Michael Sean Gilligan

Michael Sean Gilligan was welcomed to the world on September 23, 1965, in Great Falls, Montana by his parents, Pete Gilligan and Clary Kernaghan Gilligan. Being the firstborn child and grandchild on both sides, he was immediately loved and adored by all. He shocked those that love him when he passed away of natural causes in Great Falls, on October 3, 2024.

Mike spent his formative years in Great Falls growing up playing sports, working at the family businesses and spending time with his vast network of friends. He learned to fish, play card games and enjoy nature with his cousins at the family cabins in Lincoln and Whitefish. He was a proud Mighty Bison and considered a fun time with many friends and making great memories throughout high school. He graduated from Great Falls High in 1984.

Mike was introduced to the game of golf by his grandpa Kernaghan and played competitively throughout his adolescence and into college, traveling to tournaments with his cousin and best friend, Todd Kernaghan. When brother, Kelly was born, they also brought him into the fold, making golf the official family sport. He loved the game enough to make it his original profession, becoming a pro in 1986, first at Pryor Creek and then Briarwood Golf Club in Billings.

Mike had a natural coaching and teaching ability and found more joy in supporting other than succeeding himself in the game. He caddied for brother, Kelly often, guiding him through many championships, and passed on his skill to his son, Sean. In recent years, he was consistently sharing tips and encouraging his nephew, Colin and niece, Clare.

Mike inherited his mom Clary’s cooking ability and knack for math, which he used in his creative and recipe-free dishes and to win many hands of gin. He capitalized on those talents throughout his life, including years of dealing cards, but many often said he should’ve been a chef. Mike’s memory was impeccable he always remembered a face and a name and an uncanny ability to recall details of events in years past, which made him a great storyteller.

Mike moved to Shelby in 1988 and was the golf professional at Marias Valley while there. He met and married Lorri Lasher in the spring of 1989, welcoming their son, Sean Michael in August of that year. Mike took great joy in following Sean’s life. He talked about him often and with pride, always with a big smile and enjoyed holidays spent with him and later also with his two grandchildren.

When Mike’s dad, Pete passed away suddenly in June 1992, he moved back to Great Falls to help with the family business. Mike’s charisma, work ethic and helpful personality suited him perfectly for the hospitality industry, claiming that his first (and favorite) bartending gigs were for his parents and their friends’ parties when he was still in high school. He continued to work hard and make friends while holding various customer service and management positions throughout Great Falls, including over a decade with Howard’s Pizza, and most recently at Fat Tuesdays. He was always efficient, welcoming and knew his customers well, anticipating your need before you asked.

Mike’s given family was small, so he built a network of friends that became his chosen family. In his free time, Mike carried on his love for people and sports whether it was golfing with buddies, participating in fantasy football leagues, attending concerts or just taking in a game- he was up for most any adventure, big or small. He enjoyed watching the competition and made many memories in recent years traveling to cheer on the Vegas Knights and going on fishing excursions with close friends.

Mike was social, funny and kind… quite simply a person you just wanted to be around. No matter what he was going through personally, he wanted to feel food and would do anything he could to make that happen. His presence made moments better with his genuine care for each person he encountered, with an unmatched wit and subsequent laughter. If he knew your name, you were his friend, and he’d do anything for you. He was loved and is missed by so many.

Mike is survived by his son, Sean (Haley) Gilligan; grandson, Shaine; granddaughter, Natalie of Cut Bank; brother, Kelly of Great Falls; sister, Shannon (Doug) Jensen and their children of Billings; uncle, Jim (Karen) Kernaghan; aunt, Candy (Pat) Wagner; cousins, Callie (Jeff) Rearden, Karry (Randy) Dempsey, Josh (Shawna) Rowe; and his chosen family- too many to county, all of Great Falls.

Mike is welcomed into heaven by his parents, Pete Jr. and Clary Gilligan; grandparents, Bob and Elsa Kernaghan and Peter Sr. and Idylle Gilligan; aunt, Sharon Gilligan and daughter, Mickey Sue. He is now also reunited with his cousin, Todd and dear friend, Roy Volk Jr.

Please join us in remembering Mike through his favorite past time, storytelling, at a Celebration of Life to be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at The Stadium, 1121 5th Street South in Great Falls.

In lieu of flowers, suggest donations to Great Falls High School or the Montana State Golf Association.