Melvin 'Mike' Figgins

Melvin “Mike” Figgins, 74, of Bozeman, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 at his home of natural causes. He was born December 17, 1941 in Bozeman (a 4th Generation Bozemanite) to Isla Mae (Daniel) and Carl Lewis Figgins. Mike attended Emerson School and Whittier School before leaving the valley. He lived the next three years in White Sulphur Springs and Mile City. Mike then moved back to Gallatin Gateway and attended Little Bear School. He graduated from Bozeman Senior High School in 1960.

Mike was one to volunteer and give back to the community so it is not surprising he met the love of his life Gale Day Tavegia at the Eagles Lodge. They were united in marriage on February 14, 1970 in Bozeman.

Together they raised 4 children Michele, Mark, Matthew and Michael. In the early years, Mike worked in the construction field. He has worked in the insurance industry for the past 35 years, most currently for Life Investors.

His community involvement included of course the Eagles, the Jaycees, Lions, Elks, Walleyes Unlimited and the Snowmobile Association.

Mike loved the time he spent with his family, especially if it involved fishing, playing cards, gardening and tinkering in the garage with his sons. Mike met with his brother Dan and Eddie Kober every morning for breakfast during the week. Others would occasionally join them. He loved his two dogs – Rascal and Elvis. Mike will be remembered for his salsa, storytelling, especially of the old days, Hot Rods, the Gallatin Valley Pacers, and flying. Mike got his pilot’s license in 1965. Mike was proud to be the Grand High Scribe of the Red Red Rose for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Isla Mae, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ethel and Jim Day, brother-in-law Norman Panasuk and his nephew Rory Figgins.

Survivors include his wife Gale of Bozeman; daughter Michele (Pat) Reiser of Townsend; 3 sons Mark (Jill) Figgins of Belgrade, Matthew (Amy) Figgins of Bozeman, Michael Figgins (Katie Brooks) of Bozeman; 7 grandchildren – Tom, Lauren, Brooklyn, Derik, Caden, Lance and Latrell; 2 brothers Dan (Sandra) Figgins of Bozeman, Bill (Linda) Figgins of Washington and sister Vivian (Giff) Wood of Plevna. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A visitation with the family present to greet friends will be held Friday from 4 to 6 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on Monday September 12, 2016, at Journey Church at the Commons, 1794 E Baxter Lane, Bozeman, Montana 59718. A reception will follow.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Gallatin History Museum (Pioneer Museum) 317 W. Main, Bozeman, MT 59715 or the Little Bear School House Museum 76200 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.