Roll Call Tribute

Robert Mirich 

December 26, 1936 - November 7, 2025 

Robert was born December 26, 1936, in Butte, Montana to Novo and Vasie (Vucurovich) Mirich.

Robert married Rose Ann Pierce in February of 1965 and had two Sons, Robert, Jr. (Rob) and Kyle. He graduated Butte High School in 1955; received a biology and education degree from the University of Montana in 1959; an ME in education and chemistry from Texas A&M University in 1967.

His teaching career began in Sidney, Montana, 1959 to 1960. From there he taught in California for four years. He came back to Butte and married Rose Ann and they decided to remain in Butte. He taught East Junior High, West Junior High, and Butte High School 22 years. After retiring from the Butte School District he taught 6 years, Spring Semester, in Wisdom, Montana. His teaching also took him to Las Vegas Where he taught Science at Bishop Gorman High School.

Coinciding with teaching he coached football and basketball at East Junior High, West Junior High and Butte High School. A unique experience, both enlightening and enjoyable, he was assistant coach for Butte High's first girls' basketball team in 1972.

Robert had a seasonal job with U.S. Forest Service spanning 30 seasons, primarily working from Butte Ranger District on recreation and roads. His main responsibility was supervising youth crews and some adults.

Robert spent much of his free time golfing until the later years of his life. He enjoyed hiking, mountain biking and developed the hobby of sketching, which included writing and publishing 5 short books on Butte, related to schools, railroads, churches, Serb athletes, and uptown Butte Buildings. He followed and loved the Montana Grizzlies and Butte High School football and basketball. He also enjoyed Texas A&M and LA Rams.

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother-in-law, Gene Downey, special niece Julie Downey and in-laws, Harry and Rose Pierce, numerous Mirich and Vucurovich aunts, uncles and cousins. Surviving are his wife, Rose Ann, sons Rob and wife Jenny; Kyle and wife Heather; grandchildren, Nico, Pierce, Tristan, Melanie, Jaden and Ashley all of Las Vegas; sister, Margie Downey; nieces Leslie and Tommy Rosser; Margene and Steve Fisher; nephews Gary and Jovanka Kane; Troy and Lori Kane and sister-in-law, Ruby Backer.

Robert was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 54 year member of Butte Country Club, Butte High Golden B's, and Butte High Athletic Council.

A special thank you to everyone at Trek Hospice for their compassion and support. We couldn't have made this journey without you.

Visitation and funeral at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox church on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with evening services at 6:00 p.m. Funeral at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2025. 

Arrangements by Duggan Dolan Mortuary.