Michael John Morrison, 76, of Helena, Montana, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on May 15, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Marion Morrison, Mike grew up in Columbus, Ohio, as the oldest of eight children. He attended the University of Notre Dame and majored in Business Administration, sports and the finer points of social interaction. After graduating, he served proudly in the Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot. He completed his commitment to the Marine Corps in 1977 and moved to Helena, Montana. He became a member of the Montana Army National Guard, serving 30 years and attaining the rank of Colonel before retiring. His professional career reflected his commitment to safety and excellence as a Flight Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration.
He married his college sweetheart, Mary Ellen Fahey, in 1976. Together, they built a loving family and shared more than five decades of devoted companionship. Mike was active in his children’s lives – coaching their soccer teams, participating in their scouting activities, and spending time together skiing and camping.
A man of deep faith and unwavering values, Mike was an active member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. He dedicated his time to organizations close to his heart, including the Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, and Toys for Tots. His life was marked by service, generosity, and love for his community.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and their three children: Timothy (Nicole) Morrison, Patrick Morrison, and Mary Kate (Alex) Garcia. He was a proud grandfather to five cherished grandchildren: Riker and Kierra Morrison; Mirabel and Elijah Garcia; and Lily Guttermuth.
Mike found joy in the simple pleasures of life—traveling, hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, floating, reading, and fixing things. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends, creating many wonderful memories.
Mike’s legacy is one of faith, family, and patriotism. He will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena, Montana on December 30 at 11am.burial of his cremated remains will be at the Montana State Veteran Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, Montana at approximately 2:00 p.m.; Military honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps and members of the Lewis & Clark Veteran Council.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Social Center of the Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Row
Ft. Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Social Center of the Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 30, 2025
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
3550 Heroes Row
Ft. Harrison, Montana
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Terry Rose says
Your big Irish smile and cheer when I met you through St. Andrew School remain with me when I have prayed for you and your wife this last year. Having you and your family pass through my life have enriched me and made me grin in tough times. May Christ sustain your loving wife in coming months.
Karolyne Redding says
Mary Ellen and family, I so sorry for your loss. Mike always had a great smile and always willing to help. Hugs and prayers for all our you.
Teresa & Dave Sturm says
Mary Ellen and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Know that you are in our prayers for comfort and healing during this very difficult time. Hold on to all the wonderful memories you made as those can never be taken from you. Hugs
Mark & Darlene Morrison says
Mary Ellen & kids,
We mourn your loss of such a wonderful human being. You are in our thoughts & prayers. 💚🙏💚
Rest in peace Mike.
Love,
Mark & Darlene 💚
Joe & Lynda Murphy says
Mike was one of my first heroes.(besides Ernie Banks). Hugs to Mary Ellen and all the Morrison family. Wish we were there…Joe and Lynda
Bill Murphy says
Mary Ellen, my dear driving instructor, and your family please I hope you know what Mike meant to the Murphys. He’s a giant among men and a role model like no other. I am so honored to have him as a family member.
My love to all the Morrisons.
Paul Bonitatibus ‘71 says
Mike will be remembered as a true son of Our Lady’s school. Rest in Peace, Domer
Bill Choquette says
Mike is a kind, loving, faithful and courageous man who is now at peace. My condolences to Mary Ellen and all his family. He will be missed but we will see him again.
John Gaski '71 says
Mike ‘Morry’ Morrison: as great a Notre Dame man as we have ever known. Requiescat in pace, old friend.
To Charley, Mary Ellen, and family: Our world is now diminished. Hang in there.
Ron Chernak says
Sincerest condolences to Mary Ellen and the family. Morry was unique and I doubt that he ever grew up. He was part of the glue that kept the “Boys” from the 71 Rugby team together and part of our collective Notre Dame experience. Morry will be both remembered and missed. Rest in peace my friend.
jim haynes says
You are one of the best. Good God I will miss that wonder smile. I will very much miss you Mike Morrison.
peter hartney says
Pete Hartney
among the very best men I have every known on so many levels missed is not a strong
enough word God Bless
Mike Paterni says
Words cannot express the loss felt over Morry. RIP teammate, friend, father , husband.
Mary Ellen, our heart goes out to you and your family.
Gary Gleason says
I’ll never forget Morty’s most beguiling smile. Wore his joy on the outside.
Norm Herlihy says
I will remember Mike’s playful whimsy and grand Irish smile- you never quite knew what was coming next. He was a joy to be with. Blessings and offers of comfort, hope, and peace for you Mary Ellen, brother Charlie M. and all the family. May Mike’s soul rest in the joyous and Everlasting Kingdom of God.
Abe Fandrich says
Mary Ellen and family our condolences. Mike was a great friend, a wonderful mentor, a courageous Marine, and a truly one of a kind Commander. His life truly touched and helped form foundations in so many who needed just a little help to get to the next level.
Tom says
Floating the Missouri on his raft, what a great way to get to know a person. Notre Dame / Air Force game in Colorado Springs Camping in the big hole. Wonderful memories, wonderful man. RIP cousin. God Bless your family. Love TK
Bill King says
Mike, rest in peace. Prayers from a ‘71 classmate from Columbus.
Tom McCalley says
Morry. What a fun guy to be around. Wish you lived closer. Rest if peace.
Bill Barz says
God Bless Morry. May he rest in peace in Heaven while watching over Mary Ellen and his family. Great Notre Dame man.
Herb Giorgio says
Rest in peace my fellow rugger. If anyone had smiling Irish eyes, it was you.
Kristina Canney Larson says
Mary Ellen, Mary Kate, Pat and Tim, my heart is broken for you. What a good Dad, what a good husband, what a good man, we will miss him dearly. May the angels bring him home and may Our Lord comfort you in this great loss.
Tom Herlihy says
So happy and proud to have shared his life on earth with Morry. Condolences to Mary Ellen and the kids. What a wonderful life he had. AMF!
Dick & Donna Shockley says
COL Mike was a great military officer, admired and highly respected by all as a caring, witty, very intelligent leader who was also a friend to all he met. His expertise and outstanding aviation career added so much to Montana civil and Montana Army Guard aviation. Mike (Hawg) Morrison will never be absent from hearts and minds of so many privileged to have called him a friend.
May the many fond memories comfort MaryEllen and family.
Gary Rowe says
Michael, you were a class act when and where ever you shared your boisterous and professional life with. I only knew you through the guards and now that doesn’t seem like nearly enough. I am going to miss you. Mary Ellen, I am truly sorry for you and your family’s loss. He was a very special person. Sincerely, Gary Rowe
Kim Hayes says
Mary Ellen and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to all of you. May the cherished memories you have help sustain you through this very difficult time.
Tom and Kim Hayes
Don McDermott says
Dear Notre Dame Brothers,
It is with profound sorrow that I send my love and prayers to all upon hearing of the passing of Mike Morrison. Morry was one of the finest gentlemen, toughest competitors and most loyal friends I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. A force of Nature on the pitch and a source of mirth and fellowship off of it, Morry will always be remembered by me as the Best of the Best of the University of Notre Dame and the hardcore essence of Fighting Irish Rugby. May Our Lord welcome him with open arms and all of us hold his memory dear. My deepest sympathies to Mary Ellen and his beloved family for the loss of this great man. He has left a legacy that empowers us all as we unite with them saying the most important words in the sport of rugby: With you.
Love and Blessings ,
Don McDermott
Mike and Pat Cotter says
We all are saddened by the death of Mike Morrison. No finer man walked the face of the earth. Friends meant the world to Morry as he kept track of all and was loyal to each throughout his entire life. Morry was one of the good ones, a fine Notre Dame man who will be missed by all. May he rest in peace and the Lord watch over his family.
Mike and Pat Cotter
Vicki Hampson says
My Prayers are with all of the Morrison Family. Mike was a good man. Always a smile on his face when he would see us.
Vicki Hampson
Michael Glueckert says
So very sorry of mikes passing! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family! Rest now in peace Mike!
Allan V Stricker says
Mike was a truly great guy, unassuming and ultimaty qualified – a perfect example of what a senior officer and pilot should be. He will be missed.
Terry Lee says
God bless Morry. He brightened our worlds in so many ways. Our heartfelt condolences to Mary Ellen and the family. Our lads are showing him around heaven.
Joe and Kay Dugan says
Mike Morrison was a true son of Notre Dame. A man of strong character and a great character! Mory lived a full life and he lived it to the fullest. His obituary reflects a great American who accomplished so much during his life and gave so much of himself.He was a kind, generous and giving friend, always ready to help out. As Kay says he was just an all around great guy. Mory was the craziest prankster I ever met and so many memories of him make me smile or laugh out loud. There is no one who knew Mory that doesn’t have a truly entertaining story about him and no one who knew him didn’t love him. There is a huge hole in the hearts of all his friends and family. To Mary Ellen, the kids and grandkids you have truly lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. So RIP old Cap-i-tan, you fought hard and long and now it’s time to claim your heavenly reward. Joe and Kay Dugan
SGM(R) Michael Russell says
Mike Morrison was a great officer that I had the pleasure of working with many years with MT Army National Guard. We laughed together and he expressed how proud he was to come to the Army from the Marine Corp. He continually kept trying to put his Marine Corp patch on his Army Uniform and I unsuccessfully tried to tell him it wasn’t authorized. Finally it got authorized and we laughed about the times a NCO tried to correct a great officer, mostly in jest. His name remains a part of Helena as the Park outside the Airfield is named after him. Respectfully, SGM(R) Michael Russell…
Paul Mousseau (PJ) says
I am so sorry for your loss. I was honored to work with Mike in Great Falls. I talked to him often on the radio when I was at Helena Tower. We would give each other a bad time, but all done in keeping our work light and fun. His smile just wouldn’t quit. I am very sad to hear of his passing. PJ
Lauren and Mark Murphy says
Mary Ellen and family~
The last time we saw Mike was at a grocery store and we had such a great visit. Always warm and welcoming! He will be missed by so many especially his family.
We hope you all are comforted by your many memories and your faith.
Lauren and Mark Murphy
Katherine Tagg says
My heart goes out to Mary Ellen & family. Mike was my first cousin, born just 6 weeks before me. I loved him. A genuine Christian and patriot. Keeping you all in prayer.
Phil Calandra says
MICHAEL MORRISON – for my money, one of the most formative individuals in the long and colorful history of Notre Dame Rugby. Not all Captains are leaders; Morry’s leadership was unassailable. We were all kids; we had no coach. Somebody had to be the adult in the room. Despite being a whimsical prankster of the highest Celtic order, Morry was that guy. He taught us the sport – how to play it and how to honor it. And perhaps most importantly he made sure we understood our sacred responsibility to properly represent the University of Our Lady each time we stepped onto the pitch.
Condolences to his family on your great loss. As the Gasman said, we have all been diminished.
Shannon Morrison says
Sincere condolences from Nick, Josh, Emily, and Shannon.
George Fahey says
Dear Mary Ellen & family:
Amy and I were so sorry to learn of the passing of Morry. I met him for the first time at your wedding and several times since then and he was always so friendly and welcoming. I remember he and Dad having a long involved conversation about cattle farming. Morry was very interested in that topic at the time. In jest, Dad agreed to give him a bull for his cattle herd should be get one established. Your Dad told Morry that the “bull” Uncle George was promising was not exactly what he, Morry, had in mind. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God bless all of you.
Paul Widzowski says
Mike was a quintessential Notre Dame man, and was built to be a soldier and chopper pilot,
Forceful, never bloodthirsty..
Targeted, never a war criminal.
Only men with compassion should be allowed to handle the ordnance that is in a chopper.
Mike was on death watch at the time of the last mini-reunion.
But his joie de vivre was unshaken and abundant.
real men only die once.
If you want a picture of a Domer and a Jarhead, look at Mike.
Bill Kartheiser says
Mary Ellen and family,God Bless you all.I will miss Mike.Rest in Peace cousin.Love BK
Joe Rogish says
Mary Ellen and the entire Morrison family, Our deepest condolences and prayers to all of you during this time of grief.
I plan to attend the funeral mass and will see you there. As Mike has said, “You are my best friend” you know too much.
Clyde & Eileen Lindell says
Mike was a great person, and friend! Our deepest sympathy to Mary Ellen and family.
Mary Galyon says
Mike Morrison was truly one of a kind. He will always be remembered for his humor, his heart, and the way he showed up for the people he loved—sometimes quite literally, like the unforgettable moment when he cut in during my father-daughter dance at my wedding.
Mike was my dad’s cousin, but I came to know him in a very special way while I was a student at Saint Mary’s College. He went out of his way to make sure I felt at home on campus. He would visit, take me out to dinner, and share endless stories of his own time on campus—chasing cows, wild adventures with the rugby team, and the deep connection he had to Saint Mary’s, where he met his wife.
Mike made college feel like home. I feel incredibly blessed to have known him and to have learned from his stories, his kindness, and his joy for life. I will forever remember Mike and his family with the fondest memories and so much gratitude.
Sue Wilke says
Mary Ellen, I was so sad when Randy told me that Mike had passed. Jim loved him not just because he was a Marine but an honest man with integrity. May you and your family find Peace
Sue Binion Wilke
Paul Widzowski says
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion;respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,even a stranger, when in a lonely place.Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weepand pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”
― Chief Tecumseh
Tecumseh, surprisingly, was the prophet of Mike Morison. May we all honor the legacy of Tecumseh and Mike
Larry Steck says
Trusted friend and mentor, rest in peace Mike. My deepest condolences Mary Ellen and family.
Cousin Kate W (and son Don) in Chicago says
Cousin Mike was a heroic and capable figure to us young cousins, my mom being Mike’s Aunt Jinny. He was good to my mom and kept in touch with her which she greatly appreciated up until her own passing. We will make it out to the Big Sky as yet, and keep everyone in our thoughts. We are so very sorry, and know how much he will be missed.
Normand D'Esterre says
Mike was a “”shining light ” in places of darkness We were close in the brotherhood of our “Green Machine”.Whenever and wherever we met since the early 80s we shared.God bless his soul.Amen
Jack Downs & Family says
Mary Ellen & Family,
I send my confolenscences for the loss of Mike.
Mike and I played football and wrestled together while at Bishop Ready High School in Columbus.
We always got together when he came to town for various reasons.
Mike was an exceptional person of faith and character.
I send prayers for peace and that strength that surpasses all understanding.
God Bless
Jack Downs