It is with great heartache that we announce the passing of Thomas Alger Pocha of Helena. In the early morning hours of May 22, 2025, Tom passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home. Tom was 76 years old.
Tom was born at St. John’s Hospital in Helena on Friday August 13, 1948. He was the second child born to Eileen Richey and Leo Pocha. He was one of 14 siblings.
Tom grew up in Helena. He told stories of spending time at his paternal grandparents’ farm when he was a boy. He had many stories of his maternal grandparents. Tom was a storyteller and he had many adventures growing up in Helena. He spent part of his high school years at the Yellowstone Boys Ranch in Billings with his brother Bill. He graduated from Helena High School in 1967.
In 1969, he married Lorraine Apland. They were married for 18 years, and had two children, Tommie Lee and Hart. Tom and Lorraine remained friends throughout his lifetime.
Tom was a meat cutter by trade, and over the years worked in the meat departments of most of the grocery stores in the Helena area. In the 1980s, he took a break from meat cutting, and he was the Executive Director of the Helena Indian Alliance, following in the footsteps of his father, Leo Pocha. During this time, he came to appreciate his native heritage. He was proud to be part of the Little Shell of Chippewa Indians of Montana, and much later in his life he was a proud member of the Magpie Drummers drum circle.
Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hunting, and fishing with family and friends. He coached baseball and played softball. He was a member of the Helena Sponsors team for many years. He was the beer boy for the team. He always stopped and filled the cooler with Rainier on the way to the ball field.
To know Tom was to be his friend. It seemed like he knew everyone. Wherever he went he knew somebody and always took time to have a conversation and catch up. Tom had a great sense of humor and could always get a laugh out of you. He had so many memories and could tell the best stories.
In 1992 on Valentine’s Day, he married the second love of his life, Mari Jean Buerman. They had an incredibly special marriage until her passing in 2014. Tom was a romantic. Every year on their anniversary he would have a special box filled with her favorite candy from the Parrot Confectionery.
Tom was loved by many, but to his granddaughters he was the most important man in their lives. He was his grandchildren’s super hero.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife Mari Pocha, parents Eileen Richey and Leo Pocha; siblings Marie Pocha, Bill Pocha, Sue Pocha, Leo Pocha, Allen Pocha, Jeff Pocha, Louis Pocha, Steven Paul Richey, and Fay Pocha Prescott.
Tom is survived by his son Hart Pocha (Candi) and daughter Tommie Lee Pocha; grandchildren Kaylee Randolph, Kimberlee Pocha Eller (Kelly), Savannah Barnhart (Cole), Megan Pocha Randolph, Cole Pocha, and Luke Pocha; great grandsons Kalvin and Finnlee; siblings Daniel Pocha, Chester Richey, Bonnie Distasio, and Kate Ahl; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A service will be held on Wednesday June 4th at 2:00 PM at St. Peter’s Epicopal Cathedral with a potluck to follow in the fellowship hall.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 4, 2025
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Wednesday June 4, 2025
Lower Level of the Church
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Jan Ryckmzn says
Tom was such a special friend. We had such great laughs and conversations about growing up in Helena and all the “remember when’s”. He always made you smile and what a great sense of humor. I will miss my buddy at the deep end of the rec pool at the Broadwater. RIP Tom, you will be so missed. Jan
Carol Bridge says
Tom was a great Bud at the Broadwater Hot springs. We enjoyed telling stories and talking about baseball and the Telephone Company and the good times. He was so Genuine and a joker at best. He loved his children and grand children so dearly. I will miss our conversations. God Bless his family, take care of yourselves and immerse yourself with all the memories. God Bless Tom also. He is well now and living the high life!!!!!!!.
Rick O'Connell says
Tom’s quick wit will be missed. Always a joy to visit with him in the “exercise pool” where we moved water and maybe a little bs. The Great Spirit has a new accomplice. My thoughts go out to his family. See ya later.
Hart Pocha says
Dad never met a stranger. Any time I came back home and we were out around Helena he would run into a couple people he knew and a conversation would be struck up. Loved hearing him tell stories. He never forgot a detail and could tell you all about family history. So many great memories growing up and Montana trips later on. Camping, fishing, hunting, campfire BS sessions, softball, float trips. Many life lessons from the best-my Dad.
Kathy Crawford says
Heaven truly gained angel. Fly high Uncle Tom. I will forever remember the good old days all the family gatherings and high dinners and picnics. Love you! Rest In Peace.
Bonnie Lee Distasio says
I will miss your humor and your company taking me to doc. Appt and hanging out. We were getting very close and loved those family stories and just listening to stories of the good old days. Tom you were a great brother and friend. Miss you RIP
Sara Graveley says
I saw him many times swimming out at the Broadwater. He was such a gentleman and always had a kind word to say even if it was just about the weather or the temperature of the water …just anything . He didn’t know who I was but I felt like we knew each other somehow. He just had a warmth about him.
I’m sad I won’t see him in the pool again. To his family, my sincere condolences.