Michael H. Ginnings

Michael Herman Ginnings passed away unexpectedly January 16, 2015, at home with Chari Lipski, the lady he loved and adored, by his side.

Michael was born May 5, 1948, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Millard Herman Ginnings and Hattie Inez (Nix) Ginnings. Michael's mother passed away when he was only 18 months old. After his father remarried, Michael was finally able to be a 'big brother' to Larry, his lifelong best friend and only sibling.

Due to Michael's father being career military, his family moved several times before settling in Missoula where Michael attended and graduated from Hellgate High School. Upon graduation, Michael voluntarily enlisted in the Army for two years. He was disappointed that he was deployed to Korea rather than VietNam where the "action was."

Following his enlistment, Michael returned to Missoula. He attended the University of Montana, stopping short of completing his degree in Criminology to join the Missoula City Police Department on August 9, 1973. Known to the law enforcement community as C53 ("City53"- "City" plus his badge number), Michael achieved the rank of Sergeant December 1, 1985. His 33 years in uniform were all in patrol, working the streets. His time included: several years as a motorcycle officer with his partner and good friend Carl Ibsen; several years supervising the traffic unit/motors unit; several years being an active member of the Missoula Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition, working with the Coalition to develop compelling ways to encourage folks to buckle up, use child car seats correctly, and decrease impaired driving; plus various other committees where law enforcement expertise was needed.

Just a few comments from officers who worked under Sgt Ginnings are: "You gave respect where it was deserve;" "He was incredibly smart;" "He was tough but my favorite sergeant ever;" "At the end of a shift, felt he had done his job well when he sent his officers home to their families safe and happy;" "King of one liners:" "Wit as sharp as a razor and a heart of gold that he loved to pretend didn't exist;" "Sharp knowledge for laws and procedures; knowledge for scripture just as keen;" "Loved his community and co-workers:" "33 years in uniform and all in patrol, a shift sergeant longer than most officers have careers."

Following his retirement from the Police Department in July, 2005, Michael spent his time as caretaker of the ranch where Chari grew up, feeding horses, riding ATV's, watching wildlife, exploring the fields and mountainside for a variety of interesting things, shooting and making new friends. He kept their Missoula residence beautiful with hard work mowing, planting flowers Chari loved, trimming trees and watering. You would find him every couple three days making the last swipe across the front lawn as Chari stepped off the bus at night. In addition, he and Chari loved spending time together at Flathead Lake, traveling (including a trip to Europe), walking, bike riding. Most recently, they couldn't wait until Friday night when they would once again be able to spend a few hours with their beautiful grandbabies. Every Friday morning was reserved for Michael and Larry to catch up on the week's happenings and spend one-on-one time together, continuing the bond formed as young children and a time they both treasured.

Michael is survived by Chari, her son, Joe, daughter Angie (Dean Johnson), grandbabies Axel and Annika (18 month old twins Michael absolutely adored), his brother Larry, sister-in-law Deborah and niece Liza. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving nephew Noah. Once reunited, Michael's buddy, Riley (his German Shorthair Pointer), will again be riding "shotgun" wherever they go.

A memorial service to honor and say "see you later" to Michael will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home and Mortuary, 1705 West Broadway (corner of West Broadway and Mullan Road). A reception will immediately follow in their community room. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at Missoulafuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donation to Montana Special Olympics, % Mark Horner or Truman Tolson, Missoula City Police Department, 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.


Read Michael Ginnings's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.