Michael F. "Mike" Walsh died peacefully on Thursday night surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him.

Mike was born in Oakland, CA, to Mickey and Nora Walsh. They both preceded him in death.

When he turned twenty, Mike moved to Butte.

Mike married the love of his life Peggy Barbour, and they had many happy years together raising their family, first in Wise River and then in Butte.

Mike spent much of his adult life as a logger. While logging, he got hurt, so at a late age, Mike went back to school and earned a bachelor's degree in Technology and Business Development from Montana School of Mines. He was also an electrician on "the hill" and at Rhône Poulenc, and he spent years as the weekend photographer for The Montana Standard. In his retirement, he became a school bus driver for Head Start.

Mike was a hard worker and instilled his work ethic in his children.

Mike had many passions in his life; first and foremost was his family. Mike loved to ride and race motorcycles, and he shared that passion with his wife and children, as well as skiing, fishing, boating, floating, and photography. He also enjoyed working in his garage. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, words of wisdom, and his creative solutions.

Mike is survived by his wife Peggy and their children and spouses: Laura and John Uggetti, Dan and Janeen Walsh, Chris Walsh and Bob Cerise all of Butte, Mike and Chrisann Walsh of WI, and Jim and Emmy Walsh of AZ, his grandchildren Mario Uggetti, Cortney and Riley Walsh, Mike and Bob Fogerty, Charlie and Deja Axtell, Antoni Walsh, Crissi Cerise and Troy Wood all of Butte, Tony Cerise of Bozeman, Cherry and Tony Maher of CA, Michael and Dionisel Sims, and Wilbert Sims all of AZ. He's also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and his siblings and their families: Christine and Joe Cullen and Vince and Sherry Walsh of CA.

Relatives and friends are asked to join with the family from 10:00Am to 11:00AM Wednesday September 9 ^th in Holy Spirit Parish for visitations.   Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM.   Private placement of ashes will take place at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Highlands Hospice or the Butte Emergency Food Bank.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Barb and Melissa from Highlands Hospice, Josh Jeidi, and Mike's daughter Chris for their exceptional care; without them, he wouldn't have been able to spend his last days at home.