Thomas Adolph Bugni

1939 - 2023

Thomas Adolph Bugni

January 29, 1939 – September 26, 2023

BUTTE - Tom Bugni, a fishing and hunting legend and champion of public access rights, passed away peacefully on September 26th, 2023 with his family at his side. The people of Montana have lost a truly remarkable advocate for and contributor to the protection of access to public lands and waterways, a cause that was near and dear to his heart. Tom was a devoted husband and loving father, he was eager to pass along his love of and considerable knowledge about the outdoors, fishing, and hunting to his children and granddaughters. He was full of patience, kindness, and love, and he was respected and loved by many.

Tom was born to Isobel (Carmody) and Dolph Bugni on January 29th, 1939 in Butte Montana. He attended Catholic schools in Butte graduating from Butte Central Boys High School in 1957. He then attended Carroll College and the University of Montana where he graduated with a business degree.

While serving in the Navy in Great Lakes, Illinois, he met the love of his life, Toni Basovsky. They soon married and made their home in Butte and were married for 59 years. Together they raised two children, Michelle (Kyle) Hebert of Juneau Alaska, and Chris (Vickie Madel) Bugni of Butte. He also loved being part of his granddaughter's lives, Sophia Kaelke of Bend Oregon and Emma Kaelke of Bozeman.

Tom's working career included working for his father at the Shanty Bar, working 16 years with the Anaconda Company as a Workers' Compensation Manager, and owning Tom's Sport Shop and Tom's Fishing and Guiding Service. Tom remained the outfitter of his guiding business until his death. Tom also sold insurance and was an insurance adjustor for several years.

Tom lived life to the fullest and took advantage of Montana's outdoor opportunities. He and Toni took their family on countless camping and fishing trips all over Montana and he helped instill a love of the outdoors in his children and granddaughters.

He put his hunting and fishing passion into action by helping to lead Butte's Skyline Sportsman Association for 40 years. He felt strongly that people should have recreational access to public lands, rivers and streams and fought to ensure protections. In the early 1980s, he and other fishing advocates created the Montana Coalition for Stream Access and sued for the rights of fishing access on public streams. The case went all the way to Montana's Supreme Court, and they won! The next year the Montana legislature passed a law that allows the pubic to recreate on Montana's rivers and streams that flow through private lands, up to the high water mark, and this law is still in place. This was Tom's greatest achievement of his life. It has allowed thousands of people to enjoy Montana's public lands and waterways.

Tom always had a big heart for kids and worked hard at creating a fishing pond for Butte kids. Due to his perseverance, Tom Bugni Fishing Pond became a reality and is located in the Skyline Park off Continental Drive. Tom also enjoyed a variety of sports, and especially enjoyed watching and coaching his kids play baseball and basketball. He was an avid New York Yankees and Chicago Bears fan.

Tom's health issues led him to be admitted to the Southwest Montana Veteran's Home in Butte where he remained until his passing. The Bugni family would like to thank the administration and entire staff of Cottage #1 for taking great care of him for the past two years. Butte Hospice also provided remarkable care and guidance.

Many of us will remember Tom for his endless fishing and hunting stories. Salute to Tom and his homemade cherry wine!

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Butte Central Education Foundation or charity of your choice.

Tom was predeceased by his parents and sister, Judy (Ron) Lowney of Butte and is survived by his brother, Bob (Debbie) Bugni of East Helena and his brother-in-law, Rudy (Sharon) Basovsky of Grayslake, Illinois.

Friends may call on Wednesday after 10:00 a.m. in St. Ann's Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.