Helena lost a beloved husband, incredible father, doting grandfather, loyal brother, playful uncle, dear friend, proud Irishman, and ardent golfer. Thomas Robert Downs died peacefully in his home with his family nearby on October 1, 2021, at the age of 81, after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and related complications.
Tom was born to Harry and Caroline Downs, the third of five children, on July 9, 1940, in Helena.
This darling curly-haired Irish boy spent a happy and carefree childhood playing in the neighborhood streets of Helena, selling newspapers for a dime in establishments on Last Chance Gulch, and attending St. Helena Grade School.
A Greenie through and through, Tom played football and basketball at Cathedral High School, where he graduated in 1958. Tom loved his classmates and maintained a lifelong friendship with many of them.
Tom lauded his seven summers with the U.S. Forest Service fighting fires with a Pulaski in hand, Copenhagen in his lip, sun and stars overhead, and his brother John by his side. He often recalled that job with John as the best of his career.
After graduating from Carroll College in 1962 with degrees in English and Spanish, he taught at Anaconda Central High School and eventually went to graduate school at the University of Montana to study English.
In 1966 he was drafted by the U.S. Army, and served in Germany during the Vietnam War era. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1968 and came home to Montana where he worked at the Job Corps in Ronan and Anaconda.
In 1972 he returned to Helena and accepted a position within the Social Security Disability Determination Bureau, a career that would span nearly three decades. Then during the 1973 Carroll College Homecoming weekend, he met a local Irish lass named Jeannie Harrington. Tom was smitten. He charmed and courted Jeannie, and in time they married at the Cathedral of St. Helena on June 21, 1975. In June of 1976, they purchased their first home, where they would reside for the next 45 years, and raise their two sons Michael and Kevin. A shamrock with “Céad Míle Fáilte” graced the wooden front door as this blessed home took root – safe, grace-filled, and warm, especially during the last months of Tom’s life.
One of Tom’s greatest passions was golf. With his eclectic collection of left-handed clubs (not an iron in the bag!), he tallied five holes-in-one, including at least one on each of Helena’s golf courses. But his greatest strokes on the golf course were the witty remarks he shared to light up the morning silence with the laughter of his cronies that spanned three generations.
His sons’ alma maters were the teams for which he most fervently cheered: the Carroll College Fighting Saints, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Gonzaga University Bulldogs.
Though he lived very simply, his few possessions brought him joy and were well-kept – “waste not, want not,” he would say. He also took pride in his handyman work at home and in the yard. Though a self-described homebody, he was fond of travel, especially family road trips through the West and international trips to Japan, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Honduras, and Italy.
His witty one-liners worked around the world, grounded in humor everyone could relate to. He welcomed everyone into his circle of laughter, and his humor was never at the expense of others. Nothing delighted him more than the pause after his uttering of a one-liner – that anticipation of an ensuing belly laugh.
He was a lover of the land of Montana, none more precious to him than the ten acres near Elliston he owned with his brothers, upon which they built a simple cabin to host family picnics, poker parties, and quiet escapes.
A voracious reader of many genres, Tom loved spy novels and biographies, but perhaps his favorite reading was living out his fantasies of being a cowboy through the pages of Louis L’Amour.
Over the past year, Tom and Jeannie were blessed with the never-ending love, care, and visits from so many, including neighbors, dear friends, golf buddies, the extended Downs and Harrington families, and their CFM community. These people were the caddies and the gallery on Tom’s final fairway.
He is survived by his wife Jeannie, his sons and their families, Michael (Isaiah and Clara) and Kevin Downs and Marly Ellis (Rowan, River, and a son due in early November); brother Harry and sister-in-law Liz, sisters Carol Smith and Diane Murray, and sister (-in-law) Barbara; four Harrington siblings-in-law and their spouses, Patty (Jim) Screnar, J. Cort (Fong) Harrington, Kim (Kevin) Kelley, Joe (Margaret) Harrington; 35 nieces and nephews, and countless grandnieces and grandnephews who all adored their Uncle Tommy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Caroline, his beloved brother and best friend John, and brothers-in-law Tom Smith and Mike Murray.
A vigil will take place Monday, October 11 at 6:00pm at the Anderson Wilke Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Helena Cathedral on Tuesday, October 12 at noon. There will be a committal at Resurrection Cemetery with military honors, and a reception to follow at the Great Northern Hotel. All are welcome, and masks and social distancing are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Helena Foodshare or the Prickly Pear Land Trust. Tom was a very gracious and grateful man. His final words to Jeannie, but really to all of us, were, “It’s okay. It’s okay. Thank you.”
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Great Northern Hotel
835 Great Northern Boulevard
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 11, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 12, 2021
Great Northern Hotel
835 Great Northern Boulevard
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jack Haffey says
We were saddened to learn of Tom’s passing away.
He was a wonderful teacher at Anaconda Central and a good long term friend.
We send our prayers and condolences.
Jack and Susan Haffey.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Toms Family,
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all .Tom, Class of 58, CHS a true GREENIE ,Keep it the short grass .God Bless Tom……………..
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Tom was a good Christian friend 🙏
stephen james kasperick says
Our condolences from family friends and classmates…. growing up over the years..
Kasperick Family
Rosie Walsh says
Always a gentle and thoughtful presence, with a caring word to offer, and those kind eyes, just like his wonderful brother John. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Jeannie and Tom’s extended family.
Patti Marshall says
Dearest Jeannie and all of the Downs family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I enjoyed working with Tom at the DDS and always enjoyed his stories, his laughter and most of all, his kindness. I know he will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti (McDonald) Marshall
Dan Ganley says
I first met Tom when he was courting Jeannie. I was at my Aunt and Uncle’s house on 11th avenue in Helena. We, all of us, we’re sitting on the front porch after supper. I was in a Glocamora type heaven with my cousins. Then Tom walked up and put one foot on the steps of the porch. With confidence, charm and a twinkle in the eye he declared he was not 100% Irish. Oh boy. Did the future brother’s – in – law give him grief. Wide eyed I watched. Then with that Irish charm and wit he declared that he was indeed all Irish. He wouldn’t be anything but. The rest is history. And what a history. It continues.
Here’s to the best of the best. An inspirational man, family and relative. Always in our hearts and prayers Tom will always inspire. God bless.
Slainte.
Maureen H Shawver says
So little time, so many memories. Jeannie, may your faith give you and your loved ones, the strength and support you need in the loss of Tom. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Jeannie, Mike, Kevin and all the families and friends of my friend , Tom. Cathedral High classmates will remember Tom’s famous question “Who me?”
Sincerely,
Maureen Gabse Shawver and family.
Richard Schultz says
Jeannie and Family, Lori and I first met you and Tom when you bought the home from us in 1976 at 907 Dearborn. We still cherish those wonderful memories and friendship all the last 46 years. I really missed Tom on the golf course this year and his unforgettable FIRM handshake. Our prayers are with you and the family. Dick and Lori
Fr. Jerry Burr says
Sincere sympathy to Jeanne, Mike and Kevin, and all of the Downs family……Harry, Carol, Dianne.
I deeply feel the loss of my classmate from grade one on. He was first in humor, first in kindness and first in so many things. As someone said in these obit comments…..He was the best of the best. Amen !!!
Goose and Jan Gregson says
Jeanne, Mike, Kevin and the entire Downs clan, we are so so sorry to hear of Toms passing. For all these years seeing him occasionally on Mile High Lane was a highlight, he always left you felling a bit lighter, happier and chuckling at the conversation you just had…… he had a twinkle in his eye like no other.
I know that he is busy hosting a poker party and dad is right there with him .
May all your many many happiest memories fill you with peace knowing he touched so many lives…. Sending you all much love!
Goose and Jan
Carol Tucker Henderson says
To Tom’s Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. It seems our large neighborhood is on the move again, but this time to a loftier location. I haven’t seen Tom since we were children and your family moved, but how could I not remember him since all his loves and memories correlate along side my own. We grew up in the same wonderful neighborhood, played baseball on Washington Place, went on neighborhood picnics with our families and both came from a large Catholic family. We both lost a dear brother named John, and I lost my best friend, (my brother, Mick) recently. I too, played golf, using only woods, and I love this land of Montana. I feel like I missed out on a lot not being able to stay in touch with Tom and the rest of the Downs family, as I known we would have been great friends. Those who did know Tom well were truly blessed!
FJ says
The Downs family has given Helena a rich legacy of faith and service. God bless you all for those incredible gifts!
with HIS loving comfort to you all…
Sharon thurston says
My love and prayers, on this great loss. I remember you both so fondly.
Sharon (McPhee) Thurston
Hugh M Black says
Dear Jeannie and family. We were so saddened to read about the loss of our Tom. He has deeply inscribed his kindness on all who knew him. We have all lost a good soul who walked on this earth. Our deepest sympathy reaches out to you and Kevin and Michael and we pray that ..comfort and compassion be your allies through this time of loss. Mary Grace and Hugh Black
Diane Langenfus says
Jeannie and family,
I first met Tom when I was talked into helping the Cathedral All Class Reunion. Having access to all the Spires magazines I got to read all about Tim and Harry Downs. Then it seemed I soon became the go between Tom and some of his classmates. He had quite the athletic star power and the ultimate Greenie. Please accept our deepest condolences and God Bless all of your family in this very sad time..
Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus
Joe Sologub says
I taught with Tom at the Anaconda Job Corp. He was a great guy. I am sorry for your loss.
Joe Sologub
Rita A Williams says
My Dear Jeannie:
Please accept my love and prayers for you, your family and your Dear Husband, Tom. I did not know him personnally but heard what a wonderful man he was!
Mary Kay Senden says
Adios, Senor Downs
Tengo muchos recuerdos maravilloso de
Ti y de Espanol en ACHS.
Ve con Dios
Tom was a joyful quiet man.
Rev Richard Francesco says
Condolences to all the Downs family. May the choirs of angels welcome Tom and take him to the holy city: the new and eternal Jerusalem, and where Lazarus is poor no longer, may he have eternal rest.
George Murphy says
Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Another CHS Class of ’58 member is gone. I so enjoyed his friendship in high school; and at Carroll College. It was such a joy to see him at our CHS class reunions .
My condolences to Jeanie and extended family.
George Murphy
CHS Class of 1958
Gail Kriskovich says
Dear Jeannie and Family,
I was deeply saddened to read about Tom. Once you met Tom, you never forgot him.
Tom, Jeannie, Michael and Keven, I am sending love and prayers to all of you.
He taught at ACHS when I was there. I did not have him as a teacher, but always wish I
had because I heard so many good things about him. After meeting him, I knew why. What
a wonderful man, husband and father. Gail Kriskovich
Janet Riis says
Jeanie, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the coming months.
Denise Downs says
Some of my favorite all-time memories of UncleTom were when my left-handed sister, Danette, would arrive from California and immediately seek out Uncle Tom to hide his cowboy boots from him at Grandma Caroline’s house on 12th Ave. The “audience” would cheer and laugh while he would cajole, plead, beg, and finally call her a traitor to left handers everywhere. This had Grandma Caroline and the rest of us in sweet tears of laughter…Safe travels cowboy-and don’t let the angels hide yer boots…
Tom' says
Dear Jeanie and the extended Downs family,
Very appreciative of Dr. John Cech letter to the Carroll family today. Though he shares great news, on occasion he notes news about ‘our fallen Saints’ that are now really ‘True Saints’. I was surprised with Tom’s death as the last time I saw him at a Carroll Football game in September 2019, he looked great and possibly was in good health. Not only were we almost next door neighbors for years, our fathers worked in the neighborhood at the Federal Building for IRS along with your father, Jeanie. Though I didn’t see Tom often, I might as well have, as my very frequent interchanges with younger brother John, kept me abreast of the Tom Downs family. Though I know that you and Barb have always been close, with Tom joining John in heaven in our dear Lord’s Forest Maintenance crew, I know that on the very warm sunny Montana days, there always will be just the right amount of shade.
My prayers are with you Jeanie and the extended Downs/Harrington families — John
John P Thomas Jr says
Clarify that the previous posting was from John [Jack] Thomas.
Sister Marie Gabrielle says
Dear Jeannie and family,
I was very sorry to hear that Tom was ill and passed on. I will pray for the repose of Tom’s soul and for all of you everyday in my prayers for the Poor Souls and their families. May Our Lord and His consoling Mother watch over, bless and comfort you especially at this time. I pray that Tom may also continue to watch over his family from heaven.
God bless you and Our Lady love you,
Sister Marie Gabrielle – Mary Doubek
John Hart says
Dear Jeannie,
We have lost the presence among us of an extraordinary man. Tom was a delight to be with: his quick wit, his smile, his warmth, his love of life and people. His obituary captured all that and more very well.
I’m sorry that I missed the cathedral events: I had a doctor’s appointment.
I last saw Tom in Vann’s about two years ago as he was checking out just ahead of us. He was teasing the cashiers, and they enjoyed the give-and-take. We spoke briefly, and said, “We’ve got to get together.” I wish we’d said, “Let’s get together on….”
I hadn’t realized that he was ill. I wish I’d seen him again before he passed on. His smile will linger. He and John will watch over you all, and also keep the angels laughing.
I’ll miss him.
Please pass on my condolences to Michael and Kevin.
Love,
John
Mildred McDermott says
Tom’s family
We are sorry for your loss. We were in Heidelberg Germany when we were lucky enough to see Tom who was also in the army. (We had know Tom at Carroll College and through his sister Carol.) Being so far from home, it was wonderful to meet a familiar face, and someone from Montana. We do remember Tom for his sense of humor and kindness.
Mili and Joe McDermott