George Colgan Jr.

George “Barlow” Henry Colgan Jr., 98, died May 10, 2021, in Poplar.

He was born Feb. 26, 1923, to George and Alma (Zeige) Colgan. He was one of four siblings. He attended Arthur School and then graduated from Poplar High School in 1943.

He was destined to marry Della since she had proclaimed at the age of 10 she was going to marry him someday. That day came on June 20, 1950, when they were united in marriage. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage before Della’s death in July 2017. From this marriage, they had four children: Mikey, Tom, Doug and Joanne. After Jackie, Judy and Connie’s mother’s death, he and Della became a second mother and father to them.

Shortly after high school, he joined the Army and served as a medic in World War II in the Philippines and Korea. Years later, he and Della took a trip around the U.S. to go visit his old Army buddies. It was some of the most enjoyable trips they took and a visit down memory lane for him.

Once they married, their first few years were spent on the north side of the river where he ran the ferry. They then moved to the south side where the couple started their love for ranching. They were blessed to raise their four children in the lifestyle that they loved so much.

He was the go-to guy with not just family history, but also the community history. His memory was top notch. He could tell you if it was hot or cold on a branding day 40 years ago. He lived a full, wonderful and adventurous life that he was able to share with family and friends.

In the spring 2018, he was moved to the nursing home in Poplar.

He is survived by his three children, daughters, Mikey Rauschendorfer and Joanne Clark, and son, Tom Colgan; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Della; son, Doug Colgan; brothers, Patrick and Vincent Colgan; and sister, Kathryn Ferdette.

Graveside services were held Monday, May 17, at the Colgan Family Pen and Key Cemetery, south of Poplar.