Vern Ray McTaggart went to be with the Lord on September 7th,2019 and will be deeply missed by many. Vern was born in St. Marie’s Idaho to Samual C. and Oma McTaggart on November 1st, 1940. He was one of 4 brothers and had 4 sisters. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Samual and Oma, sisters Betty, Dorothy, Catherine, and brother Samual(Danny).
His family later moved to Spokane; where he met the love of his life, Nora Lee Owens. They were married on September 16, 1959. Vern then joined the Army and was in the National Guard for 7 years. They spent many happy years raising their family of 3 daughters and one son on their farm in Spokane. They later moved to Montana. In the early days, he drove semis hauling heavy equipment throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. He then got into construction working for Peter Kie wit building roads all over Idaho and Montana including widening the Going to the Sun Highway in Glacier National Park in the 1960s. In 1965, he started working for N.A. Degerstrom. He worked on many projects including the Midnight Mine, The Zortman Landusky mine, and then on Montana Tunnels mines. Vern latter retired in 1995.
Vern loved to fish, hunt, and spend time with his horses. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family. Vern has an extraordinary memory for the names and people he met. His favored past time was telling and retelling the stories of his early childhood. These stories have become treasures to his children, grandchildren and extended family.
Vern was a true godly example and was a man of great wisdom. He was always generous, kind, and loving. He was the rock to his family. Vern left a godly legacy of faith to his family that will be felt for many generations to come. He always made sure that his family told each other that they loved each other before they left to go anywhere. As anyone left his presence, he would say, “God bless you and I bless you”. All that knew him were truly blessed.
Vern is survived by his wife Nora of 60 years, daughters Glinda (Mark) Straub, Vernett (David) Shaw, Debbie (Rich) Williams, son Shane (Rosmery) McTaggart, (21) grandchildren, (18) great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Brothers David and Larry McTaggart, and sister Karen Yergen.
Vern’s burial will be held Wednesday, September 11th, 12:00 p.m. at the Helena Sunset Memorial Gardens cemetery located at 7100 N. Montana Ave. Helena, Mt. Funeral services will also be Wednesday, September 11th, 2:00 p.m. at Last Chance Chapel located at 6240 Raven Rd. Helena, Mt. A celebration of life gathering will follow the services at the Last chance Chapel.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Last Chance Chapel Fellowship Hall
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Wednesday September 11, 2019
Last Chance Chapel Fellowship Hall
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Faithann says
The best Grandpa in the whole world. I love you and miss you so much Grandpa.
Dennis Broadbrooks says
Vern was a co-worker with me for N.A. Degerstrom in Zortman back in the day. I was a rookie and the McTaggart crew kept a watch on me. Thanks for being there when I needed you. Many years have passed, but who could forget! Yes Vern was a good man and will be missed. Was nice to meet him and his family. See you later.
Natalie says
I always remembered going to his house my whole life and spending time with him, whether it was riding the horses or watching tv in his room talking about random things or listening to stories of his life. I love and miss you grandpa. Heaven is lucky to have you. You are missed and you will always be thought of. RIP to an amazing man and an amazing grandpa.
fallon culbertson says
I will never forget the days we would stay with grandma and grandpa. I will never forget the smell of his coffee he always seemed to be drinking. He gave me the love and excitement for horses as well as for the lord. I could not have had a better childhood. He always had a drawer of candy for whenever we came. I remember when he would take his big fish oil pills he would gives us each one and they were absolutely the most disgusting thing ever especially burping them up the rest of the day and never seeming to get the taste out of our mouths. I wish when I was a child I would have spent more time listening instead of always on the move. I will always treasure all the stories I do remember. All I wish is that I could have embraced him one more time.
Katie says
I Remember listening to his stories and he would play the dollar game with us and the bear trap game I love him with all my heart I wish you were still with us… 🥺😭 I will see you one day in heaven 💕
Stephanie McTaggart says
Blessed to be amongst your family Vern. You were a pretty amazing man. I remember our family visits as a young girl, best days of my life. Thank you.
Love you & miss you. Give my parents hugs ❤️
Stephanie McTaggart