George L. Sherwood

George L Sherwood, 75, of Frenchtown, passed away in the early hours of June 24, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.

Born on August 24, 1948 in Missoula, he was the eldest of nine children born to George and Laura (nee Johnston) Sherwood. George graduated from Saint Anthony's Elementary School and Loyola High School. He joined Saint Anthony's Boy Scout Troop 60 and was an active member for years, coming to be and avid outdoorsman and sportsman. George then attended the University of Montana. He joined Theta Chi Fraternity where he developed many life-long friendships.

In 1970 George enlisted in the Navy Reserves and was activated in March 1971. He reported to San Diego, California for Yeoman A school and was eventually stationed in Brunswick, Maine and Newport, Rhode Island. He was assigned to a refitted ship, the USS Dale, where he served as Yeoman during his two years of active duty.

Shortly before leaving to report for active duty, George met Donna Lou Nulliner, which was the start of their 53 year journey together. They were married at Christ the King Parish in Missoula on November 27, 1971. Donna joined George in Maine while he completed his Navy enlistment. Upon his honorable discharge in 1972, George and Donna traversed the country returning home to Missoula to begin their married life with friends and family and start a family of their own. On July 4, 1976 the couple welcomed Betsy and on April 20, 1979 Ryan completed the family.

George resumed working for the United States Postal Service, a career that began as a letter carrier in high school and would span 30 years. During that time George also helped operate the family business, the Carousel Lounge. For the last 10 years of his postal career, George served as the Postmaster in Frenchtown. Shortly after George was selected for the Postmaster position, Donna and he moved to Frenchtown where they would raise their kids and live the next 40 years. They came to treasure the Frenchtown Community becoming deeply vested in their children's schools and in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. George helped make ideas become reality - the Bronc Stadium, Frenchtown girls softball as a high school sport, and the remodel of the church rectory are a few of the projects in which he was involved.

Upon retirement from the post office, George started his second career as a real estate agent and found his true passion. George, and his dear friend, Brian Russ entered the real estate world together and eventually started their own brokerage, Montana Preferred Properties. Over the years, George helped countless people realize their dreams of homeownership and he made many great friends along the way. Day or night, big or small, George was willing to take on any task to make sure the deal got done.

Through their many years together, George and Donna had a passion for travel and loved an excuse to visit friends throughout the country and maybe find a poker, blackjack, or craps table along the way. In the later years, George and Donna started cruising - sometimes just the two of them and sometimes with close friends. Their sea journeys took them to places all over the world. In 2022, George and Donna ventured on the trip of a lifetime with his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and John - a 45-day exploration of England, Ireland, Scotland and the Orkney Islands - even to the birthplace of his maternal grandfather.

George also loved the Montana Grizzlies. He and Donna were season ticket holders for over 20 years. They rarely missed a home game, he never missed an opportunity to buy "Split the Pot" tickets and often travelled to out of town games to cheer on their Griz!

In later years, George was also intensely enthusiastic about the time he could spend at the home he and Donna purchased on Flathead Lake in 2018. They came to consider it their oasis and home away from home. George seemed most happy when at the lake and surrounded by family and friends. He loved seeing grandkids enjoy the water, boat rides, bonfires down by the water, family meals, creating and completing projects, planting trees, and collecting copious amounts of firewood.

George's commitment to family was paramount. As a child he was surrounded by his Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and as time went on the family grew with eight siblings to come, and eventually a multitude of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He had many loves, but his biggest love was family. all of whom felt his unconditional love. Upon his Father's death in 1981, George ably assumed the role of the family patriarch. All his family members loved and respected him. George was always willing to help when anyone was in need.

Everyone who knew George knew he had a big heart and a very strong presence in everything he did. At times he could be stubborn and strong willed -- even as he drew close to death he insisted that he have it his way. But, those close to him well knew that his occasional obstinacy was born of good will and a wish to do what was right. George set the bar high and is an amazing example to follow and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

George is survived by his wife, Donna, children Betsy (Jeremy) Milyard, Ryan (Molly) Sherwood, grandchildren Shelby and Bridger Sherwood and Hailey and Maddox Milyard, his eight siblings Michael Sherwood, Judy (John) McKay, Paula (Richard VanHecke) Sherwood, Robin (Elizabeth) Sherwood, Laurie (Boyd Abel) Sherwood, Margie (Mark) Sherwood, Dan Sherwood, Devanie (Rick) Morgan and numerous nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Laura Sherwood, his maternal Grandparents Robert and Irene Johnston, his paternal Grandparents George Marsh and Penelope (Neffie) Sherwood, and numerous Uncles and Aunts - Gerald and Myrtle Sherwood, Neil and Gretchen Sherwood, Sylvia Johnston, Marjorie Copolla, Ronald (Skeet) and Anne Johnston, and Donna's parents, Harvey and Mellie Nulliner.

A Rosary Service and Vigil will take place on July 11, 2024 at 7 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Frenchtown. The funeral service and reception after will be July 12, 2024 at 1PM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Missoula. Interment to occur on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 1:30 PM at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.