Morrie Shechtman, 84

Morrie Shechtman died in Kalispell on July 14, 2026 — his 84th birthday — surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Arleah and two sons, David and Charlie; his grandchildren, Ava and Aden; as well as his siblings, Barry and Renee.

Morrie was born to Charles and Sylvia Shechtman on July 14, 1942, in Chicago. He graduated from Evanston Township High School, the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois — Chicago.

Morrie was a lifelong learner who valued international travel, cultural exchanges and spirited debates. His incessant curiosity and passion for adventure shaped his children’s lives. He was known to his friends, colleagues and neighbors as one of the most interesting people they had ever met.

Morrie’s professional career mirrored the times in many ways. He embraced a libertarian belief system, grounded in personal-growth values, that guided his work from university professor to therapist to consultant and author. One of his most powerful contributions to the world was his successful first book, "Working Without a Net: How to Survive and Thrive in Today’s High Risk Business World," which was acclaimed as a must-read by the U.S. Speaker of the House in 1995. The success of this book catapulted Morrie’s impact to global thought leader. He was a man of ideas, and his ideas changed lives. Morrie went on to advise government and business leaders around the world. His books and ideas continue to influence contemporary leaders, and will do so long into the future.

Morrie loved his family, his work and nature. His libertarian convictions were borne from a passionate commitment to keep nature and people wild. In lieu of flowers, please donate to wildmontana.org. This act will keep alive the commitment he made to preserving nature in its truest form. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.