Robert Michael Tomich, affectionately known as “Toes’ to many, passed away June 4, 2025 from metastatic melanoma.
Robert was born in Butte on Feb. 15, 1951. His family later moved to Boulder, where he graduated from Jefferson High School. Robert began his career with the U.S. Forest Service. This was a job he loved, as it required that he spend many days in the mountains, the place he was happiest.
Upon leaving the Forest Service, Robert was employed by the state Department of Transportation. After retiring, he worked winters as a call-out snowplow driver. He was forced to give up this job last February as the effects of his cancer became more severe.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph Tomich and Josephine Calvetti Tomich, an infant brother, Peter, and his brother Rudy. He is survived by another brother, Roy Tomich (Christine), of Boulder, a daughter, Jessica Coffin (Justin) of Upper Peninsula, Michigan, grandchildren Valerie (3) and Blake (8 mos), and former spouse Margaret Niemi Tomich. Margaret provided full-time loving care to Robert during the past few months of his life. Robert is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Teresa Tomich.
Robert enjoyed the outdoors, traveling to national parks and taking photographs of landscapes and wildlife. He loved spending most of his time at his cabin and with his best fur friend, Louie.
“We don’t stop hiking because we grow old; we grow old because we stop hiking.” — Finis Mitchell
In line with his wishes, Robert has been cremated. A celebration of his life will be held June 28, 2025, 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Boulder. There will be a potluck luncheon; please bring a hot dish, salad or dessert to share.
