Gary D. Bishop

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 Tennessee.

Born February 18, 1948, to Richard and Helmi (Mattila) Bishop, Gary grew up in L’Anse alongside six siblings. From an early age he loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours working alongside his brother Ronnie, building bicycles for themselves and their sisters. After high school, his passion for horses and a friendship with Tim McIntyre led him to Colleen McIntyre. Despite her brothers’ good-natured warnings, Gary won her heart, and they married on August 27, 1971. Their marriage became a lifelong partnership rooted in love, family, and shared hard work.

Gary began his career in the produce department at Fraki’s Store in L’Anse. Determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, he trained as an electrician at Coyne Institute in Chicago while raising two young children. He returned home to work at Bianco Plumbing and Heating, earned his Master Electrical Contractor license, and later added plumbing and HVAC credentials. In 1984 he opened Bishop Electric, proudly serving the community for more than twenty years. He also briefly delivered mail for the United States Postal Service. In 2004, Gary and Colleen moved to Sweetwater, Tennessee, where they built a home on land they had purchased years earlier. Gary later worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory wiring high-tech computer systems before entering full retirement.

He passed on his love of horses to his daughter Heather and spent many joyful summers traveling with her to horse shows as chauffeur, groom, and proud supporter. During northern winters he coached hockey and traveled with his sons Timothy and Jason, often packing more children into the car than there were seats. In later years he delighted in sharing stories, lessons, and laughter with his grandchildren. Known for his strong work ethic and early mornings, Gary remained concerned for his family’s well-being until the very end. Even after Alzheimer’s entered his life, his spirit stayed strong, supported always by Colleen’s devoted care.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James and Ronald Bishop, sisters Judy (Bishop) Reed and Rita (Bishop) Mukka, niece Katherine Nankervis, and son-in-law Rick Henderson. He is survived by his wife Colleen (McIntyre) Bishop; sisters Patricia (Chuckie) Nankervis and Elizabeth (Babe) McDermott; son Timothy (Caren) Bishop and his children Kayla, Amanda, Danielle, Cassandra, Brandon, Jeremy, Erin, and Corrine; daughter Heather (Bishop) Henderson and her sons Jarren, Seth, Riley, and Caleb; son Jason (Hannah) Bishop and his children Justin, Jordan, Alyssa, Zachary, Katelyn, and Luke; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He will be remembered for his dedication to family, tireless work ethic, willingness to help others, and the love he shared so freely.