Michael R. Mather

Mike was born on July 30, 1943 in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Lawrence J. and Hazel I. (McLaughlin) Mather. The Mather family, specifically Mikes great-grandfather Isaac B. Mather, homesteaded and established The Mather Ranch, in 1901. Mike graduated from Wilsall High School in 1962 and has called the Shields Valley home all his life. Following graduation Mike worked for a neighbor, Jack McCormick, as a ranch hand for about a year. He spent the rest of his life working the family Ranch. In 1964 Mike enlisted with the Army National Guard of Montana. He served for six years as an Infantryman and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant on October 20, 1970. Mike married Marian Vincent on July 2, 1966 in Livingston. They have three children, Mark, Marcia and Mitch. Mike was involved in many facets of the community. He served as a volunteer weather observer, was on the board of the Park Farmers Co-op and the Park Electric Board of directors. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He was the consummate rancher, also a skilled woodworker and metal fabricator. He could fix pretty much anything that needed fixing. The family went camping and motorcycling; and he and Marian enjoyed snowmobiling. Most of all Mike enjoyed his time spent in the Montana outdoors. Mike Mather at the age of 74, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018 following a stroke that occurred on the Friday prior, Mike had chosen to be a donor, knowing that he had chosen to help others brings us great pride. Mike is survived by his: wife of 51 years, Marian; children: Mark Mather and his wife, Heather of Middleton, ID, their sons, Brody and Colton; Marcia Leach and her husband, Bill of Bozeman, MT and their daughter, Gabriella; Mitch Mather and his wife, Nicole of Wilsall, MT and their children, Kyla and Dallas. Brother, Don Mather and his wife, Alice of Billings, MT. In-laws, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Hazel Mather and his grandson, Isaac Mather. Memorials may be directed to the Shields Valley School Athletics, PO Box 40; Clyde Park, MT 59018 or to the Wilsall Community Church, PO Box 92. Wilsall, Montana 59086.Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.