Mark Lyman Gish

Mark Lyman Gish, passed away at his home December 10, 2020 of complications from diabetes at the age of 61. Mark was born in Gallup, New Mexico on April 5, 1959 to Lyman Earl and Dorothy Jean (Perry) Gish. He was the oldest of three children. The family moved to Missoula, Mont. from Oklahoma in 1963. He attended Franklin and Russell grade schools, and Sentinel High where he graduated in 1977. He enjoyed and had fond memories of the band he and high school friends Brad Walseth and Darrell Harvey from DeMolay started, called, "Rust and Smuts" in 1980 (www.bradwalseth.com). He attended the University of Montana then moved with his parents in 1986 when they retired and returned to Oklahoma but he still remained an avid Griz fan. He graduated with a BA in Music at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and continued with his education to receive his Masters in Music at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Mark never married or had children but loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed his job working as a custodian for a middle school for many years while, hanging out with friends, playing and singing in The Space Jam band, Cydonia Region band and attending sporting events and concerts. He will be remembered most for his love of all genres of music, singing opera to Led Zeppelin and Frank Zappa, writing lyrics, playing guitar, and even singing Christmas carols with his family around the piano. He was intelligent, a great speller, had a photographic memory, and was "The Man" when discussing sporting statistics. We were proud of Mark's accomplishments which didn't come easy with Asperger's Syndrome. Many interesting and humorous memories have been shared regarding this condition, he was one of a kind. He is survived in death by his siblings, Janeil (Rock) Perkins of Pendroy, Montana and Irvin Gish of Great Falls, Montana, three nieces, Stephanie Frick, Loni (Ross) Judisch, Whitney (Matt) Caldarone, and one nephew, Lee Perkins, and 13 grand-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Jean Gish and one step-nephew Josh Marshall. In lieu of the Covid-19 outbreak there are no services planned but condolences and pictures are being shared via Messenger under "Mark Gish Memorial." Rest in peace Mark. We know his last wishes would be for all of you to attend a good concert or sporting event in the future and think of him. Heartfelt thanks from our family to all who helped us, shares stories, pictures, and memories during this time. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.