Patrick John Conroy

JUDITH GAP - Patrick John Conroy, 79, a retired educator and administrator, died of natural causes Friday at a Billings care facility.
Rosary is 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Judith Gap. A celebration of his life is 1 p.m. Friday in the Judith Gap High School gym. Michelotti Sawyer Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
A good man has left us. Patrick John Conroy, our dear husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Helen and six children.
Patrick John Conroy was born in Harlowton, Mont., on Jan. 11, 1931, to Clem and Edna Conroy. He graduated from Judith Gap High School, excelling in academics, music and sports. He attended both Rocky Mountain College as well as Carroll College, where he received a degree in education. He later obtained a master's degree in administration from the University of Montana.
In 1951, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Brewington. Together they had six children and enjoyed a life full of family, friends and fun. With Pat's career, he and his family enjoyed the communities of Winnett, Roy, Havre, Chinook, Kalispell, Browning and St. Leo's. Special memories and lifelong friendships were formed and still remain special to each of us.
Pat became a highly successful and respected teacher, coach and administrator. He was always guided by his character and uncompromising principles. He was an extremely gifted motivator in more ways than can be described. He had a knack for earning the respect of his students, at times by instilling some "worry" in those he taught. His ultimate goal was always the same: to support and encourage his students to excel in every aspect of their lives.
Pat also enjoyed many outdoor activities, whether it be hunting, camping or riding a good horse. He especially loved spending time in the Big Snowy Mountains. However, he most enjoyed following his kids and grandkids in all of their sports endeavors, traveling thousands of miles in the process.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Helen Hughes; and grandson Micah Patrick Breding.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen Conroy; his children, Debbie (Ed) Breding, Kevin (Patti) Conroy, Patti (Gene) Schinnick, Keith Conroy, Kyle (Lynn) Conroy and Kathy (Calvin) Satterfield; his 16 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sister Margaret Johnston; and brothers Kenneth, Tom and David Conroy.
Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire St. John's family, who provided excellent emotional, physical and spiritual support to our Dad and Grandpa. You are all greatly appreciated.
Dad – we love you and will miss you. You have taught us well and we will do our best to make you proud. God Bless.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to St. John's Lutheran Ministries or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be posted online at www.michelottisawyers.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.