Gary D. Bishop's Obituary
Gary Duane Bishop, age 78, of L’Anse, Michigan and Sweetwater, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife of 54 years and his loving family at his daughter's home in TN.
Gary was born February 18, 1948, to Richard and Helmi (Mattila) Bishop. He grew up alongside six siblings and spent much of his childhood outdoors exploring the neighborhood. As a young boy, he especially enjoyed working with his brother Ronnie building bikes for themselves and their sisters.
After graduating from high school, Gary’s love of horses and his friendship with Tim McIntyre led him to meet the love of his life, Colleen McIntyre. Despite her brothers wishing him luck, Gary won her heart, and the two were married on August 27, 1971, beginning a lifetime together built on love, family, and hard work.
Following their marriage, Gary worked in the produce department at Fraki’s Store in L’Anse. Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, he later decided to pursue a career as an electrician. With two young children already at home, Gary traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to attend Coyne Institute. After completing his training, he returned to L’Anse and worked for several years at Bianco Plumbing and Heating. During that time, he became a Master Electrical Contractor and also held plumbing and HVAC licensure.
In 1984, Gary opened his own business, Bishop Electric, proudly serving the surrounding community for more than 20 years. During that time, he also spent a short period delivering mail for the United States Postal Service. Gary deeply valued the friendships he built through his work and the opportunity to serve others.
In 2004, Gary and Colleen moved south to Sweetwater, Tennessee, to enjoy property they had purchased years earlier. Together they built a home and embraced many new adventures. Gary later worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he oversaw the wiring of high-tech computer systems before finally stepping into true retirement from his lifelong habit of “always working.”
Gary loved to travel and especially enjoyed driving, often taking in the scenery along the way—sometimes using more of the highway than necessary. His love for horses was passed down to his daughter Heather, and he cherished the summers spent traveling across the country with her to horse shows, proudly serving as chauffeur, groom, and her biggest supporter on the sidelines.
During the long northern winters, Gary spent countless hours coaching hockey and traveling with his sons, Timothy and Jason, often squeezing more children into the vehicle than there were seats. Later in life, he poured his time and wisdom into his grandchildren, sharing stories, lessons, and laughter that they will carry with them forever.
Gary was known for his strong work ethic and early mornings. There were few days when the sun rose before he was already up and ready to begin. Even near the end of his earthly journey, he remained concerned that everything was getting done and that his children and family were where they needed to be.
Alzheimer’s disease eventually entered his life, but it never diminished his strength of spirit. With Colleen faithfully by his side, Gary continued to enjoy many of the things he loved for several more years.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James and Ronald Bishop; his sisters, Judy (Bishop) Reed and Rita (Bishop) Mukka; his niece, Katherine Nankervis; and his son-in-law, Rick Henderson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Colleen (McIntyre) Bishop; his sisters, Patricia (Chuckie) Nankervis and Elizabeth (Babe) McDermott; his son, Timothy (Caren) Bishop and his children Kayla, Amanda, Danielle, Cassandra, Brandon, Jeremy, Erin, and Corrine; his daughter, Heather (Bishop) Henderson and her sons Jarren, Seth, Riley, and Caleb; and his son, Jason (Hannah) Bishop and their children Justin, Jordan, Alyssa, Zachary, Katelyn, and Luke. Gary is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
Gary will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his tireless work ethic, his willingness to help others, the way he could tell a story and teach all at the same time and the love he shared with everyone around him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L'Anse with Father Ben Rivard, celebrant. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A Knights of Columbus prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m.
Immediately following Mass, interment will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon will then be held in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Gary's honor to be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 433 Baraga Avenue, L'Anse, MI 49946. Envelopes will be available at church.
Gary's Mass will be live streamed on Baraga County Catholic Community's Facebook page.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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