Garry Lance Corrigan
Garry Lance Corrigan, 65, of Polson, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, 
May 22, 2009 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Garry was the oldest child born to Don and Bertie Corrigan on July 19, 1943 in Polson. He spent his youth in Polson and attended schools there. When Garry was in high school he began working one of his favorite seasonal jobs at Thomas\’ Tree Yard.
In 1964 the lure of the world called and Garry entered the Army and was placed in Co. D 46th Engineer Battalion as a heavy equipment operator. Part of his 3-year term was spent in Viet Nam operating 5-ton trucks, low boys, and caterpillars.
Garry was an avid outdoorsman. He was most happy when he was hunting, fishing, camping, or just exploring the great outdoors. He was almost famous for his amazing green thumb and stunning flowerbeds that drew a parade of admirers throughout spring and summer. More recently he could be found enjoying a good old western or happily working a puzzle with his granddaughters, and adding to his extensive collection of piggys.
Garry was a man that was very strong in his faith and will be greatly missed as an anchor in his church family at Pablo Christian Church.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Don & Bertie Corrigan, infant son Cory Corrigan, and grandson Howard Clark.
Surviving Garry is his loving and devoted wife of 371/2 years, Ida Corrigan of Polson, brothers Mike (Cathy) Corrigan of Polson and Larry (Jackie) Corrigan of Portland, OR, sister Lori (Doug) Cooper of Trout Creek, daughter Suzanne (John) Clark of Kalispell, son Nick Nash of Missoula, daughter Kimberly (Sean) Shriner of Polson, and daughter Melina (Nic) Baylor of Missoula, grandchildren J.J., Beth, and Donald Clark and Kirra and Kiana Snyder. He is also survived by several special nephews that were always there to help him out.
Garry will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved his fabulous sense of humor or enjoyed his beautiful flowerbeds, his “special helpers” Kirra and Kiana, his best friend his cat Tigger, and his church family.
A celebration of Garry\’s life will be held Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 at Pablo Christian Church with interment and Military Honors to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting the family.
Our condolences to the entire family. We loved getting to know Gary, both at 4B’s and Lakeview Baptist church. He was quick to smile and I remember his quite chuckle.
May you find comfort through the memories you have and peace in knowing the suffering was but for a season.
Marvin Bjorge and family.
Ida and family – I am very sorry for your loss. It was so nice to have met your family. I hope that your many special memories of Garry help you all through a difficult time. Many blessings.
Kim I am so sorry to hear about your father. I remember meeting him when we were in high school. He had a giant heart and was truly an angel among us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you, I am here.
We are all so very sorry to hear about Garry. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. Melina, we miss seeing you and those two beautful girls of yours. We have seen them in the mall with their Father and can’t believe how they have grown.
Garry is well remembered, even in his high school years. I had not known Garry was in Pablo, and hadn’t seen him since my return to the Flathead four years ago. My condolences and love of Christ go out to his family and friends.
How very hard it is to let Garry go even though you know that he is finally at rest and in Heaven with the Lord that he loved!! What a blessing to know that he is HOME though, you will all miss him terribly. Please know that we will pray for strength to live on as Garry would want you to.
The Nelson Clan
Melina and Family,
I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in this hard time. You have such an amazing family and great support system to get you through this terrible time, please let me know if you need anything or you just want to talk, I am thinking about you always my Yogi
We feel so fortunate to have had Garry as our next door neighbor for so many years. What a nice man. We are going to miss him terribly. The day care kids are also so sad, but they know that “Uncle Garry” is in a better place.
Jim & Heather
Mike,Cathy, Boys and Families,
We were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. May you all know that our thoughts are with you and may peace be with each of you. In Smypathy, Duane and Janice Olsen
The condolence for the family in our upcoming newsletter will be,”Gary Corrigan had donated a nice antique grain grinder and loved to attend our Live History Days. He will no longer have to drag that heavy oxygen tank around. We will miss him and our condolences and prayers go out to both families.”
It is with mixed emotions I feel the loss of Gary. I know he no longer is in pain and discomfort and his infectious smile will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Ida and the family. To know that he is now with Don and Bertie once again is a comfort.
It’s hard to put into words. God bless all of you, Phyllis
Don, Bertie and Family,
We were so sorry to read that Garry had passed away. The first picture that came to my mind was Garry cutting through the folks backyard on his way to school. He would set up the high bar that Sonny and Dale had made and he would take a jump or two. I so enjoyed reading about Garry’s life as an adult, he was certainly loved by many. Our condolences to all the family. May memories bring smiles and laughter.
I’ve only just now become aware of Garry’s passing. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to Ida and Garry’s family. Garry was a 12-year classmate and a friend of many years. I will miss him on my visits home. May God grant him everlasting peace.
Gary Carpenter
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Gary well and kindly. My thoughts and prayers are (belatedly) with your families as you heal from this loss.
Sincerely,
Honey Ann Geiger (Fisk)
my condolences to the family. I will miss my Uncle Gary.