Michael ‘Mickey’ Thomas Lynch — October, 1941 - July 25, 2025

    Michael “Mickey” Thomas Lynch, 83, a loving widower, father and grandfather, passed away in Helena on July 25, after sustaining a severe brain trauma caused by a fall at his home early in the morning. He died later the same day. He passed at St. Peter’s Hospital with his son and daughter- in-law by his side.
    Mickey was born in Deer Lodge, in October of 1941, to John “Jack” Lynch and Margaret Eileen Lynch at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was preceded in birth by sister Constance “Connie” Perrin and followed by siblings Eileen Ekebom, Jacqueline “Jackie” Lynch, Dennis Lynch and Terrence “Terry” Lynch. He was a graduate of both St. Mary’s Academy and Powell County High School in Deer Lodge. While attending school, he held a part time job delivering newspapers around town. As he later liked to tell the tale, the route was always snow-covered, uphill and had to be walked backwards.
    He enlisted for military service in the United States Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged just shy of a three-year tenure. Upon completing basic training, he spent most of his term in France, where in his free time he was exposed to popular American jazz music that immediately turned into a lifelong passion. He was captivated by an Ahmad Jamal tune he heard on the radio, “Poinciana,” and forever referenced that beautiful track as the origin of his expanding musical tastes.
    Back in Deer Lodge, he worked a variety of short-term jobs before becoming permanently employed in 1963 with the Milwaukee Railroad as a machinist, following in his father’s footsteps. He continued his railroad career with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1975 in Spokane, Wash., followed by a few years in Alliance, Neb., before settling in Seattle, where he finally retired in 2001.
    He met and married his wife, Norene Joy Daley, a recent graduate of Powell County High School in December of 1967. The couple had only a brief courtship before eloping to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but the decision was the right one; they remained faithfully married for 56 years until Norene’s death in spring of 2024. In August of 1969, she gave birth to daughter Jill, and in July of 1971, to son Jack. The small family remained tightly knit as they moved about while Mickey’s railroad life changed and evolved.
    Mickey was a loyal and devoted family man who enjoyed coaching his children’s summer softball teams. He relished recreational activities himself, joining bowling leagues, softball teams and playing the occasional tennis match with his wife.  His love of sports encompassed basketball and football as well, with his favorite professional teams being the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians. Even in their losing seasons Mickey remained a loyal, unwavering fan and was never too humble to boast about them.
    He and Norene discovered a love of travel, both international and domestic, later in life making many trips exploring countries all over Europe with Ireland being the favorite as both were proudly of Irish descent. Back stateside they met up with daughter Jill of Atlanta and experienced visiting culturally rich cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and Savannah. And naturally, after relocating to Helena in 2003, they enjoyed scenic road trips and visiting the parks within their home state and the region.
    Mickey is survived by his daughter, Jill Lynch, and spouse Suzanne Abbott of Atlanta, son, Jack Lynch, and spouse Kelly Lynch of Helena; granddaughters Greta Lynch and Lucy Lynch; all siblings with the exception of his sister Eileen; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Robert Daley.
    An informal gathering will take place to bury Mickey’s remains at 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 at St. Thomas Cemetery, 409 Helmville Back Road, in Helmville. All are welcome to pay their last respects.
    Mickey had a big laugh, gave a great bear hug, was a friend to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.