Michael Patrick Nash

Michael Patrick "Mike" Nash, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Friday, June 13, 2014, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Mike was born Dec. 29, 1925, to Raymond and Lavinia Nash in Livingston, the second of four boys.

Mike moved to Missoula at a young age and graduated from Missoula County High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was stationed in Okinawa, spending his time in the service as a part of the Navy's Construction Battalion, the Seabees. After returning home from the war he attended the University of Montana, earning a bachelor's degree in business.

Mike was then employed by GMAC and moved to Great Falls, where he met his future wife Gloria Hawn. They began dating after both were transferred to Billings, and were married in 1953. Mike and Gloria recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Greg and Gary.

After moving back to Missoula, Mike was employed by the Missoula Mercantile, KGVO radio, and Rother Lumber Company. During this time he and Gloria also owned and operated the Nash Grocery on Higgins and the Chimney Corner Laundromat near the University. At the time of Mike's retirement he was working for Independent Lumber Company where he had many years.

The early years of his retirement were spent on the golf course, playing in the Geritol and Highland leagues with friends and teaching the game to his grandson. Mike also took up painting, and his art is proudly displayed by friends and family. He was asked by the Speakeasy to paint a piece depicting Prohibition that was displayed in the restaurant until it closed. Mike also enjoyed meeting his close friends for daily coffee at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Mike was active in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as the superintendent of Sunday School, in the Counselors of Luther's League, and singing in the church choir with his wife Gloria.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Tom, Gus and Bill. He is survived by his wife Gloria; his two sons, Greg and Gary; daughter-in-law Candy; grandchildren, Heather (Abraham), Lacey and Michael; great-grandchildren, Kenneth and Piper; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Services will be held June 27 at 11 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 South Ave., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in memory of Mike to Hospice of Missoula 800 Kensington Ave., or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Missoula, and Case Management Services. We would also like to extend a special thank-you to Mrs. Carrie Boe for all her help and support.
Read Michael Nash's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.