Former Lincoln Co. Sheriff Mike McMeekin dies at 74

Former Lincoln County Sheriff Michael McMeekin has died at the age of 74.

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office shared the news in a social media post last week, saying "Sheriff McMeekin had a heart for service and is described as being a “wonderful Sheriff.” He served with professionalism, integrity, and honor."

According to his obituary posted on www.gardencityfh.com, McMeekin died on Aug. 22 at The Living Center from complications following a stroke. He was under the care of hospice for declining health related to recent diagnosis including an autoimmune blood clotting disorder (Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a form of Parkinsonism and suspected result of toxic exposures during Vietnam.

McMeekin became a deputy in Lincoln County in May of 1972 and was appointed sheriff in July of 1975. He was elected in the general election for a two-year term and was the youngest sheriff in the state of Montana at the time.

He married Janice Marie Sullivan on Sept. 19, 1971, in Helena. They resided in Libby when they welcomed two daughters - Shannon Lynette in 1973 and Erin Colleen in 1974.

The family moved to Lolo in February of 1979, where he became a deputy sheriff for Missoula County. During his tenure, he worked on patrol, as a detective, reserve deputy coordinator, coroner, crisis negotiator, polygraph operator and training lieutenant. He spent decades as a guest instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

McMeekin served as sheriff in Missoula County from 2002-2010, making history once again for being elected sheriff in two different counties during his career.

McMeekin was born in Denver on Feb. 19, 1948, to Lois (Shriver) and Dale (Scotty) McMeekin. He attended school in Helena, Montana, graduating in 1965 from Helena High School. He spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a survival specialist, forward ops and special forces in Vietnam. After his service, he worked in the logging industry until a logging accident changed his path. He started his law enforcement career as a security officer at the Montana State Capitol, then the Montana Board of Crime Control.

When the new Missoula Detention center opened in 1999, McMeekin was the Detention Division Captain. He was selected to be the Undersheriff and appointed to finish the term of retiring Sheriff Doug Chase in 2000. Mike was elected Sheriff in the 2002 and 2006 elections, serving 10 years until his retirement in 2010.

Among his favorite pastimes outside of the regular duties of the Sheriff’s Office, Mike enjoyed working with the Deputy Reserves, Search and Rescue, and security for the betting windows at the Western Montana Fair horse races. He worked with the Forest Service during fire season, specializing in and publishing his evacuation protocol PopPro (Population Protection). He assisted in disaster efforts of all types, including support in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and the HazMat spill in Alberton.

McMeekin was preceded in death by his parents, Scotty and Lois McMeekin; infant brother David and sister Velma, “Rafter V.”

He is survived by his wife Jan at the family home in Lolo; daughter Shannon (Larry) White and their children Matt and Bre “Max” of Spokane, Washington; daughter Erin McMeekin in Lolo and her children Isaiah DeGarmo, Hannah (AJ) Miller of Spokane, and Ryan DeGarmo; sister Donna (Steve) Morgan in Belgrade, Montana, nephew Zade (Annabel) and their daughters Piper and Maeme; niece Abby (Wade) Schock and their children Wyatt, Walker and Winston; the extended Sullivan Clan and more friends than we could name.

The family would like to thank Missoula Medical Teams, Hospice of Missoula, The Living Center in Stevensville, and all those that cared for Mike. In lieu of flowers, they suggest donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Missoula County Search and Rescue, Reserve Deputies, Hospice or the organization of your choice.

A private family service will take place, followed by a Celebration of Life in Missoula - details to be determined.