friend meant in having. He will be missed by so many. I am sorry for your loss. God Bless each of you through this difficult time.
Mitzi Ruetten Miller Hargis says
I was so very shocked to read this post. Thank you friends and FB for letting others know. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mike. We were in the same class of ’68. He was such a great guy in so many ways. Always at the top of our class, excelled at sports,great sense of humor and of course very handsome! He and Grace made such a good team. My thoughts and prayers go out to Grace and the family.
Renee Welch says
Grace and family, I was shocked to hear about Mike’s passing so unexpectedly. He was such a great guy all during school. I’ll never forget our Spanish class together in the little room in the library with Mrs. Mooney. We shared a lot of laughs. His obituary was unsurprising as it was exactly descriptive of the man we all knew he would be. I so enjoyed talking with both of you at our reunions. I know he and Diane are chatting up a storm in Heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
Renee Salois Welch