Timothy Edward Strachota, 54

Timothy Edward Strachota, 54, passed away unexpectedly in Bigfork on April 13, 2016.

The youngest of four children, Tim was born in 1962 in Torrance, California, to Edward and Marilyn Strachota. The following year the family moved to Littleton, Colorado, following his father’s aerospace industry career. Over the years Tim and the family moved several times: to Crystal Lake, Illinois, to Big Sky, Montana, and eventually to Loveland, Colorado, where Tim graduated high school. While Tim was in Big Sky, he started skiing in the local school ski program, transitioned into a competitive skier, ending up skiing with and later becoming a coach for the Colorado State University ski team. Also while in Big Sky, Tim got the golf bug, becoming an avid golfer, and started down a path that would lead him to a degree in landscape architecture from Colorado State University.

After college, Tim used his knowledge of irrigation system design and construction to gain experience building commercial landscape projects in Colorado and Texas. He then moved into golf course irrigation design, problem troubleshooting, repair and maintenance, and was recognized as Rain Bird Golf’s National Serviceman of the Year for several years. He also became a certified instructor and advocate for education within the industry.

Then, along with his employer’s growth and expansion, Tim’s management responsibilities grew to include a move from Colorado to Arizona, where he worked for several years. After the passing of his father, the call for Tim to come back to Montana was strong and he moved to Bigfork, much to the happiness of his family.

Tim will always be remembered as one who brought additional laughter and caring to many a camping trip, road trip, vacation, Christmas holiday or gathering of friends, of which there were many. His presence in our lives has left us with special memories that will live on and on. He was the favorite guardian of many of our furry companions, especially his beloved golden retriever “Goldie.”

Tim is survived by his brother, Larry and Nancy Strachota, of Bigfork; his sister, Deborah Catello, of Missoula; brother-in-law, Chuck Bloom, of Denver; nephews, Corey and David Bloom and Christopher Hicks; and close friend Debbie Tarbert.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marilyn Strachota, and sister Cheryl Bloom.

A celebration of life will be held starting at 4 p.m., with reception following through 6 p.m., on Saturday, June 4, at Marina Cay in Bigfork.