A life lived in the service to others is a life well lived. Tommy Thompson lived that life. His family, his friends and his community were those he loved serving.
Self-made businessman Thomas (Tom) Thompson passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family, just as he wanted, after a battle with lung cancer. The family will be receiving friends at Bell Mortuary from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday, August 9, 2020. Services are scheduled for Monday, August 10th, 11:00 a.m. at Thompson and Son’s west of Glasgow.
Tom was born in Spokane, WA on May 14, 1957 to Kenny and Sharon Thompson. He joined siblings Debby, Brian, and Diana. The family moved to Glasgow that September of 1957. Little sister Lisa joined the family in 1967. His father Kenny worked for Jim Archambeault to support his family and ironically, nearly 50 years later the family owns that business, T & R Trucking. Tom’s work ethic was his strongest trait second only to being able to fix anything or figure out a way around those things he couldn’t fix. There are few in our community who haven’t said, “Call Thompson’s, Tommy can do anything”. He loved wrestling and was known as the “tall skinny guy with a welding hat.” His favorite part of wrestling, other than coaching his own kids, was coaching the little guys who were just getting started. Tom was an expert firefighter traveling to many states with his Caterpillar to overcome the largest blazes. He took pride in the fact that he “saved the town of Landusky” using this expertise and perhaps a little belligerence by taking on government agency rules.
Tom’s vision led him to a variety of entrepreneurial adventures including an excavating business, a manure hauling business in 1992 (inspired by a “deal” with Orville Fossum), providing the community with steel when Pacific Steel went out of business and culminating yet again by providing a service to Valley County through T & R Trucking. Tommy’s impact on this community himself, and through the legacy of his children has been immense. Numerous young men and women grew and developed under Tom’s watchful eye and “inspiring talks”.
Tom attended school in Glasgow for 8 years at which point he began his life working with his brother Brian custom farming in the summer and working for Gordon Maxness at the Peavey Elevator in the winter months. This was a launching pad for his life dedicated to “getting things done”. Tommy then worked as a mechanic for Pages until he began his own business, Thompson and Sons in 2000. “What do we do? Whatever it takes!” He continued to expand by building the business with his wife, sons and daughter until his death.
Tom served his community through his support of the Long Run Fire Department, Valley County Search and Rescue and the community fish fries. Tom was often seen grilling, frying or cooking, teaching and sharing experiences.
Tom and Dawn McPherson were married June 13, 1976. They created a life with their family west of Glasgow where they instilled that same work ethic in their children. Tom and Dawn have three children, Rocky (Haylee) Thompson, Brandi Thompson, (Nathan) and Josh (Mandi) Thompson. Tom felt blessed with grandchildren, Keagan, Hunter, Rowen and Saylor; Harper, Hadley and Adeline; Jordan (Michael), Devon (Maggie) and Kenee Rae. He was also so proud of his great grandchild Kayge. Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, his mother Sharon Thompson and his father in law Jerry McPherson; sisters Debby Cornwell, Diana (Jeff) Boyle and Lisa (Robert) Legare, and brother Brian Thompson. Sister in laws, Denise (Jeff) Howard, Shelly Baadsgaard, and brother in law Mike (Linda) McPherson. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Kenny Thompson, his mother in law, Shirley McPherson, his brother in law Lynn Cornwell, nephew Brett Howard and his grandson, Carder.
Tom’s legacy will live on through those who have had the privilege of knowing.
It is requested that Valley Covid-19 precautions be followed and social distancing is requested.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday August 9, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59248
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday August 10, 2020
Thompson Residence
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday August 9, 2020
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave. So.
Glasgow, Montana 59248
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday August 10, 2020
Thompson Residence
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Connie Johnson says
Tom always had a smile and was so kind. He will be missed.
Gerald and Marilyn Wigness says
Tom had an interesting personality; He knew when it was time to work and he knew when it was time to play—
Especially with family and friends.
He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Uncle Jerry and Aunt Marilyn Wigness
Kim and Doug & Families, Mike and Laura a& Families, Steve and Cathy & Families
Erickson Leah says
Sorry for your loss. The Glasgow Community has lost an iconic person in the area. 🙏 to your family.
Lynn & Leah Erickson
richard d woolsey says
Never knew Mr Thompson until my buddy,Tom Heneghan and I went to visit our high school buddy, Bob Breitweiser in Glasgow. We stopped there and inquired about Bob and struck up a conversation with Mr Thompson as Bob was still out on a run. Bob finally arrived and after talking to Mr Thompson for a few more minutes, he asked how long were we staying and such. We told him 4-5 days and he proceeded to give us money to take Bob and ourselves out for supper. I was awe stuck. Never had this ever happened to me. We talked to him once more before we left and we thanked him for the supper money and went on our way. i will never forget that as long as I live. A very good man. rip Mr Thompson.
David wolter says
Very sad day for me today. I didn’t know he was I’ll. Got to know him through his manure hauling business. He was easy to be a friend. A neat no nonsense type of guy. Dave
Barbara Mead says
I am proud to be his cousin. Tom was a handsome, funny, talented, interesting, kind man. He will be much missed. Deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Barb (Charlie) Mead
Carol says
We are so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy! He was so kind. He will be missed by so many. Love to your family. ❤️
Chris & Carol Christensen and family
Nancy Sietsema says
Thompson Family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this most difficult time. Tom was an outstanding man and he always made sure to stop and say “hi” and grab a cup of coffee when he came through Wolf Point. He always had a smile and was a big part of Glasgow. RIP Tom 🙏♥️🙏
Lisa Baxter says
Thompsons have been our neighbors for years, first when my parents owned the trailer court and on through the years. A hard worker who left a legacy behind in his family. God Bless.
Dolores Matuska says
My prayers are with the Thompson family. Times like this .are so difficult and we must remember the wonderful memories his family has. Sharon, you are such a special person and losing a child is the hardest thing in the world. My prayers for healing your grief will be a daily message to God.
Beau Howard says
Uncle Tom was an inspirational pillar of the Glasgow community, but he was so much more than that. I grew up with Tom as a member of my family, having married my Aunt Dawn 6 years before I was born. I was never blessed to spend as much time with him as many in Glasgow have done, a sad truth detailing the hardships of living 6 hours away from most of my maternal family and my own work ethic that was inspired by none other than the man of honor himself. Nevertheless, Tom always held my admiration, always will. His dedication to his work is second only to his dedication to his family. Tom was a man of many hats (albeit one very specific fashion of hat). He was Glasgow’s own version of a rags to riches story. His early life was filled with discouragement and doubt. Tom’s most endearing trait (as far as I’m concerned) is that despite all the assumptions of his worth (based on his education), Tom persevered in a manner few people can ever hope to achieve. Tom was the living embodiment of the American dream. He showed that hard work, dedication, and love of work and family can overcome the harshest of judgements. I remember when my brother spent the summer with the Thompson’s, I was too young for such an extended visit. Brett left a snarky, entitled pre-teen, and came back with manners and work ethic. My brother was a hard working man who believed in an honest days work…Tom was the inspiration behind this. Tom raised the bar on expectations which made those around him improve because they wanted his approval. Little did they know, Tom was the kindest man who would give you the shirt off his back in the middle of a Glasgow winter (we all know how warm that can be) rather than watch a family suffer. All close relationships help mold us into the people we are today. I attribute a majority of my personality traits to my mother Denise and my late brother, Brett. But I would be remiss if I didn’t attribute a major contributor of my personal success to my Uncle Tom. A man that has taught me, and so many others, that life is what we make of it. We can cry by the wayside hoping that life gives us a break….or we can grab life by the horns, force it into submission to do our bidding to achieve what we dream of. I am distraught at the passing of my Uncle Tom. He was always someone I felt obligated to impress, and will forever remember his life lessons. I was never great at showing emotion to my family, a character flaw I’ve always been ashamed of. My only wish is that my Uncle knew how proud I was of him and how much his life impacted mine. He taught me to go after what I wanted no matter the cost ( a major reason after securing a second degree I am working toward an advanced degree so I may attend law school at my age (don’t ask, it’s not polite lol)). In summation, what more can I say about Uncle Tom except the only thing that matters in my opinion….I will miss you always, but can’t wait to express these thoughts to you once I sneak past St. Peter. RIP dear Uncle, after the battle you’ve endured you are entitled to a well deserved rest. I love you