Allen Thomas “Tom” Smith passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019. Tom was born in Hamilton, Montana to Charles W. and Mary E. Smith on October 22, 1931. Tom enlisted in the Army from 1948 to 1954 and spent two years in the Korean conflict. Following his enlistment, Tom held many occupations including Assistant Superintendent – Criminal Identification and Investigation Bureau at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. He served as Chief Accountant of the Bozeman Division of Montana Power, and retired as the District Manager of the Kalispell District. He was with Montana Power for 34 years.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed trading cars, traveling, camping, fishing, dogs, coffee with friends, tinkering around the house and anything involving his family.
Tom was an active member in many clubs including the Exchange Club, Masons, American Legion in Bozeman, and in Kalispell the Rotary, Toastmasters, United Way, American Red Cross and the Chamber of Commerce.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley M. Smith, to whom he was married for more than 50 years, and his parents Charles W. Smith and Mary E.Smith.
Tom is survived by his children, Randall (Cheryl) Smith, Cindy Bender; son-in-law, Steve Bender; and Mark Smith (Jo Berg); grandchildren, Brandon (Lindsey) Smith, Garrett (fiancé Paula) Smith, Chase (Autumn) Bender, Amber (Jeff) Bolton, Kalene Pool; great-grandchildren, Jaxen Smith, Lydia Smith, Elleana Bender, Justin Garner, Luke Kurns, Ashlyn Bolton, Delaney Bolton, Augustus Baum, and cousins Vivian Ross and Mary Ann Jerome.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Beehive Assisted Living and St. Peter’s Hospice for their exceptional care of Tom while he was in their care.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to the DAV, 1900 Williams Street, Helena, MT 59602, to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, or to Hospice of St. Peter’s Health, c/o St. Peter’s Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tom.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Friday May 3, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 3, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the graveside service
Friday May 3, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Terry Bass says
Great person to know. May he Rest In Peace . Terry Bass
Gwyn Townsend Daniels says
We all loved Tom! He was the best neighbor and friend to my mom, Bev Townsend, who lived in the other 1/2 of the duplex Tom lived in. I enjoyed talking with Tom.. such a kind, gentle soul. I was especially impressed with his cleanliness and organization skills.. there were no weeds to be found in his yard and everything had its place in his garage 🙂 When my husband went to South Korea for work, Tom was so excited to see the pics and share stories. I will miss his sweet smile and hugs. Mom really misses her neighbor buddy. Our condolences to the family.. may all the good memories comfort you.
Michelle Dickey says
Sending my condolences to all. I’ll always remember how attentive Tom was to our Mom, Marlene, when she arrived at Beehive. It was comforting to see his concern not only for her but other residences as well. He and Mom shared a love of cookies and he always made sure she had her share. I’m grateful to have known Tom as well as all of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Michelle Dickey
Gale Kramlick says
So sorry for your loss. My Dad and Tom shared many stories during their time together at Beehive. They talked about the Korean War as both had served. They also talked alot about hunting and fishing. Tom was a kind, gentle and compassionate man and will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts.
Larry Hill says
While I was a student at MSU I parked downtown in Bozeman one winter day. Someone slid into my truck on the slick street. That person could have drove off and I would have been stuck with a repair bill. That didn’t happen. There was a slip of paper under my wiper and it was from Tom Smith telling me his name, phone number and insurance agent. I was impressed. I ended up working for Montana Power at Colstrip as well as his son Randy and D.I.L , Cheryl. They became great friends of mine and the character of the dad was evident in everything Randy did. I never got to know Tom on a personal basis but my impression of him never changed. He was an honorable man I’m sure, for his entire life. I’m sure he’s happy to join his wife Shirley.
David Ramsey says
Randy, Mark, and Cindy: My sincerest sympathies are with you. Tom was a remarkable person. I always enjoyed our conversations. He was knowledgeable in so many areas. I especially marveled at his extensive familiarity with the stock market and the overall economic status and climate of the country. I miss him at our morning breakfast get togethers. A family commitment has me in Billings this Friday, so I will miss the ceremonies. I will pause for a special prayer at 3:00 p.m. My best … David Ramsey.
Curt Nichols says
Tom was a good neighbor, a friendly face and source of interesting conversation. I have missed him the last couple years and am sad to hear he is gone.
Michelle says
My heartfelt condolences to the Smith Family. May god be your strength during this difficult time. (Psalm 18:6) I am truly sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Michelle
Denise "Denny" Martin Treat says
Cindy, Randy and Mark. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Tom at MPC in Bozeman for 17 years. To us in the accounting department, he was “ATS”. He was my mentor and helped me succeed in my career. I always enjoyed the “social” functions at MPC with Tom and Shirley. A few funny memories pop into my head. One day, he came to work wearing white pants. However, he had on boxer shorts with big red hearts on them. He didn’t even realize you could see them through his pants. Did he go home and change? Hell no. He just chortled throughout the whole day. We all knew he was color blind. One day he showed up wearing 2 different colored soxs. I think these two things happened while Shirley was out of town. She always told me that she laid his clothes out for him. I have tons of fond memories of Tom. He was always more of a friend than a boss. I hope these comments bring a smile to your faces and help you with your grief. Always, Denise “Denny” Martin Treat
Tom & Ronna Henderson says
Cindy and family, We are so sorry about the loss of your sweet Dad. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to meet you and your family along with the Bee Hive family. One year ago we moved Jim and Hanna in and your Dad was the first to welcome them . What a pleasure he was, always smiling and kind. He will be missed but we know he had a warm welcome to heaven. Our hearts are hugging you 💞
Howard Heffelfinger says
Cindy, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I only met him a couple of times, but he sounded like a wonderful person and I’m sure he was a great dad. I know he and you were very close, especially after your mom passed. My sincere condolences to you and yours.
Thinking of you, Howard
Cyndi Craig Alverson says
Cindy, Mark and Randy…I have so many wonderful memories of your Dad. Oh what fun we had at the old power company. He loved to laugh and we did a lot of that. He was so proud of his family! Not only was he the best boss but a dear family friend. Love and hugs to all of you!
Gary H Thompson says
Randy, Cindy & Mark Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My dad (Homer) and him both worked at MPC in Bozeman for many years. He was always cheerful and even though he was quite a few years older then me, I could talk to him like a friend.
Kathleen Broussard says
Cindy,
We are so sorry about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard