Mark Edward Garrison passed away April 9, 2024, in St. Patrick's hospital in Missoula, Montana. Mark was born on January 23, 1952, the oldest child of Ralph and Jeanne (Olsen) Garrison. He graduated from Butte High in 1970.

Mark married Nicolette West in 1985. They later divorced but were united in their love for their children and grandchildren. Mark worked for Montana Resources for 31 years, retiring in 2017. Mark took great pride in working for MR and felt it was the best job in the world for him. He also valued the friendships he made there.

Mark loved the outdoors and made many trips salmon and deep-sea fishing and he rarely missed filling his yearly elk tag. His grandchildren fondly remember going fishing with Grandpa Mark and landing their first big fish.

However, Mark's favorite activity by far was following his grandkids many sports endeavors. Weekends found Grandpa Mark sitting anxiously in the bleachers waiting for a wrestling match or basketball game to start. When the grands got older, Grandpa Mark jumped on the travel team bandwagon and drove thousands of miles to be present for basketball, baseball, and wrestling. Rain, snow, wind or sun Grandpa was on the sidelines cheering on his grandkids, and critiquing the officials to anyone who would listen.

To say Mark was proud of his grandchildren would be an understatement. Grandpa showered them with many, many gifts money can't buy – his time, his presence, and his words of wisdom after a game or match.

Mark spent several years caring for his elderly mother. He was a conscientious caretaker, and his mother was able to spend all but her last days in her own home because of his loving care.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother and father and his sister Lynn Kozlowitz and her husband Dan.

Mark is survived by his brother Doug Garrison, Butte; sisters Janice (Lloyd) Breyer, Colstrip; and Karen (Garry) Moyes of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; his children Stacy Loewen, Washington state; Jolene (Alex) Wood, Missoula; Tyler (Tess) Garrison; and Marissa (Mike) Alexander. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren; Jaden and Samantha Hayes; Bridger, Aspen, Mia Garrison, and King (Hubbard); and Kale and Bo Alexander, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are asked to join the family on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after 10:00 am in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Rite of Committal will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery, located on South Montana Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the grandchildrens' sports teams – Butte Junior Miners Baseball and Butte Wrestling Club.

For those of you lucky enough to have grandparents, hold them close every chance you get.