Tim Papich

1962 - 2024

Timothy Jerome Papich, 62, beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend, passed away in Denver, Colorado on July 23, 2024, from complications following an automobile accident. Tim was the youngest of six siblings born in Anaconda, Montana. Tim attended local schools in Anaconda, and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1980, where he played football and wrestled for the Copperheads. Tim matriculated at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana and was awarded a B.S. in Construction Engineering Technology from MSU in 1984. Tim's career led him to Denver, Colorado where he had a long career as a project manager and construction engineer. He joined the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Denver, where he met the love of his life and future wife Mary. Tim and Mary were married in 1991, and their family was completed with the addition of two daughters, Theresa and Sarah. Tim completed a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado by driving back-and-forth from Denver to Boulder after a day's work. His long career as a project manager in construction and data management was successful and fulfilling; but what he enjoyed most was getting to know and work with so many people who became his friends and colleagues. He maintained high standards for himself and encouraged the same for others. For several years he taught project management classes as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Denver. He was passionate about teaching and enjoyed sharing his wisdom and experience with young engineering students. Tim realized that life is short, and he vowed to live it to the fullest. Tim's hobbies included fly fishing, fly rod construction, cooking, reading, staying informed about current events and politics. He was a passionate Denver Bronco and MSU Bobcat football fan. He loved sharing stories with his family, camping, magic, playing games, growing tomatoes and herbs, travel, technology, and entertaining family and friends with wonderful meals. He learned fly-fishing from his father on the rivers of Montana and became a highly accomplished fisherman and fly tyer. He maintained an extensive array of books, materials, and fly-typing tools. He served as President of the High Plains Drifters fly-fishing club, and under his leadership the club earned recognition as a merit worthy U.S. chapter. For Tim, family was the most important, and the choices he made were always influenced by his love for his wife and daughters. To his friends, Tim was always loyal and reliable. He was exceptionally proud of the success of his daughters who each earned doctorate degrees in 2024. He was a member of the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Denver for over 20 years, where he also served as Lector. He prioritized spending quality time with each of his parents and was a devoted brother to his siblings. One of his greatest joys was to share the amazing food he prepared with friends and family. As an expression of love for his Montana roots, Tim was proud to have mastered many of his mother's traditional recipes. Tim's professional experience in construction and building extended to his personal life. He built a beautiful home, marriage and family and enjoyed building close relationships with friends. He is greatly missed by his family, wife Mary Papich and daughters Theresa Papich and Sarah Papich. He is survived by many family members and friends, including his brothers Steve Papich (Mary Lou), Mark Papich (Marcy), John Papich (Marcia) and sister Marianne Owen (Doug), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael (1978) and Kathleen Papich (2017), and brothers Michael (1986), Jeremy (1965), and Daniel (1953). Donations in Tim's memory may be made to Home Builders Foundation Denver (hbfdenver.org/donate), an organization that helps Coloradoans with disabilities live independently.