It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Michael F. McLaughlin on June 7, 2026 at home, a place he much loved with his wife Kim by his side.

Michael Francis McLaughlin was a proud Montana native and lifelong Butte resident whose life was defined by hard work, athletic excellence, unwavering determination, and a deep love for family, friends, and the Mining City he proudly called home.

Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband to his wife and adventure partner, Kim. Married for 33 years, Mike and Kim shared a deep and meaningful marriage built on unwavering love, friendship, and countless adventures together. Through life's joys and challenges, their bond remained strong, and their love for one another was evident to all who knew them.

Mike was also a dedicated father to his children, Michael "Mikey" McLaughlin, Maurie McLaughlin, and stepchildren Lacie and Brandon. He took great pride in being a father and treasured the time spent with his family. Mike coached Mikey's baseball teams, sharing his love of the game and teaching lessons that extended far beyond the ballfield. It would be hard-pressed to find a child who grew up in Butte during the late 1980s and 1990s whom Mike hadn't coached in some form or another.

Affectionately known on the sidelines as "Grandpa Colt," Mike was famous for holding post-game "Coach's Corner" sessions, where he recapped plays, celebrated successes, and encouraged improvement. In later years, Mike and Mikey enjoyed many rounds of golf together, creating memories they both cherished. As time went on, Mike also found immense joy in coaching and attending the games and activities of his grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity—no matter the distance—to support them from the sidelines. They knew they could always count on a trip for doughnuts when Grandpa was driving.

His love for family was steady, active, and central to who he was.

Mike grew up in Butte's historic Corktown neighborhood, surrounding St. Mary's Catholic Church on North Main Street. He attended St. Mary's Grade School, graduating in 1964, and later graduated from Boys Central High School in 1967. Those early years helped shape the man who would become a respected craftsman, accomplished athlete, mentor, and lifelong ambassador for the Mining City.

As one of the older boys in the neighborhood, Mike naturally took younger kids under his wing. Whether on a baseball field or a neighborhood lot, he patiently taught others how to bat, catch, throw, and compete. A devoted New York Yankees fan, he could recite the roster by heart and admired legends such as Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Roger Maris. Even as a young boy, his passion for sports and competition was evident.

As he grew older, Mike's athletic talents extended far beyond baseball. Those who knew him best witnessed his remarkable abilities across numerous sports. While he amassed many accomplishments throughout his life, some of his proudest moments came on the handball court. Alongside his brothers, Rick and Terry, Mike captured multiple Montana State Handball Championships—achievements he cherished throughout his life. He also became known for his legendary "fly-kill" shot, a move that left competitors shaking their heads and spectators smiling.

Mike was also an avid bowler and achieved the rare feat of rolling a perfect 300 game, an accomplishment few bowlers ever attain. Yet, above all else, Mike will forever be remembered as the home run king of softball.

His skilled hands helped restore the historic stone walls along Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. He contributed to numerous projects throughout the Big Sky Resort community and on the campus of Montana State University. He even participated in the construction of a private retreat along the Dearborn River for a prominent technology entrepreneur. Closer to home, Mike's work can be seen on some of Butte's most treasured landmarks, including the Granite Mountain Memorial overlooking the city, the Our Lady of the Rockies Visitor Center, and numerous buildings on the Montana Tech campus, including the HPER Complex.

Though his work took him to remarkable places, Mike never considered leaving Butte. He loved his hometown and the people who called it home. He found joy in the simple treasures of Southwest Montana, like casting a line into a favorite fishing hole, hunting in the mountains, being part of the annual St. Paddy's Day Parade as one of Butte's legendary "Coconut Girls," Super Bowl pull-tabs, golfing with friends, and sharing stories with those he loved. Mike had a special love for fly fishing and was proud to pass that knowledge on to his daughter, Maurie. Together, Mike, Mikey, and Maurie spent countless hours pursuing the elusive fish Mike affectionately called "Louie the Lunker." Mike also had a deep love for dogs and was the proud "dog dad" to many lucky companions throughout the years. They could often be spotted riding in the back of "Black Beauty" as Mike made his way around Butte.

Mike lived by a philosophy that perfectly reflected the way he approached life:

"Winners never quit; quitters never win."

He gave everything he had to every endeavor—whether at work, in competition, or with family and friends. He never took shortcuts, never backed down, and never left anything unfinished. He gave 100 percent, left nothing on the field, and held nothing back.

There are countless stories that could be told about Mike McLaughlin, because he was larger than life to so many who knew him. He leaves behind not only buildings crafted by his hands and championships earned through determination, but also a legacy of grit, loyalty, generosity, and pride in his hometown.

Mike was, in every sense of the word, a winner.

As Mike would surely appreciate, perhaps no words capture his journey better than his favorite quote:

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, 'Holy Shit… What a ride!'"

And what a ride it was…

He is preceded in death by:His parents, Michael "Mick" T. McLaughlin and Dolores McLaughlin;his daughter, Maurie McLaughlin; his first wife, Margaret (O'Keefe) Hirschy; his nephew, Mark McLaughlin; and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by:his wife, Kim McLaughlin; his son, Michael "Mikey" R. McLaughlin (Misty), granddaughter Sidney;his stepchildren, Brandon Whitaker (Katie), grandchildren Sidney, Sara, and Shea, and Lacie Willard, grandchildren Audrey, Rio, and Reid; his brothers, Rick (Raelene) McLaughlin and Terry (Connie) McLaughlin; as well as countless beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lona and Ed Mihelich, and Bets Johnson.

Funeral Mass will be held at St Patrick's church in Butte, Montana on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.