Thomas Richard "Ole" Perusich died Thursday morning, March 1, 2007, at his home in Butte, after a valiant battle with cancer.

      He was born May 15, 1938, the seventh of eight children to John and Ena (Chatelle) Perusich.

      Tom was raised in Butte and attended Greeley Grade School and Butte High School.   He joined the Air Force in 1955, and served his country for 20 years.

      In 1957, Tom married Mary Frances McGivern.   They spent the next 49 years traveling the world together.   Tom's Air Force career took them to Louisiana, where their first child, Thomas Anthony, was born and next to California, where their daughter, Linda Ann, was born.   Tom left the Air Force after 8 years and returned to Butte in 1963.   He then went to work for the Anaconda Co. for eight years as a diesel mechanic.   During this time in Butte, Daniel John, and Steven William were born.

      In 1971, Tom re-enlisted in the Air Force and his career took him back to California, Thailand, Belgium, Guam and Texas.   No matter where Tom lived, Butte was always home.

      Tom was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to camp and fish.   His favorite fishing hole was in the canyon, outside of Cardwell, on the Jefferson River.   This is where he taught all of his children to fish.

      Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and son Daniel John.

      He is survived by his wife, Mary;   sons Tom Perusich, Tacoma Wash., Steve and Cinda Jane "CJ" of Orlando Fla;   daughter, Linda and Dion Sommer of Butte;   grandchildren, Alexis Perusich, Lindsey Perusich and Liam Sommer, Butte;   brothers and wives, John and Connie, Bill and Shirley, George and Claudia, Jim and LaVerne;   sisters, Rose Nye, Dorothy Frankenfield and Florence Blazina;   many wonderful brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and his lifelong friend, Jim Tweet.

      Relatives and friends may call after 9 a.m. Monday in St. John the Evangelist Church for visitations.   Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church.   Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

      Memorials are suggested to Highlands Hospice, St. John the Evangelist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

      Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.