Mike Harwood

Longtime Shelby resident, James Michael Harwood, passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2020.

Mike was born in Washington D.C. on July 22, 1947 to Louis and Laura Harwood. In younger years he traveled all over the United States because of Louis’ job as a tribal police officer.  Being the only kid in his class, Mike took his three siblings on a horse and rode to a one room schoolhouse between Cut Bank and Valier.  Because of his love for the land, Mike was very passionate about Montana.  He graduated from Valier High School in 1965.

Mike joined the US Marines where he was stationed in California.  He met his first wife, Shirley, and they married in 1968.  They moved to Montana where his sons, Rusty and Brady, were born.  Shirley and Mike eventually divorced.  In 1997 Mike married Mary Ann Mallette and was joined by Brook, Robyn, and Haleigh Skillman.

Mike did various jobs over the years, eventually finding his niche in oil and gas.  He worked first as a manager for the Shelby title company and later moved on as an independent petroleum landman and remained for 45 years.

Mike was preceded by his parents; two sisters, Jacquelyn Harwood and Zelda (Jean) Kipp; and brother, Gary Harwood.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; sons, Rusty and Brady Harwood of Florida; brother, Tony (Mindy) Harwood of Polson, Greg Harwood of Seattle; sister, Caroline (Dalton) Smitherman of Marion, MT; granddaughter, Jaia, who he cared for very much; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

Mike loved hunting with his brothers and sister every fall.  He was an amateur wine enthusiast and avid golfer.  He played and won billiard tournaments, was an active Jaycee member, and was crowned Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club until the year 2000.  Until his death, he was a leading member of the American Legion Post #43.

He will be deeply missed for his compassion and patience.  The angels know your life lessons and we thank you, Mike, for executing them.

Memorial services will be held Friday, September 24, at 1:00pm at Montana Veteran Memorial Park & Flag, 10 Marias Valley Road, Shelby.

A reception at Clark's Family Restaurant will follow the military service.