Mike Coryell

Dale Michael “Mike” Coryell, Jr. 75 Years Young — Final Box Score

If you knew our dad, you knew his life deserved to be told a little differently.

So here it is…

In the first inning of life, Mike stepped up to the plate in Cut Bank, Montana, born April 25, 1950, to Gerry and Dale Coryell. As the oldest of four, he did not just enter the game; he set the tone early: competitive, full of life, with a little swagger, and always ready to win people over.

By the time he reached his first big at-bat, he married Sherrie Murphy, a partnership that may not have lasted forever, but one that gave him his four greatest gifts. Together, they put four runs on the board: Angie, Todd (“Rooski”), Jac, and DJ., his greatest team and the pride of his life.

Through the early innings, Mike built his game. A standout “stud” athlete out of Cut Bank High School, he went on to play baseball for the Bobcats at Montana State before earning a degree in accounting from Eastern Montana College. 

In the middle innings, Mike stacked up the stats. He built a career as an accountant at Western Energy in Colstrip, from where he retired.  He then served as the Director of Economic Development in Miles City. His impact reached far beyond his career as an accountant; he was deeply involved in his communities, dedicating his time and service, and making a lasting difference wherever he went. It was in these years he also made a name for himself as a shortstop for the Tigers softball team. He spent countless nights and weekends playing slow-pitch softball and golfing, two of the things he loved. Somewhere in those innings, he found his true calling, not just as a player, but as a fan. And not a quiet one.

“Pops” was a diehard sports enthusiast, but above all, a lifelong MSU Bobcat fan. He earned the nickname “Bobcat Mike,” unabashedly cheering on the Blue and Gold everywhere he went. He was always found, dressed head-to-toe, in Bobcat apparel as if it was a required uniform. He loved the LA Dodgers and Seattle Seahawks, as well. He was thrilled by his teams’ recent success. 

If there was a whistle, a ball, and a striped shirt involved, you’d find him there. Mike spent over 30 years as a committed member of the Montana Officials Association, officiating sports of all types, and he never missed a call…just ask him. You could find him behind the plate as an umpire, often alongside his son Todd, on the field for Danny’s football, or on the court refereeing Jacqui’s basketball.  Sports were not just something he loved, they were part of who he was.

Late in the game, he made additional game contributions, moving first to Helena and then spending his final years in Sidney, to spend time with his grandkids and cheer for and support his new teammates in life. 

Mike had a heart of gold, and was a devout Catholic with strong, unwavering faith. If you knew Mike, you knew his compassion, optimism, and steady stream of corny jokes. He was always wired for connection, building a village wherever he went, just as he believed God intended. Mike’s faith was not something he simply believed in; it was something he lived by, the way he showed up for others and loved without hesitation. Mike figured it out better than most: the real win in life was not the score, it is the people in the stands and the ones walking alongside you. 

On Sunday, April 19th, Mike made his final trip around the bases. And if you know him, you know he refused to jog to home base. He came flying, legs pumping faster than they ever had. And he slid home safe, with a contagious smile, reunited with his parents, family, and friends who were waiting for him on the other side.

Life well played, Pops. You won, and because of you, we all won as well.

Mike is survived by his children Angela, Todd (Megan) and their children Gabriel and Finley, Jacqui (Zach) and their children Bostyn, Beckett, Berklei, and Bentyn, Danny (Megan) and their children Cameron, Collin, and Claira. He is survived by his siblings Pat, Mark, and Kris, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerry and Dale, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A service will be held on May 16 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Cut Bank. Dress code: Bobcat blue. No exceptions, Mike’s rules.

Memorials may be made in Mike’s honor to a local officiating or refereeing fund, or to the Montana State University Alumni Foundation for a commemorative brick in Bobcat Plaza.

Dad, 

Thank you for showing up every single time.

For loving us loud, proud, and without limits.

For teaching us how to live, how to laugh, and how to be somebody’s biggest fan.

We are so damn proud to be yours.

And always…

Go Cats.