Mitchell John “Mitch” Tihista was born to Pete and May (Sallaberry) Tihista on October 14, 1932, while living on 6th Point on the Missouri River breaks, which is now known as Ft. Peck Lake. His parents were Basque homesteaders that decided Montana was the place to be. It was a rugged life for tough folks. His first home was a hand-built cabin which was lucky enough to have a porch. Many parties and dances happened in that home, Houli Edwards would bring his piano and fiddle across the river from Haxby and sometimes would stay for days playing music, cards and visiting with the neighbors that came from neighboring ranches.

Mitch met his future wife Kae while in Glasgow. He had to chase her all the way to California to retrieve her and bring her home for a simple “I-do” wedding in Kalispell. They were married for 43 years before Kae passed away.

Mitch was very proud of his Basque family and heritage. For many years he enjoyed going to the annual Basque picnics in Ft. Peck and festivals in Wyoming and Idaho. He was proud of his rose garden that he worked hard on, producing beautiful flowers. The best places for him though, were back home in Glasgow and with John, Fred, Darlene and Charles in Malta at the Matador and the trips back to the “Old Country” spending time with family there.

He was proud of his grandkids, in his words, “They all turned out great and knew what a work ethic was all about.”

Corinne, you and Walt were the link he had to keep track of all the goings-on in Nashua and Glasgow, he loved your visits so much.

When traveling became impossible for him, he continued to enjoy the weekly calls and visiting over the phone with family and friends. He so enjoyed the visitors that came to see him on the regular, Keith, Bill and Lori.

It takes a village for all the things that happen in this life; and dad was blessed with Darci and Jeff, you were so treasured, he got to tell you all the stories and shared his Range magazines (on loan only) and enjoyed the weekly rides and trips to the Dairy Queen with Jeff. Dad was a handful, and you both handled him like a boss!

Theresa, he loved you and bragged about your cooking and the special relationship with you and Natalie; we can only wonder about the conversations taking place right now with he and Whitey. We are so glad you got to see him one last time with a smile he had for you!

Mitch was best known in the MonDak region in the insurance business and made many life-long friends during those years. The finale of his working years was the partner purchase of West Plains Insurance in Watford City. Jody and Jim, he used to say, “We have a hell of an agency!” You and Dad worked seamlessly, and it showed. He was so very proud of that accomplishment.

Regular houseguest and trouble-making partner, Chris Bengochea... He loved you and always lit up when you called or stayed. When you came to stay, he’d say, “That guy! THAT guy! He needs to learn how to make a bed the right way!”

Mitch had a sense of humor few could appreciate. He, and many times his brother Ron, were behind many “tricks” as they used to call them. Sometimes, even the police were involved as no-one was immune; whether it was a “welfare check” on Lisa, an IRS agent auditing Nicole, Cheryl and Lisa digging yucca plants out in the hills, or Dale the “Rabbit Hunter” … we will leave this right there and will tell you all the rest of the story sometime. We are pretty sure we will all continue to be subjected to these tricks as he and Ron are back together again, and nobody will be able to prove a thing...

While memory may have faded over time for Mitch, we cherish those occasions and brighter spots when thoughts were clear, and wit was wicked sharp.

On July 15, 2025, Mitch began his journey home. He used to say “Adio!” and wave when he would leave to takeoff out of town. Have a good trip, Dad. We can only imagine the reunion that is taking place now. We smile through the tears and will hold the memories we have close to our hearts.

Preceding him in death were his wife Kae of 43 years, his parents Pete and May, siblings Ron Tihista and Helen Tihista-Marks, and cousin/brother John Sallaberry, all loved dearly.

Left to cherish his memory are Lisa, grandchildren and great grandchildren Jeni (Tripp), Peyton, Max, Owen and Terk; Jordan (Evie), Hadley, Giovanna and baby due in September; Rene’e (Tyler); Raegan, Ellie and Rhett; Nicole (Jonathan); grandchildren Caitlyn and Sheridan; and Bindy dog; as well as many close cousins, nieces and nephews.