Michael Pichette

Mike Pichette died September 24, 2011 after a brief illness. He was a dad, a golfer, and a public servant. He was a student of rocks, history, politics, Montana, music and words. When Mike told one of his funny stories, he bobbed back and forth laughing with his whole body. Naturally, he laughed hardest and earliest at his own jokes.

Because of his passion for public policy and the political process, Mike spent a lifetime teaching others about government. He was an advisor at Boys State and Youth in Government and he made his career in politics. He worked closely with Governor Schwinden and many members of Congress and was only a few months away from his retirement as Director of Government Relations for NorthWestern Energy.
Mike lived life to the fullest; he enjoyed traveling and exploring all Montana has to offer. He fondly remembered his early involvement with the creation of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, and his last hike into the edge of that country was this summer with family and friends.

Mike was born to Betty and Charles Pichette on September 13, 1945 in Great Falls. He grew up there and spent summers with his mother and brother David at Flathead Lake. He is survived by a family who loved him: Alicia, daughters Anne and Claire, son-in-law John Dendy, brother David, and sister-in-law Toni Cross. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Blythe.
There will be a celebration of Mike’s life at Jorgenson’s on Thursday, September 29. The family will begin receiving guests at 4:30 p.m. and friends will share memories of Mike beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Mike was a Key Club International Trustee and continued his service work in Kiwanis throughout his life. A Key Club Service Scholarship has been established in his memory to benefit students dedicated to service. Contributions may be made to the Mike Pichette Scholarship Fund c/o Valley Bank P.O. Box 5269, Helena, MT 59604. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.