Michael Duane Harp, 71

Michael Duane Harp went to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 11, 2020 at home, in the arms of his wife, Sandra.

He was born in Longview, Washington, on April 21, 1949. Growing up, Mike’s family relocated often, following his dad’s work. In sixth grade, they moved to Kalispell, where he became an “Evergreen kid”; he was very proud of being from Evergreen. Mike graduated from Flathead High School in 1967. After high school, he went to Flathead Valley Community College, where he studied geology and business. Mike was passionate about history and reading. Anytime someone visited, he had a book by his side. He enjoyed sharing this knowledge with his family.

In 1969 and 1970, Mike was in the United States Army. Between June of 1973 and June of 1974, he was in the Standby Reserve. After his honorable discharge, Mike went to work for his dad in the office of Harp Line Constructors. He went on to work as a grunt all over the state and, with on-the-job training, became a lineman, splicer and, eventually, went on to bid and run utility jobs. When their father retired, Mike and his brother, John took over and expanded the company his father built. Mike was very proud of Harp Line and the guys on his crews and always took care of them.

In 1972, Mike married Suzanna Ruth Bibb. They had two children, Ryder Bert and Kelly Ruth. They divorced in 1986. Mike’s kids were his proudest accomplishment. In 1989, Mike met Sandra Mende Pedersen. They married in 1992, and he received two bonus children, Kelly Ann and Reese Paul. This extended family turned into a big, beautiful group of people that truly respect and love each other. He had a big heart and was very generous to all in his life.

Mike has been a member of Buffalo Hill Golf Course and a member of PGA West in La Quinta, California. Golfing was a passion for him. He greatly enjoyed watching it, playing it, and traveling to new courses.

Mike was an avid hunter. McGinnis Meadows, near Libby, Montana, was one of his favorite places. He had fond memories of, as a boy, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandfather, Bert Parkison, at “the ranch.” He carried on the tradition with future generations. Mike had his own cabin in McGinnis, right beside the ranch. Thanksgiving was traditionally celebrated at hunting camp. Mike always made the turkey and dressing using his mom’s recipe. He had wonderful memories and many stories of all the family and friends that visited the cabin in McGinnis Meadows. He was thrilled when he was able to go mountain lion hunting there with his hero, Jack Nicklaus. When Mike retired, they split the seasons between La Quinta and Sterling, Alaska. “The Red Run at Mike & Sandy’s” was the summer highlight. In 2013, they switched Alaska for the Flathead Valley to be closer to family and loved ones. Mike and Sandra have been living the retired life returning to La Quinta for 21 years. Mike loved the desert and his home in La Quinta and he was happy to spend his final days there.

Mike was a good man, an honorable man, a man that loved easily and was easy to love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Donna (Parkison) Harp.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Harp, of Lakeside; his brother, John Harp, of Lakeside; his sister, Marsha Ring, of Kalispell; children, Ryder Harp (Jody) and Kelly (Harp) Smith of Kalispell; Kelly Pedersen of Hot Springs; and Reese Pedersen (Meira) of Valdez, Alaska; grandchildren, Sydney Harp, Joseph Harp, Jude Smith, Divya Smith, Paige Pedersen, Reagan Pedersen and Lucas Pedersen; as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.

Mike had a sharp wit and an infectious laugh. It’s the laughs that we remember so dearly. What a heart he had for his friends and family!

A private memorial will be held by the family.