Thomas Hugh French, 84, passed away on October 12, 2018 of natural causes. He was born to Chester and Mary French on April 7, 1934 at the St. John’s Hospital in Helena. He grew up and attended elementary school in York and graduated high school at Helena High.
Tom joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and served until 1957. Upon return he became a rancher and eventually settled in the Helena valley. Tom was an exceptional mechanic and built a shop that was to be envied. If he needed a part he could built it and repair almost anything.
On June 4, 1964, Tom married Pearl Malicote and they lived in the Helena valley. Tom continued to work and live there after Pearl’s death in 2001.
Tom is survived by this step-daughter, Elva Juchtzer (Nevada), nieces, Sara Morris (Helena), and Barb French (Lincoln), and nephew, Dick French (Helena).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester & Mary French, wife, Pearl, brothers, Chester and Halford French, nephew, Terry French and step-son Larry Wells.
Graveside services will be held at the Forestvale Cemetery on Friday, October 19th at 11:30 a.m. A gathering for family and friends will be held at the American Legion Post 2, 3095 Villard Avenue, Helena, directly following the service.
The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice and the Masonic Home for the commitment to Tom’s comfort in his final days. In addition, a big thank you to his lifelong friend Buck Clark.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Tom are suggested to Compassus Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney Street, Ste 201, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tom.
Evy Sass says
My memories of Tommy & Pearl go back to the 70’s. They were very upstanding, honorable folks. May Tommy rest in peace & be reunited with Pearl & his loved ones. Evy
Beverly Hill says
My husband and I purchased his ranch in 1975 from a realtor. We got to know Tom and Pearl and both were such great people. A memory of Tom: When we were thinking about buying the ranch, we asked about rattlesnakes on the property. and he said there weren’t many. Well, when we moved there there were quite a few rattlesnakes. I teased him about that and he said we had never asked how many per acre! A good friend!