Obituary: Tim Samardich

May 29, 1968 – July 25, 2024

Timothy Richard Samardich, age 56, passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife Lisa by his side. In 2017, Tim was given the shocking and devastating news of an extremely rare tumor located in his brain stem. Successful initial treatments allowed Tim a few more relatively healthy years to do the things he loved most: horn hunting, fishing, appreciating the beauty of Montana, and spending time with loved ones. In 2022, when his doctors identified the growth of his tumor, Tim fought hard and courageously endured every available treatment in an attempt to defy all odds. 

Tim was born on May 29, 1968, in Royal Oak, Michigan to Donald and Anita Samardich. Tim, the youngest of four in the Samardich family, grew up in Cadillac, Michigan. He was a shy and quiet boy. From a young age, he displayed a love for animals; he felt a strong connection to them, and they were attracted to his calm, kind demeanor. 

Tim was also a natural athlete, enjoying a variety of sports throughout his life, but he was truly exceptional at playing tennis. Upon graduation from Cadillac High School in 1986, he went on to accept a full-ride scholarship for tennis to Northwood University and gained the honor of All-American in his sport. Anyone who ever challenged Tim in a game of ping-pong, would not be surprised to learn this. 

After college, Tim joined his sister Suzy in Big Sky, Montana, and their brother, Michael followed shortly after. The three Samardich siblings lived together for seven years making Big Sky their true home. Tim etched out a life living on his terms, and he turned his passions into a lifestyle. His early years in Big Sky working at the Corral, the Sun Dog Cafe and later owning the Lone Perk Coffee Hut cultivated the freedom to spend countless hours skiing and shed hunting. He made lifelong friends, built a community, and treasured the rivers and vastness of Big Sky’s empty spaces. Tim’s talents flourished, and in 2003, Tim was able to make a career out of one of the activities that brought him the most joy in life: fly-fishing. Just like everything else in Tim’s life, he honed in on his skills and then used them to give back to others. His patience in teaching, his ability to know exactly which fly to use, when and where to cast to hook a fish, and his connection with his clients earned him respect from all. Tim’s calming and peaceful presence on the river put other anglers and guides at ease. It is no wonder to anyone who went on a float trip with Tim, that he was one of the most highly revered guides in the area. In 2005, Tim and Lisa reconnected in Big Sky. After growing up in the same small town and

knowing each other throughout high school and college, a romance blossomed between the two. They resolved the long distance between Oregon and Montana in 2007 when Lisa moved to Big Sky. Their love continued to grow, and they married in 2013, with their closest friends and family joining in on the celebration. 

Over the next decade, Tim and Lisa enjoyed off trail adventures in Yellowstone National Park and explored multiple fishing holes throughout Montana rivers. They trekked numerous miles looking for antlers, mushrooms, and artifacts. The couple valued the years they spent caretaking and marveling at the majestic views and abundance of wildlife out their back door. As a guy who loved solitude, there was nothing better to Tim than hiking, horn hunting, and spending quiet time with his canine companions. Tim respected nature; he appreciated its beauty, power, and history, and Lisa cherished their time together in the outdoors that they both loved. After a long day, Tim found comfort lounging next to Lisa in his favorite chair with a big bowl of ice cream and their cat Buddy in his lap. 

Tim’s love for his family, friends, and community knew no bounds. He was thoughtful of others and was quick to smile and laugh with the people in his life. Tim was always ready to help tie a fly, cast a line, net a fish, and row a boat for the enjoyment of those around him. Ever the humble man, he kept his accomplishments private, allowing others to shine. Tim was authentic, truly one-of-a-kind, and his spirit will live on in the ways that he gave back to nature, to his community, and to all who were lucky enough to know and love him. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Donald Samardich. 

Tim is survived by his wife, Lisa (Goodrich); mother, Anita Samardich; siblings: Christine Samardich (Jason Raffaele), Michael Samardich, Suzanne Samardich (Alex Hassman); in-laws: Dave (Missy) Goodrich, Peggy (Lee) Jones, Angelia Goodrich, Geoff (Melissa) Goodrich, Maggie (Jacob) Myers; and nephews and nieces: Aidan, Kjetil, Wren, Ian, Elliott, Evelyn, Parker, Molly, Violet, Benjamin, Tyler, and Mateo. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Michaelangelo’s in Big Sky on September 21, 2024 at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tim’s EverLoved Memorial Fund: https://everloved.com/life-of/tim-samardich/. Contributions will assist in bereavement costs and the construction of the Lone Peak Veterinary Clinic.