Timothy Matthew Tolon, 69 passed away on August 20, 2021, in Clancy, MT due to complications from diabetes. Tim was born on July 21, 1952, in Deer Lodge, MT. Tim was the eldest child of seven, born to Lois (Potts) and Richard (Moose) Tolon.
Tim attended schools in Anaconda, MT, Livermore, CA, and Helena, MT. He graduated from high school in Helena, MT and went on to work for the State of Montana for 27 years. Diabetes forced his retirement, but he continued to live a productive and fulfilling life until recent years.
In Tim’s younger years, he enjoyed working with his uncle Frank Potts on the Helmville ranch and later with Todd and Eldon Voss, helping with work related projects in the Helmville area.
Tim was a faithful and devoted Catholic, attending Mass regularly. He occasionally met with the Helmville community church to celebrate with fellow townspeople amongst his many friendships.
Tim was well known around Deer Lodge and Helmville, fondly, as his daily walks and his volunteer work at PAWHS Humane Society made him many friends. Tim’s smile and wave always gained a “Hello, Tim!”, from the locals. Tim was dedicated to the impounded and loved dogs at PAWHS, and it gave him great happiness walking them from the shelter around town… much to the dogs’ enjoyment!
Although Tim had a reading disability, his many kind acts and accomplishments came from his uncanny knack to match people with their needs. He was very worldly in his sense to spot and locate items, real estate rentals and sales, pets, vehicles, firewood, etc. for those who were looking for a match. He helped so many people with his keen awareness of what people were needing and took no time matching things up for so many.
Among his love for helping and tending to animals, going to rodeos to watch the horses, a checker champion, and collecting miscellaneous items for his enjoyment, Tim was, unbeknownst to him, a town treasure…A person who was always out to help others and give a smile and kind word or deed.
He proved that his limitations did not block him from many obstacles. He contributed to his community in so many ways, and that brought him happiness. Boundaries did not define Tim’s life. His heart did.
Tim is survived by his mother, Lois Tolon, Helmville, MT; brothers, Tom Tolon of Colorado Springs, CO, Dan Tolon of Bluffton, SC, and Mike (Lesley) Tolon of Helena, MT; sisters, Terese Penix of Omaha, NE, and Luanne Antila of Elliston, MT; nephews and nieces, Destine Tolon, Lisa (Max) Schneider, Eric (Heather) Tolon, Cory Tolon, Brett (Marlena) Tolon, Sean Tippin, Brandon (Emily) Antila, Bo Antila and many great nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Tim is preceded in death by his father, Richard (Moose) Tolon; brother, Ed Tolon; brother-in-law, Danny Antila; and nephew, Alec Tolon.
Sometimes angels are disguised as people with special needs to teach us how to be better people.
The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. with a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 4th at the Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church, 108 Main St. in Helmville, MT. Burial will follow the Mass at the Helmville Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the Helmville Community Center, MT Highway 271. Suggested donations made in loving memory of Tim in lieu of flowers: St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Helmville, MT, Helmville Community Club, PAWHS Humane Society, Deer Lodge, MT, or donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church
108 Main St, Helmville
Helmville, Montana 59843
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church
108 Main St
Helmville, Montana 59843
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday September 4, 2021
Helmville Cemetery
Helmville, Montana 59843
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday September 4, 2021
Helmville Community Center
MT Highway 271
Helmville, Montana 59843
Service Schedule
Rosary
10:30 a.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church
108 Main St, Helmville
Helmville, Montana 59843
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 4, 2021
Saint Thomas Apostle Catholic Church
108 Main St
Helmville, Montana 59843
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday September 4, 2021
Helmville Cemetery
Helmville, Montana 59843
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday September 4, 2021
Helmville Community Center
MT Highway 271
Helmville, Montana 59843
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Ed in Idaho says
I didn’t know Tim, but in reading this obituary, I would have been bettered a-bit, had I. His contributions to and concern for his fellow man (and woman) and the animal kingdom, speak well of him. Rest In Peace Tim.
Ed
Deb & Rich Hendrix says
LuAnne, Mike and families, Sending heartfelt condolences on the loss of your brother. Caring thoughts to all.
Deb & Rich Hendrix
Carolyn says
I remember playing with the Tolon kids as a child growing up in Helena. My mom and dad, Ione and Richard Olson, would play cards with Lois and Moose. All the kids would get together and play. Tim was always so much fun plus his fondness for animals always was present.
Sharon Lordemnann Tregidga says
So sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. I have fond memories of hanging with the Tolon kids. Those were the days. May God’s peace and comfort fill you now as you mourn his passing.
Steve Koester says
It was good for me to meet Tim years ago in Helena. He would go out on the town with us and always had a great time. He will be missed but never forgotten. Journey well Tim on this adventure.
Sandy Young Jacke says
What a sweet soul Tim was. Always had a smiling face for everyone! Tim will be one of those wonderful memories of our town, Deer Lodge. RIP, Tim, and please keep your arm around my little cousin, Alec.
Terry Ferguson says
I always looked forward to seeing Tim at work, and he never failed to give me a lift. He was always pleasant and worked so hard. Condolences to Dan and family.
Jo Ann Jones says
Mike and Lesley, I am so saddened to hear about your loss. Although I didn’t know Tim, losing a sibling is always so hard. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Jo Ann Jones