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Rick Clemes (Williston, ND)
Aug 30, 2016

Padre, rest in peace. Enjoyed many good rounds of golf and laughs with you. Hope you are shooting below par up in Heaven!

Brian and Coral DeShaw (Fresno, Texas)
Aug 30, 2016

Blessed Father Shinnick, rest in peace. Home with the Father. You will be truly missed.

Chuck and Pat
Aug 30, 2016

Well done good and faithful servant.....
We will miss this great man!

Crystal Stai (Fairview)
Aug 30, 2016

Father Ned will be missed by all. He touched so many lives in his lifetime. My deepest sympathy and prayers go to his family.

Kim & Buck Syth (Twin Falls, ID)
Aug 30, 2016

To all the family and friends of Father Ned - he was one in a million and is going to be so missed by all of us. We have to be strong and know he is no longer in pain and is having a joyful reunion with all who have went before him, especially his dog Cain. Let's hold tight to all the good memories of Father Ned - RIP Father Ned you orangutan!! God's Blessings - Kim & Buck

Jacki Poland (Lambert, Montana)
Aug 31, 2016

Father Shinnick, they must have needed someone special for a mighty important card game. I feel sooooo Blessed that I got to know you. You will be SOOOOOO missed. R.I.P. Father.

Sharon Olson
Aug 31, 2016

Farther Ned, I am going to be so lost without you. Not only were you my priest since I was a teenager, but in the last two years you were so much more, like you would say, "I don't know what I would have done with out you!" It was so mutual, God put us together to help each other through so much!!! Hoe odd......"The odd couple.....The Saint and The Sinner" I will be so lost without you my little buddy!! Love you Always, so Happy that you are Home where you are able to be free & fly with all the Angles & be with the Lord!! Love ya, buddy

Betty Trudell (Fairview, MT)
Aug 31, 2016

Rest in Peace, My friend. I miss you. Love, Betty

Jeff, Jackie, Hayden & Reilly Miller (Savage)
Aug 31, 2016

Words cannot express the influence this man has had on our lives and on our children lives. He has been a role model for our Catholic faith and for giving back to the community. He will be dearly missed in our community and in our church. God Bless You Father Ned.

Theresa Sobolik (Kalispell, Montana)
Aug 31, 2016

WOW. What a man!!!! Father Ned confirmed me. He also bucked the system when he made my sister and I the first alter girls in the state of Montana. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena told him no female alter girls. He was always there from childhood to adult. He gave my father peace in his last months of life. Heaven sure just got a lot brighter.

Gerard (Denneny)
Aug 31, 2016

Me and Fr Ned on my visit for his 80th Birthday

As his nephew , it is truly heartwarming to see the wonderful comments written here from those people whom Fr Ned's life had such a positive impact... I once had the pleasure to visit him in his beloved Savage Montana on the occasion of his 80th birthday and the celebration that he had then was a testament to the friends he had made through a lifetime's work in the community . We are all very sad to hear of his passing but very proud of his life's work and much encouraged by the wonderful comments made here which we will also share with his only surviving sister Brid who lives in Cork , Ireland and who was recently in Montana to visit him. Fr Ned Shinnick ...Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam ( Gaelic for God rest his soul )

Sue Schmitz Holt (Billings, Montana)
Aug 31, 2016

God bless you, Fr Ned. You stood by our family through all the ups and downs, never judging, always displaying the love of God. You are enjoying the love of the Father and the Son, teasing and joking with all your dear friends who have gone before. Ed's going to miss telling you stories of Notre Dame, and talking golf with you. You will be sorely missed.

Jim & Sandi Miller (Sidney, Mt)
Aug 31, 2016

To all of Ned's family which would be everyone that I know and then some all over the world I'm sure!! Fr. Ned has been a friend of our family sense I can remember!! He was a big Icon in the town of Sidney and surrounding areas. He will be deeply missed and Jim and I will never forget all the visits and conversations we had!!! The Ballyhooly sigh was from us and it meant alot to us to be able to add something special to his home. Cleaning his home was a breeze especially if you had him around to listen to a story or two!!! I could go on and on but send our prayers out to especially his family in Ireland . Peace and love to all!! Jim & Sandi Miller

Janet Martineau (Sidney, Montana)
Aug 31, 2016

Once a sinner, me, stepped back from the church but coming to my senses, went to Fr. Ned and said," I am homesick and want to come home," He spoke the kindest words, "Welcome back to the table of the Lord." What a blessing Fr. Ned was to our community all these years.

Margaret Bradley (Sidney, Montana)
Aug 31, 2016

Fr Ned was always so special to all of us. His pet name for me was "Maggie Magee from the Banks of the Leagh" ( a river in Ireland) not sure of the spelling but made me feel special anyway. He was always checking on "Gordy" also. Rest in peace Fr Ned & don't be to hard on dear "Ole" Mrs. Shinnick. When you're playing pinochle.

Maria Hodge (Crane, MT)
Aug 31, 2016

Father Ned i will miss your kindness your smile and your Irish accent .Thank You for all the years

Steve and Holly O'Toole (Sidney, MT)
Aug 31, 2016

Father Ned will be dearly missed. What an amazing role model he was for everyone. He was always kind and generous to everyone he came into contact. Prayers for all his family and many friends.

Owen Denneny (Dublin, Ireland)
Sep 1, 2016

As a child growing up in Ireland and being fascinated with the wild west and cowboys, my Uncle Eddie's life in America captivated me. His trips home and to our house were always so special and full of wonder and humour for me. And I'll always remember the Mass he said in our front room. He made religion more real and close for me and put a light touch on all the pomp that goes with Catholicism! I'd the pleasure of driving out to Sidney, Montana from San Francisco to meet him and see his beautiful home and his lovely friends. They all greated me with such warmth, it was a really special trip for me. With great sadness but with great admiration for a life so well lived - rest in peace Uncle Eddie.

Jeri Swenson Stone (Sidney, MT)
Sep 1, 2016

We congregationalists have truly lost a special friend. Father Ned brought sunshine into the lives of us all. We were all "one" in his sight. It is comforting to know he will be still be watching over us in heaven surrounded by all he loved and all who loved him.
Thank you for shining on us. The George Swenson Family and All your friends at Peoples Congregational Church

Eileen Craven Kjorstad (New Brighton, MN)
Sep 1, 2016

Well done o good and faithful servant. You were a blessing, and an Irish one at that, to our O'Connor family in eastern MT. You blessed us in so many ways. God speed......

kristy l ranch (sidney, mt)
Sep 1, 2016

i am sorry hear about father ned he will be miss
he was very nice to everybody kr and theresa ranch

Anita (Schmitz) Keller (Glendive, Montana)
Sep 1, 2016

Father Ned, you will be greatly missed as so many have already said. He knew me and my family since I was a little girl. A long time ago. He not only was an icon just in the Catholic Church and the community, he was an icon in the Sidney Hospital. When my Uncle Fred was at a point needing the last prayer/blessing, Fr. Ned came to Sidney Hospital in a wheelchair for Uncle Fred. That was so veeerrryyy special for Uncle Fred and myself. He was a special blessing and will be for a loooong time.

Jeanne Saarinen (Helena, MT)
Sep 1, 2016

2009 Rome Italy

aaaawwww Fr. Shinnick. You were the best priest ever. This pic is from a two-week Italy trip in 2009...we're taking a rest while touring the Colosseum. As we gathered at the airport with all our luggage Fr. Ned showed up with a suitcase not much larger than a briefcase. He was larger than life in the ways that count. Thank you for being our priest! May the choir of angels greet you home.

Shelly Campbell (Shepherd, Mt)
Sep 2, 2016

I would bet there was quite a procession line waiting for Father Ned to arrive!! The picture posted was truly wonderful. Oh, how he loved that lil' dog!! He would just chuckle. RIP my very kind sir. You are already missed by so many...

Mike Kaine (Prescott, AZ)
Sep 2, 2016

Rest in Peace Father Shinnick. My Mother Monica Rehbein held you in high esteem, and valued your friendship.

Mark & Julie Brodhead (Sidney, MT)
Sep 2, 2016

How can we say enough about this God Man! Being a Lutheran and being married at St Matthews Father Ned forgot my name during the service. He would call me the Orangutan for many years. Then I became Marky Baby but the latest was Marcus of Aurelius. He could call me whatever he wanted I was just proud to call him Friend. In a conversation I had with him about Cum Christo He had used the phrase "In Persona Christi" (in the person of Christ) referring to the Priest. Fr Ned performed that role everyday of his life and right till the end. I listened to him speak on his favorite verse "The Prodigal Son" many times and realized how complex and simple that story can be. I believe that there were very few introductions that needed to be made in Heaven a few days ago...the angels were singing "Welcome Home Father Ned" We Love and miss you Father Ned. Mark, Julie, Molly, Abby & Ben

sandi angel (sidney, montana)
Sep 2, 2016

The gift brought back from Ireland given at the Baker Boy in Sidney.

It's hard to put into words just how I felt when I heard the news of Fr. Ned's passing. Of course I cried and cried. He was one of my dearest and closest friends and we shared so many wonderful times together--coffee at the Baker Boy which turned into coffee at Reynolds, lunches wherever (and once I felt like I was sitting with the Pope with people asking for prayer requests) and visits on the phone many times a week. He gave me great counsel and advise through our many years as friends. You will be SOOOOO missed my dear friend and now you can pour your blarney over every one in Heaven!!!! He brought me a little pitcher from Ireland once and told me to do just that. Prayers to Brid, Mary, John & Mary.

Vern & RaeDeen Weinberger (Casa Grande, AZ)
Sep 2, 2016

Fr. Ned was the first and last priest to leave a lasting impression on us. He was truly a man of God. He came to Glendive to do Vern's Dad's funeral even tho it was not his parish and made the whole service so personal. Our boys served as altar boys under him and he definitely left his mark on them. We love you Fr. Ned and will hold dear our memories of you. Vern & RaeDeen

Jessica Gonzalez (Sidney , Montana )
Sep 3, 2016

Father Ned, aka "trouble" I know I haven't known you that long but I think you are an amazing person with a good heart and a wonderful sense of humor! I bet you are in heaven making all the angels and JESUS laugh, you will be missed by everyone and i wish I could have had more time with you and I know everyone feels the same, you are gone way too soon, im glad you aren't in pain anymore, goodbye father Ned it was a pleasure getting to know you even though it was for a short amount of time you did touch my heart, I'm truly blessed to know you.
Love always Jessica Gonzalez
Til we meet again my friend

Barb Olson (Monticello, MN)
Sep 3, 2016

Rest in peace my dear Fr. Ned. You were my priest, my boss, but most importantly, my friend. Thank you for your ministry to all in Northeastern Montana. I'll always remember you accusing me of giving you the evil eye...but you knew it was really an affectionate look! May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Barb

Luella Leland (Sidney, MT)
Sep 3, 2016

What a blessing, Ned was to so many, many people! He made everyone feel as if they were his best and most important friend. He's touched my life since 1959; he was a gift and a true, down-to-earth servant of God. Rest in Peace, Ned. See you later.

John & Elaine (Asbeck) Whitman (Billings, Montana)
Sep 3, 2016

Father Ned & Nelda Asbeck

After visiting "ALL" of the patients at the hospital, Fr. Ned would often stop by my mother's (Nelda Asbeck) house for coffee & a couple of her home-baked cookies. What a special gift to eastern Montana that God brought Fr. Ned as a missionary to us 60 years ago. Not only was he very competitive athletically, he also loved to spar over politics, and he and John had many lively debates over breakfast. A million thanks to his family for sharing him with us, and heartfelt condolences to them as we all process the loss of this beautiful life.

Harry W Child (Cameron Park, California)
Sep 3, 2016

My heart is broken. I have lost one of my best friends - a friendship that started 50 years ago. My wife Patsy and I went to Ireland with Eddie in 1996 - stayed at the Shinnick family farm and met all the family and loved them all. When we were there Ned said he had never been back to his high school or seminary which was a mistake. We went to both and he loved it. After I kissed the balarney stone I said your turn. He looked at me and said I never have and never will. Rest in peace my dear friend. I love you. Harry

Mary Anne Mercer (Seattle, Washington)
Sep 3, 2016

You were there for so many of our family's joys and sorrows, Father Ned. We will miss your smiling face and just knowing you were there for us when we needed you.

Ed Shinnick (Cork, Ireland)
Sep 5, 2016

Many fond memories of Uncle Eddie and his visits to Cork going back many years. From those long car journeys to Croke Park to see Cork take part in the All Ireland final with my late father Pat, to Thurles for Munster Final days and more recently the occasional game of golf. Ned will always be remembered for his constant good humour and his many jokes. He shared with us many stories about his time in Montana and the countless friends he made over there. I had the pleasure of visiting him in Sydney with my wife and eldest daughter back in 2002, and it was obvious to us then how many wonderful friends he had there. May he rest in peace.

Michael Shinnick (Stillorgan, Dublin)
Sep 6, 2016

Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my very dear and larger than life Uncle Eddie. You were amazing company to be around and I am sure heaven is a greater (and more jovial) place since your arrival.

From an early age when you came back to Cork from Montana I always remember your big personality and you brightened every room you walked into. You were great for keeping in touch and we loved every minute of your company. You also made our wedding day very special back in 2001.

Thank you for all the fantastic memories. Until we meet again. Lots of love from all the Shinnicks in Douglas, Cork.

Ar dheas Dé go raibh a anam. (May his soul be on God's right hand)

Michael Shinnick (Stillorgan, Dublin)
Sep 6, 2016

Heartbroken at the news of the passing of my dear Uncle Eddie. He was always a larger than life character and he will be sorely missed here in Ireland and by his wonderful friends in Montana. It is great to read all the loving words from his friends in his adopted home of Montana. It was a special place for him.
We always loved when Eddie would come home. He was so jovial, such great company and he brightened every room he walked into. We would catch up on all things family, play golf and hopefully catch a Cork Hurling match in Thurles. You were a great role model and an inspiration the way you left these shores as a very young man and made a great life with great friends 4,500 away in Montana.
You also made our wedding day so special in 2001 and we are so grateful.
Rest in Peace Uncle Eddie. From all the Shinnicks in Douglas, Cork, Ireland.

John Jensen (Colorado Springs, CO)
Sep 6, 2016

I remember him so well, and fondly, when he arrived in Sidney. Must have been his altar boy about 500 times. When he first arrived, he was so straight laced and by-the-book. What a metamorphosis he went through, and what a marvelous human being. He will brighten the Irish and Montanan corners of heaven. John Jensen

Paula Jensen (Post Falls, Idaho)
Sep 6, 2016

"The Heavens" are welcoming a Spiritual Guide and Healer who reached beyond religion with his acceptance of others. Those of us who knew him are feeling a hole in our hearts with his passing! The impact he made in my own life on my spiritual journey was truly significant - spoiled me into thinking all priests were like him, which they weren't! He truly was "one of a kind!" He could joke with you, laugh with you, cry with you, while always listening to you without judging! Didn't matter what religion your were, he viewed you as a kindred soul, worthy of respect! I dearly loved the man! He will be missed!

Marilyn Cotter (Pinehurst, Idaho)
Sep 6, 2016

Rest in peace Father Ned

RaeLeigh Palmer (Billings, MT)
Sep 7, 2016

Fr. Ned, me, and Daddy-o on my first day as a Catholic

Oh, Father. Reading everyone's wonderful memories and stories just made me miss you more. It was so wonderful to enjoy my last service with you at Annie and Jared Edwards's wedding a couple years ago. I will always remember Annie texting me that there had been a bit of a panic that Father Jim would be out of the country, but no worries - he had found a sub! And what a sub you were! I am only sad you won't be at their 25th anniversary - as you told us, you would have only been 108!! It was a joy to grow up in your parish. We will miss you terribly here, but know you're only a whisper away. Give that Grandpa Gene of mine a squeeze for me. All my love.

Cecilia Martin (Peetz, C0)
Sep 7, 2016

HERE IS A MAN THAT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED.HE WAS THE BEST.HE RODE ON OUR FLOAT ON THE 4TH OF JULY IN LAMBERT 2 YEARS AGO,WE WERE THE SINGING NUNS,AND OF COURSE HIS DOG. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. SURE HEAVEN GOT PRETTY BUSY WHEN YOU ENTER. LOVE FROM KEVIN N CECILIA

Fr. Gregory Ned Blevins (Summerville (formerly of Scobey, Montana), South Carolina)
Sep 7, 2016

No priest could wish for more at his or her passing than such wonderful and many tributes from all those whose lives he has touched.

Go with God, Fr. Ned. May you rest in peace, and may the angels greet you and lead you into the heavenly Jerusalem.

Fr. Greg Blevins
Ecumenical and Social Concerns Representative
Antiochian Catholic Church in America, an independent Indo-Syriac Orthodox Church

Art & Marlene Frank (Billings, Mt)
Sep 7, 2016

Rest in Peace Father Ned. You're sense of humor and Irish accent will be deeply missed by many. You where a "one of a kind" person who left a memory with everyone that had ever met you.
Art & Marlene Frank

Catherine (
Sep 11, 2016

When Irish eyes are smiling...I will remember you this way. Go with God good and faithful servant. My mom was Father Ned's housekeeper for many years. She told me a story of the time she was at work. She took something out to the garage and noticed Ned's very dirty white car. She returned a short time later with a bucket of water and an old towel; soon the car was white again. Later on Ned left to visit the nursing home. He told mom later when he left he could not find his car for 20 minutes or so because he overlooked it for a dirty one. He laughed saying the joke was on him.

Toots Johnson McCollough
Sep 14, 2016

I recall my first encounter with Fr Ned. I was in the hospital having our first child. Fr stopped in to say hello and visit. He was so jovial but never introduced himself. After he left I asked the nurse, "Who was that guy? He acted like he knew me." LOL The nurse told me who he was and that he visited EVERYONE! Can you imagine?? Such a ray of sunshine for everyone! Then the day he was on jury duty. At recess he was telling a lady a story about a snake slithering into the church during service. The lady gasped and asked him, "What did you do?" Fr Ned's replied chuckling, "I baptized it, of course!"
And by my own observance-I always felt that the corner at Crane where Ballyhooly sat was protected by a special angel. Prior to his living there many car accidents (some fatal) happened on that corner. No fatalities since!!! RIP Father Shinnick. You were a blessing to the entire town.

Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home