John Tomaskie passed away peacefully on April 17 in Helena after a long illness. John was born in Great Falls, Montana to George and Anna Tomaskie on May 13, 1929. He was the youngest of six children. He was raised on a small farm outside of Sand Coulee.
John met his wife, Beverly, in Great Falls and they were married in 1948. They lived in Great Falls until 1952. Soon after, they moved to Helena where they remained until his death. John was preceded in death by his son, Thomas “Buzzy”; daughter Patricia “Patty”; his parents; and his five siblings.
John worked for the City of Helena Water Department until he retired in 1989. He spent numerous hours playing solitary and cribbage, watching the NFR Rodeo, Gunsmoke and old westerns on TV. He loved vacations traveling throughout the Bob Marshall Wilderness; fishing, hunting and enjoying breathtaking scenery with friends and family.
Although John relished his time in the backcountry, his real love was his horses. As a young man, John and his family were active in the Helena Trail Riders. In the mid 60’s he and his wife began racing quarter horses and built an indoor arena where he and his family actively enjoyed countless hours. There was always something going on in “The Tomaskie Barn”. When it wasn’t being used for roping or wrestling steers, it was used to break colts. In the 70’s he and his wife began racing thoroughbreds. Throughout their racing career they ran horses in Montana, Canada, Idaho, Washington and Arizona. They ran horses until the late 1990’s.
John is survived by his wife Beverly; his daughter Shirley “Shug” Ingram of Havre; son Robert “Bob” (Debbie) Tomaskie of Helena; daughter Betty Lou Kistler (Danny Moseley) of Aurora, Colorado; and numerous grandchildren. Friends and Family will forever feel his absence.
Family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to all of the amazing caretakers associated with St. Pete’s Hospice, and Drs. Wessel and Paustian throughout his illness. Cremation has already taken place. There will be a gathering of family and friends in Helena to celebrate his life at a later date. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or share a memory of John.
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Stacey Martin says
Tomaskie Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. When I was helping them, your dad told me many stories of his years with the water dept, and his horses. I loved being with them.
Joe Sandoval and Cindy Williams says
Bev and family, Our heart goes out to all of you with your loss if John. Our deepest sympathy and sending many prayers your way for comfort during this hard times. Lost of good memories. Take Care.
Tricia Welnel says
My thoughts and condolences to Bev and family. John was such a huge part of my life fur all the years I had horses at the barn. Bev and John taught me more than I can ever say! John will be forever I’m my head and forever missed!
Tricia Charlton Welnel
Helena Trail Riders says
To the Tomaski Family – These past few years it has been such a blessing to be able to have John and Bev back to our Christmas parties at the Helena Trail Riders. It’s been fun to share memories with them about the “Good Old Days”. They were stalwart members of the club and very much loved and appreciated. Our Deepest Condolences for the loss of John from the Helena Trail Riders – Shirley Herrin, President
RD and Carol Smith says
Our condolences to Bev and family. There are lots of racing memories. RD rode many horses for you and won many races for you guys. Lots of fond memories. Laddie Meyers, Born a Deck, Trojeana, and remember your first thoroughbred Montskaia.
Debby maack bruland says
Tomaski family so sad to hear of John’s passing. John and the entire family hold a special place in our hearts and life. Karen Peterson and Debby Maack Bruland aka Mack a tack and kari go. Go rest high on that mountsain John your race is done you crossed the finidh line a winner.
Marjorie Romera Guest says
I’m so very sorry for your loss, John was a good man and will be missed by many.
Michelle (Spare Tire) says
Bev and Tomaski family, I so sorry for your loss. John, was a one of a kind and in my eyes a diamond in the rough. He taught me so much and was a saving grace so many times to me, while growing up. I will always have a special place in my heart for him and will always think of him with a smile. Sending prayers during this difficult time.
Greg and Susan Egbert says
Dear Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. John was a one of a kind and anyone who knew him was more enriched because of this acquaintance. He knew racing well and he and Bev had their share of win pictures. Tomaskie’s barn was a mainstay for all horse people in the valley and numerous folks got their start under that arenas roof. What a blessing that he shared his knowledge so willingly with others. John will be missed and how lucky we all were to have called him a friend. May your cherished memories help during this most difficult time.
Lois Steinbeck says
John was a special guy. I have many memories of him, Bev, and Bobby – all in the Tomaskie barn. I will miss him greatly. I had the wonderful pleasure of riding Montskya, one of his top race horses trained by Bev. I will never forget what he used to say about my small reiners: “It would take longer to go around that horse than over him.” They don’t make ’em like John any more and I am blessed to have known him. I am so sad that he is gone, but John will live on in my memories for many years to come. To Bev and his family, I will hold you in my heart.
Christine Nelson says
So sorry for you loss. You and your family are in our thought an prayers. Chris and Bobbie Nelson
Jean (Hildebrand) Moore says
Dear Bev and family,
My dearest sympathy for you and the family. It’s been many years but I remember John’s kindness and all he did for my Aunt and I when two kids out of high school moved to Helena. He helped find us a place for our horses and hay and we became friends. When I think of Helena I always think of John and Bev. I still have a photo of Born A Deck in my art studio.
Francy Martin says
To Bev, Betty Lou, and the rest of the family. I was sorry to read about John passing. I remember all of you since about 1974. I remember how angry he got at me for pulling Betty Lou and her soon to be husband out of the deep mud with my truck, so they could elope, Just had to add that with a smile. I always liked John and Bev. Good horsemen with good horses. RIP John.
Harriet Mentzer says
HARRIET MENTZER SENDS SYMPATHY. Many years ago, in 1968, JOHN helped two young teen age girls who moved to Helena. They were going to college and working and needed a place for their horses. He helped them to find a large corral they could rent closed to where they moved to. JOHN was kind and helpful and we very much appreciated his help. Our sincere sympathy to his family from Harriet Mentzer and Jean
Scott and Ashley Eichhorn says
To the entire Tomaski family –We were sorry to read about John passing. We have so many great memories of him and riding in the Tomaski barn. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Condolences and prayers during this difficult time.
Chuck Briese says
I was hired by the city to replace John in November 1989. I worked at the far grounds prior for Reggie Brewer. Last chance horse racing. That was horse racing in its hay day. That’s when I first met John. Later on in learned steer wrestling in the family barn. I spent a lot of fun times in that old barn along with all the other steer wrestlers. John took a shine to me for some reason. I think partly due to me taking his spot in the city. We became good friends and I heard most of the horse racing stories some 2 or 3 times but always enjoyed them. John told it like it was no holding back. I know he’s up in the Biggest race track in the sky. With a lot more wins to go. We all miss you now but will be there some day to cheer you on.
Brenda Wahler says
Rest in peace. I am grateful that I was able to meet John and interview him and Bev. “There’s no such thing as one job in this family,” he said. 😢 I was grateful they allowed me access to their photos and news clippings. When the book came out, he also told me, in his inimitable style, what I got wrong, and we fixed the mistakes in the second printing! 😎
Chad Kneedler says
My condolences to John’s family and friends. When I was a young man, the rodeo team was allowed to use his barn. This was a very generous offering and I carry many fond memories of John’s gracious allowance to use his barn.
Bob and Gay Ann Masolo says
Lots of memories in the Tomaskie barn. Hugs and condolences for you with your special memories. Bob and Gay Ann Masolo
Katherine Tomaskie says
My condolences to all of you, Your father will be missed. He left behind a lot of memories. My prayers are you.
Peggy Buffington says
Oh, my…I can just imagine them all now…leaning on the rail, watching Secretariat blow by…John, you are such a good and kind man, full of knowledge and willing to share it…..Helping those around you when you could. Bev, you’ll miss him something terrible, but also know you’ll be together again, like I will with my Dan. We all loved John and you, too, and the memories you shared with the horses will be cherished. I’m not much good at names anymore, but I do remember a fine black colt you brought to Montana…who could run a bit! You had a heck of a partnership that worked well. I”m sending my thoughts, my memories ..and prayers to all who loved John. Yes, he was one of the “good guys”. Rest In Peace, John. We’ll be along later on.
Ann Patten says
To the Tomaskie family,
The Tomaskie Barn was a big part of my racing life in the 70’s and 80’s. The Sigouin Racing Stable saw our first thoroughbred racehorses horse, Flag Dancer, foaled in “the barn”. Everyone on the racing circuit knew the quality of John and Bev’s horses, and jockeys considered it a privilege to ride for the Tomaskies. I have fond memories and pictures of standing in the winners circle with John, Bev, and Montskaia. Sharing in your sorrow and keeping you in my thoughts and heart. John will be missed.
Jill Caldwell says
Debbie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God bless you.
Winnie and Tony Strainer says
To Bev, Bobby and the entire Tomaskie family,
So sorry to hear about Johns passing. He was a good friend to the steer wrestlers and always took such great care of us and the steers. We loved hearing all his stories about horse racing and his time with the City water department. We will miss him greatly. Our condolences.
Winnie and Tony Strainer
Tina Johnson says
Dear Bob and Debbie and all your family, I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I credit John for giving me a chance to stay in Montana by giving me a job in his barn way back in 1981. A great man with a great heart. I count him as one of my special blessings. My prayers to you for peace and grace. Blessings, Tina
Lanae Vetsch says
My sincere condolences to all of the Tomaskie family. John will be missed by many people. may happy memories be with you.
Ray & Barb (Maras) Baum says
Bev, Shug, Bob, and Betty Lou,
A man so many will miss, he was a friend to my parents and I always enjoyed visiting with him. I last saw him earlier this year at Walmart and he was having a bad day I hope I was able to make it easier for him that day. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories ease your loss.
Sharlene And Keith Stav says
To all of the Tomaskie family,
We want you to know that we’re thinking of you. I have a lot of memories of riding and boarding at the barn, John and Bev were really good to us 4-H kids. I’ll never forget John in his lawn chair watching the horses on the hot walk “encouraging “them to keep walking. John and Bev were both clients and friends, and we will surely miss his smile and stories!
Please take care, Keith and Sharlene Stav
Jon Satre says
So very sorry for your loss. I knew John for the past twenty five years through business dealings. I always looked forward to our annual meetings at the Nugget and the fun we would have talking about things. He was a character and I’ll miss him!
Jon Satre
Merlyn and Linda Huso says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. One of our earliest horse purchases while living in Havre
was Gidget Goes, a winning quarter horse trained and raced by the Tomaskies. When moving
to Helena we were fortunate to meet John at the barn and share stories and pictures of
Gidget Goes’ successes. What a pleasure it was to have our paths cross.
Blessing to all of John’s family.
Sincerely,
Merlyn and Linda Huso
patricia Johnson says
Bev & family,
I was so sad to hear of John’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Bev, if there is anything that I can help with, insurance etc. please let me know.
Duzzie Stolp says
My name is Duzzie Stolp, I work for RMDC, salad lady and I deliver meals on wheels. I knew John as he and his bride would come for lunch. I truly enjoyed the stories he and Bev shared. Thank you. Please take comfort knowing that Jonn is in the arms of the Lord. Bless you all.
Suzanne Binion Wilke says
Dear Bobby, I just came across this about your Dad! I am so sorry!
Sue
Linda Heller Mason says
Betty Lou I am so sorry about your dad passing. I remember him him when we kids and many horse back rides. He was as big as life. Take care my friend
Gail Abercrombie says
John: You lived a long life and shared with many “horse crazy” girls and guys your wisdom and experiences of working with horses. I remember the time you showed a person how to rebraid and make softer a cotton rope to be used to gently teach a colt to tie. It worked! Also watching Bob legup your and Bev’s race horses in the arena was fun in the off season. You talked about purchasing horses in Kentuckly by first time sires because you could get good breeding at reasonable prices. I believe Super Ciel was one of those. You will be missed, but there are enough memories to last another life time. RIP, John. I’ll wait to hear your distinctive voice again on the other side.
Gail Abercrombie and Mark Dreiling
Ronda Sewell-Davis says
Bev, Shug,iBobby and loui…our parents met when i was 9 months old and spent many many times at your house or ours. So many fun memories. I especially appreciated john when my beloved father passed away and john went out of his way to let me know if my family needed anything to let him know.
So sorry for your loss.
Scott R Thompson says
I met John in 1978 when I went to work for the water dept.we had a rocky start but he became one of my favorite people. He and Kelly Larson were two of the best people I have known. I will never forget the times eating chicken and drinking beer at the reservoir on Friday afternoons! Hunting with John was a pleasure, he always had an extra horse even if was a race horse!!!! I will MISS YOU JOHN!!!!