Peter Tyanich, Beloved father and grandfather passed away Friday, May 29th, 7 months to the day that he lost his wife and soulmate of 68 years. Peter was born September 8, 1928 to Milica and Gligor Tyanich at the family farm east of Helena. His parents emigrated from Montenegro in 1911, raising their family of 10 children first in Butte and then in Helena. Pete attended East Helena and Helena schools and joined the Army immediately after graduating from high school. He trained at Fort Lewis and was sent to Japan where he served as part of the Occupation Army until December 1947, when he returned to Helena.
Peter made the military his career, serving as the US Property and Fiscal Officer for the Montana National Guard and Air Guard, retiring as an Army Colonel in 1982. He thoroughly enjoyed the many friends and associates he had during his 33-year military career. Although he appreciated meeting and working with many generals and governors over the years, his favorite times were spent with his big, extended family and his life long friend, Spencer Russell. Pete specially enjoyed hunting and fishing and being at the family cabins near Lincoln. He referred to those times and that place as “magic”.
Peter played the guitar and used to sing and play with his brothers at family gatherings and parties. He was a golfer and belonged to and served on the board of the Green Meadow Country Club. Peter was also a third-degree Mason, and he was a participant with his family at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
The love of Pete’s life was his wife, Pat. He married Patricia Ann Wooten, October 20, 1951 in a service at his parent’s home. Pete was raised Serbian Orthodox, Pat was raised Mormon, they were married by an Episcopalian priest and raised their family Lutheran. They had two daughters, Nancy Tyanich of the family home in Helena, and Leslie (John) Moran of Missoula. Pat passed on October 29, 2019, after a difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease, and this shattered Pete’s heart. He struggled on as long as he could but finally just wore out. His daughters survive him, as well as grandchildren Megan, Molly and Peter and many dearly loved nieces and nephews and families.
Peter’s passing was the end of an era, as he was the youngest and last of his big loving Serbian family to leave. Preceding him in death were his parents and his siblings and their spouses; Vee and Howard Walden, Ange and Tom Miskovich, Helena and Al Milholland, Rod and Marge Tyanich, Mary and Bob Olson, Jo and Mike Kovich, Zorka and Max DaSilva and Dan and Alice Tyanich, as well as a series of Siamese cats named “Vuk”.
Peter lived life big. Everything he did and felt and said was big. His laugh was big and he always lived life at full throttle. He was deeply loved and the hole he leaves in our hearts is big, too.
Private family services are planned. A public graveside service for Peter and his wife Patricia with military honors will be held on June 11, 2020, at 3 p.m., at Forestvale cemetery in Helena. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Helena Food Share or a donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Janet Nick says
My deepest sympathies at the loss of Pete. He and Pat were always so kind.
Janet Nick (Monte Nick’s widow)
Susan Doran says
Sending my sincere sympathies to my dear friend Leslie and her sister Nancy on the passing of their beloved dad, Pete. I remember your dad fondly, he was an extremely caring and kind man and he will be missed. I am keeping you and your families in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your dad provide you with peace, strength and comfort… God Bless.
Susan (Keim) Doran 🙏❤️😔
Nancy Tyanich says
I miss you Dad. 😘😪
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Pete was a good friend and we served together many years together in the Montana National Guard 🙏🙏🙏
Janet Andrew says
You did a beautiful job of honoring your dad 💕
Norma Walden says
I have many fond memories of Uncle Pete. I’ll especially remember his humor, keen intelligence, extensive knowledge of the world and military policy. His friendly greetings. Entertaining stories he told. And his strong loyalty to the large Tyanich family.
Laura Beery (Lightfoot) says
Dearest family, The Tyanich legacy is one that everyone can be proud of. I remember “Uncle Pete” and I’m sorry to hear of his passing. Know that you both are in our prayers. May God give you comfort at this time.
Stephanie Munk says
Leslie and Nancy
My sincerest condolences to you and all your families. Your Father and Mother were a handsome couple!
Always with great big smiles!
Marilyn Keim Yong says
With my Sincere Condolences to Pete Tyanich, and all his Loving Family. I grew up in the neighborhood and always remember Pete outside all the time in the Summertime, mowing his lawn and maintaining it & his house to Perfection, & Pat always giving him a helping hand! They were the most Kind & Generous neighbors! It was very Memorable & nice seeing them in 1981, when they came to my Wedding Reception Party, that my parents gave me! My sincere sadness to you Leslie and Nancy. You both wrote a very loving tribute to your Dad. May all your Loving memories you have with your Dad, help you ease your pain. I remember when we were growing up the good time I had in your basement singing Folk songs with all of us & my Cousin Laurie Keim!
My Sincere Sympathy, Love ❤️ and Hugs,
Channing Marilyn Yong and Family
Becky Nichols says
My heartfelt condolences to my sweet friend and longtime ally neighbors during this time of sorrow. Nancy and Leslie I know there is nothing I can say that will make your loss easier but know that I am sending you my love and support. Your dad was a such wonderful and funny person and your mom was the sweetest person I ever met. So many fond memories, your parents were so good to me and i so enjoyed coming over to your home and mostly I developed the most amazing lifelong friendship with you Nancy! I may be miles away but I am only a phone call away, I am here for you and I will always be here for you! God bless you both and you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you find strength and peace in the coming days. The love and memories of your mom and dad will live within you forever.
Nancy Tyanich says
I love you so very much Dad. I enjoyed your company.
Noelle Hathaway says
Awww Nancy and Leslie I’m so sorry for your loss! I absolutely loved both of your parents and I am a better person for knowing them BOTH. I loved loved sitting in the living room of your home listening to them tell me stories about their travels and about your upbringing! They loved you each so so much. I am so lucky to have known them. I loved Peter’s stories and wish that I would have jotted them down. He had an undying love for Pat and for each of you girls. I really love the both of you, Leslie and Nancy! I’m so glad they’re forever together again with all the previous Vooks (Mooks) it was really my pleasure to witness them together.
All of my love and support to each of you and let me know if you need anything!
Noelle Hathaway
Nelson 'Jerry' Weller says
Nelson ‘Jerry’ Weller Says
I met Peter via my friendship with Spencer Russell in the early 1960,s. Great memories
Mary Cleveland says
I can’t share a memory of Pete without including Pat. After so many years together the two became truly one. In the short time that I knew them they truly enriched my life, always made me feel welcome and a part of the family, and especially what was touching was their love for one another. I am so very thankful to have shared time on this Earth with them. My love and prayers and fold all of the family for peace and healing.
Jo (Milholland) Hotchkiss says
When our family visited Uncle Pete and Aunt Pat , it was always in conjunction with visiting my grandparents since they lived next door to each other for all my “growing up”years.
Uncle Pete was my mother’s youngest brother and in my sight he was tall, handsome, and especially important looking in his uniform. He had the biggest smile. 😊
Leslie and Nancy, you were very blessed to have such wonderful parents. Love you both and know that God will comfort you in your time of loss.