John "Jack" Fay, 84

John “Jack” Fay, age 84, of Ronan, passed away May 18, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He was born Jan. 19, 1942, in Helena to John “Jack” Fay Sr. and Elizabeth “Sis” Fay.

Jack graduated in 1960 from Ronan High School and then headed straight into the Navy for four years, spending a majority of that time in the Far East. After the Navy he returned to the Ronan area where he met the love of his life, Marge, and after a few years of courting they were married in May 1967.

They ran many businesses throughout their marriage including Jack becoming “The Garbage Man” for Lake County and owning a welding/fabrication shop in Ronan. After their children graduated from high school, a new adventure awaited them in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where Jack was a hydraulic engineer repairing fishing boats for 10 years until 1999.

Jack and Marge returned to Ronan where Jack started a handyman business that took a curve where he ended up being the only hot-tub technician in the valley.

During his life he was involved in many volunteer organizations to include coaching his son’s sports teams, officiating high school wrestling, Boy Scout leader, Ronan Volunteer fireman (serving as the “Chief” for many years), Boys and Girls Club of Ronan, the VFW, American Legion, and square dancing throughout Montana. He was also actively involved in his church and was known as the “Sourdough Master.” Any guesses on how many sourdough pancakes he cooked for Ronan and the surrounding areas?

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Marge, both of his parents, and his brothers Milo and George “Skip” Fay.

Jack is survived by his sons, Brent (Maxine) and John Jr. (Jeannine); and his grandsons, Tyler, Colby and Jordan.

A celebration of life is being planned for later this summer, and a date will be announced soon.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home. To leave a message or offer a condolence please visit shriderthompson.com.