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Timothy Breen McHugh, 61

Timothy Breen McHugh, 61, of Missoula, Mont., passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, May 26, 2017. Tim was born in Helena, Mont., but was raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after moving there at the age of 1. Tim’s Montana roots ran deep and he returned to attend Carroll College and play football for the Fighting Saints, and after that to coach and teach at the high school level in Montana for the rest of his life. Tim went on to obtain his master’s in mathematics from Montana State University.

Tim loved competing in sports. After being named all-league on the offensive and defensive line while playing football for the Coeur d’Alene Vikings, he was inducted into the Coeur d’Alene High School Hall of Fame. In 1974, he went on to play for Carroll College as a center, starting his sophomore through senior years. During his time at Carroll College, Tim pulled double duty at the family dairy — the Clover Leaf Dairy. As a result of this, he earned the nickname of Buttermilk and has been referred to as such by his college teammates and various acquaintances he met along the way.

After graduating from Carroll College, Tim started his teaching and coaching career in Townsend, where he taught math and was the Townsend High School head coach for four years. In 1982, he moved to Missoula, where he began his legacy teaching mathematics and coaching football at Big Sky High School.

Shortly after moving to Missoula, Tim met and began dating the love of his life, Ginni, and they were married May 10, 1986. Tim and Ginni were devoted to each other and were an example to their boys, extended family and friends of how a loving marriage works.

Tim was an active father, having coached both of his boys in many sports, including baseball, AAU basketball, YMCA soccer and football. When they were not teaching, Tim and Ginni could be found at their cabin at Seeley Lake with the boys and anyone else who could join in the fun. While at the Lake, Tim loved to go for a daily swim, get up as early as possible to get the best water for a ski, and explore the surrounding mountains on his mountain bike.

Tim has also been described as having made a lasting impact on students and staff at Big Sky High School. Former fellow Big Sky math teacher Marti Leibenguth said, “Tim is the most hard working, dedicated, and caring teacher and colleague. I am honored to call him both my colleague and my friend.”

Although greatly admired by his colleagues, Tim McHugh’s presence at Big Sky has left the greatest impression on his thousands of students. As a teacher, Tim was known for his dedication to the students, as well as his positive demeanor and good humor. He was honored by his students in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”

Tim is survived by Ginni and their two sons, Matt (Sarah) of Portland, Ore., and Kevin of Denver, Colo.

Tim is also survived by his mother, Mary Ann McHugh (Coeur d’Alene via Choteau). Tim’s father, John McHugh, originally from Helena, passed away in 2016. He is also survived by his siblings, Barry (Teresa) of Coeur d’Alene, Maureen Leo of Helena, Terry (Laura) of Post Falls, Idaho, Julie of Coeur d’Alene, and Carolyn Jefferson (David) of Boyds, Md. Tim was the self-proclaimed “favorite uncle” to his 12 McHugh family nephews and nieces, a title no one disputed.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at the University Center Ballroom (third floor) in Missoula. A reception with refreshments will follow.