Michael J. O'Harren

Michael John O'Harren, 65, of Missoula, passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, in the hands of his loving daughters.

Mike was born April 6, 1950, in Los Angeles. As a young man, he loved to surf and spend time at the beach. He liked to say that he invented the skateboard. He was able to join his father working at Disneyland as a captain on the Mark Twain boat in Frontierland. He was always a nature lover and went on to study forestry at the University of Montana. He graduated from UM in 1975. During this time he met Karen Rehard at the Top Hat and several years later they were married. They had two phenomenal daughters together. Mike had a career in the lumber industry and was recognized annually as a National Award Winning Lumber Grader.

Mike was a brilliant man with a creative capacity that included art, music, science and geography. If you ever played "Trivial Pursuit" with Mike, you'd know he had the "map of the world on the back of his hand." He loved the night sky and pointing out the constellations. He played bass in the Backyard BBQ band with his best friends. He enjoyed gardening and cooking and was famous for his "Laid Back Spaghetti." Mike was an animal lover and we find comfort in knowing he is with Flash, Shelby, Springer and Starshine.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Alice Harren, who had just celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Survivors include his brother, Dick O'Harren and sister-in-law, Betty O'Harren; two daughters, Heidi Nelson and Casey O'Harren; grandkids, Jalen and Camden Nelson; granddog and grandkitty, Buddy and Greyboy; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike's celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Greenough Park Shelter. We know he would like to be surrounded by nature and sunshine.

Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com.
Read Michael O'Harren's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.