Michael Pawlisz

Michael Patrick Pawlisz, 53, of Great Falls, died on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Missouri River Manor as a result of an automobile accident in 1979.A funeral service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery.Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Michael graduated from CMR High School in 1976. He attended Eastern Montana College in Billings his freshman year. He earned the outstanding forensic student of the year at Eastern; Michael was the first freshman in 13 years to attain this award. Michael then transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula. His major was speech and he received many awards. Michaels hope was to become a lawyer. During the following summer, he came home to Great Falls and went to work for Mountain Bell. On June 28, 1979, at the age of 21, he was in a horrible car accident that left him a quadriplegic and unable to speak. He went to several rehabilitation centers before taking up residence at Missouri River Health Care.Michael loved to attend horse races with his mom and dad. He was so passionate about racing; the even bought a race horse.Survivors include his aunt, Beatrice Carver of Great Falls and numerous cousins.Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Pat Fargo and Blanche Pawlisz.