Timothy Walter Reardon
On May 29, 2021, Tim passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his family. He fought the past several years for more time with family and friends. He won that battle and doesn’t have to suffer any longer. Tim was 72 years old.
Tim was born on June 22, 1948 to Donald and Ann Reardon in Anaconda, MT. He grew up in a loving Irish family in Anaconda alongside his older sister, Camille “Cam” Reardon. As Cam’s baby brother, Tim could do no wrong, and she would tell you that he generally got away with everything. Tim and Cam lived through many challenges together through their childhood and always maintained a close relationship.
Tim lost both of his parents by the time he was 18 years old. A close extended family that included his sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins helped him to never feel alone during those difficult times. They supported him with laughter, tears, and occasional teasing throughout their growing years.
Tim looked forward to large family celebrations – picnics at Lost Creek and trips to The Columbia Gardens, where he teamed up with cousins for pick-up baseball and badminton games. He was always first on the attack when it came time for water fights and ice cubes down his cousins’ back!
Following his graduation from Anaconda Central Catholic High School in 1966, Tim attended Carroll College in Helena. He spent summers at home in Anaconda working at the smelter, which added incentive to keep working hard in school and not turn those summers of hot, hard labor into a career. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 and immediately started work toward earning his law degree at the University of Montana, graduating in 1973. He treasured his time in law school at U of M, making many lifelong friends there.
Tim married Cathy Kyle in 1976 and their son, Brad, was born in late December that year. Their marriage ended amicably after six years, and they worked well together raising Brad as single parents. Tim was a great dad and role model who raised a son after having hardly known his own father.
After living on his own for 12 years, Tim married Julie in 1993. She was his partner, nurse, and best friend for the rest of his life. Tim had three stepchildren and loved all of them as though they were his own. Tim and Julie enjoyed traveling, hiking, and for the last few years, wintertime in California and Arizona.
Tim’s professional successes started early when at age 33 he was appointed as the second Workers Compensation Judge for Montana. He served for 12 years before joining the Montana Department of Transportation in 1995 as Chief Legal Counsel. He also worked as Director of MDT for nearly two years. He said that his 21 years at MDT were the best of his work life. In the summer of 2020, the Montana Transportation Commission dedicated the Toston bridge to Tim as a tribute to his work at MDT. He was humbled and appreciative of the bridge dedication and had the opportunity to visit the bridge several times during its construction.
Tim was an ardent supporter of Carroll College and University of Montana athletics, particularly their football programs. Attending Grizzly football games was one of his favorite pastimes and he was at more games than those contributing to this obituary can possibly count. He valued the education students were getting while playing the game, touting their academic achievements as much their on-field success.
Being a grandfather was a great joy of Tim’s. He loved playing games, reading books, loading them up on sugar, and learning about the world from their perspective. Cooking the Thanksgiving turkey was his pride and joy during his favorite holiday!
Tim was kind and respectful to all of us fortunate enough to have known him. From casual acquaintances to his closest friends, simply describing him as a “great guy” is accurate and an acceptable level of praise for Tim being the humble person he was. He will live on in stories told by his family and friends about his many acts of kindness, his incredible courage, his ability to crack jokes in the darkest of times, and how they all lived a richer life for having known him.
Tim was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Ann; his stepfather, John “Skinny”; his aunts Clara and Ruth; and his uncles Bill and Walter “Slick”.
Tim is survived by his wife, Julie; sister, Camille (Rob); son, Brad (Laura); granddaughter, Kara; stepchildren, Zeb, Leah (Ryan); and Elise (Zach); and step-grandchildren children, Peta, Milla, Roxy and Warren; his nephew Rob (Sally); his niece, Ann Marie (Charles); and his beloved dog, Piper.
At his request, there will be no formal service. A private get-together will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are asked to donate to the Helena Symphony or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
The family would like to thank everyone who supported Tim and his family over the last few years as his health declined, including the doctors, nurses, medical and hospice care staff, and the neighbors who cleared his driveway of snow during the cold winter months.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Michael Reardon says
My dear cousin Tim – so many great memories of our youth and college days.
May God keep you,
Michael Reardon
San Francisco
Michael Glueckert says
Tim was a fine man loved by all. My sincere condolences to the family. So sorry!
Pat & Mary McMahon says
Was sad to learn of Tim’s passing. We attended St. Pete’s Grade School & freshman year at AC. We played sports together at St. Pete’s. We hooked up again at Carroll and graduated from CC in 1970. Many fond memories we shared recently. Tim was in our wedding. Sad to say we didn’t spend more time together. Good guy lost & a great person that I call my friend. RIP my friend.
Joe Williams says
Never had a single conversation with Tim where we both didn’t end up laughing (whether with each other or at each other, who’s to say?). Tim had a sharp mind and a keen wit, and both were always on display. He used to tell me to let my light shine, adding that it’s too bad it was only a 25 watt bulb. I would return fire by remarking that Tim gave his best everyday, and that’s what made it so pathetic.
He was a good man who had a zest for life, and always believed it was his goal to bring out the best in others. Rest In Peace, my friend. We’ll see you on the other side.
Jim Ficklin says
You will be missed, Tim. Though we never met again after high school, I will always remember you fondly as a fine, caring classmate from grade and high school with a great sense of humor – a friend who never had a bad thing to say about anyone. I won’t forget our last outing together – fly fishing the Upper North Fork of the Big Hole. I offer my most sincere condolences to your family during this time of loss . . . for a wonderful man with stellar character, gone far too soon.
Kim Flatow says
Julie and family; I am so sorry to learn of Tim’s passing. It seemed like just yesterday that we chatted. You have my deepest sympathy. Hold your memories close. Please let me know If I can help you in any way.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I am so sorry, Cam!
Losing a sibling is heartbreaking .
Remember you from our childhood but didn’t have the good fortune of knowing your brother.
Prayers at this time.
Mary Kay (Fabich) Bennett
Pat Kessner says
Julie & family.
I am so very sorry to hear the news about Tim aka JR in the Court world. I met Tim in 1980 and shortly thereafter he became Judge and the rest is history. He was such a caring, smart and humble man. While traveling for Court we had several conversations about work, life, the news and sometimes nothing at all. He was a great man and will be missed by so many.
I’m certainly proud to have known him. Thanks for letting Clarice and I invite ourselves to your wedding. Great celebration. May you cherish your incredible memories with so much love. Thank you JR for your friendship and being a great boss. You will be missed.
Renee Wuertley says
Tim was one of my favorite bosses to work for. I enjoyed my time working for him at MDT and I will always remember him.
Bobbie McNellis Frank says
I walked to school with Tim and Eddy Joe Proxel nearly every day in first grade Straight up Alder hill. Many a snowball fights happened on those treks up the hill. Tim was a super nice “kid “ from Goosetown then and he continued to be that way in manhood. Rest peacefully Tim.
Sally Russell says
Julie, Brad and family. – Julie I am so sad to read this about Tim. He were such a wonderful man and a great guy to work with I’m so sad to hear of his passing. May God bless you and keep you in his arms through this as you process the death of your husband. God Bless.
Fran says
Tim was a really decent person. I knew him at MDT.
Praying for his family’s comfort and blessings in his absence. He left far too soon.
Jim and Linda Currie says
Tim will be remembered as a friend and all around good person. His years of service and caring will be remembered.
Fr. Tom Haffey says
I’ll remember Tim at Mass Cam. I’ll always remember him as a gracious gentle guy!
Paul Davis- ACHS classmate says
Tim was the quiet guy- sorry I didn’t get to know you better. Rest In Peace.
Terry Dalton says
To Tim’s family,
It was so nice to catch up Julie. Tim was one of a kind, a smart, fun, and great guy all around. Ian and I feel so honored to know him. Julie you were his rock, and he adored you, he always had a twinkle in his eyes when he looked at you. We are thinking of you and know you can call on us anytime you need anything.
James Driggers says
Julie,
So sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. He was quick with a smile and such a decent fellow. He had a way of putting people at ease and I always enjoyed our conversations. I don’t think I ever told him, but I do appreciate his support for the symphony. My condolences to you and your family.
Alex Read says
Julie,
Sad to learn of Tim’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Sending prayers of comfort and love.
Shirley Manson says
Cam and family, so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. It is so hard to lose a brother. Prayers for all. Shirley Manson
Wayne Chamberlin says
I am saddened to learn of Tim’s death.
Tim has been a fine neighbor. He was always, quite simply, a kind and wonderful fellow.
I and so many others in our neighborhood will miss him dearly.
Marvin and Dianne Page says
We both had the pleasure of working with Tim. Dianne at the Court and Marvin at DOT. He was a good guy and a smart, accomplished attorney. We both always enjoyed the many conversations we were able to have with him over the years, whether in the work environment or later years just meeting up on the street. Our condolences to his family for their loss. A life taken too soon.
Misty Hammerbacker says
My condolences to the family. Tim was a wonderful caring man. I worked with him at MDT and he was one of the best. He was a terrific attorney. GOD bless you all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Prayers for the family.
David L. Nielsen says
Tim and I attended law school at same time but in different classes. He was warm and considerate man. Later we had dealings when he was Chief Counsel for MDT and I represented the City of Helena. He was pleasant to work with in solving problems that provided good results for both sides. He was fair, knowledgeable and helpful. I valued our friendship even though we were on opposite sides of an issue. I continue my respect for him as a lawyer and a man.
Tom Kloker says
Cam and family, my thoughts and prayers to you all! May Tim RIP!
Sue foreman says
I truly hated to hear of Tim’s passing. Like many that are a part of the MDT family, I saw Tim in in the halls and spoke to in passing. He was always such a nice person. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Brandi Shepherd says
I am so sad to hear this news!!
May your family be surrounded by love and peace during this most difficult time. Tim was a giant of a man, his kindness, wit, compassion, intelligence, and good nature spoke volumes of his character. He was an amazing human and I am so grateful to know him. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you all close in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
Dori Lynn Wetherelt says
Tim was a really great person to work with and I enjoyed helping him with his computer questions over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you dear family and friends missing him.
Patty Guiberson says
We had the good fortune to know Tim as a schoolmate for 12 years and as a friend to the people of Anaconda when he worked in the County Attorney’s Office. He was truly an honest and serious person who had everyone’s best interest at heart. We were sad when we heard of Tim’s passing but so glad that he left a lasting memory of a wonderful man. The world is truly a better place, because he nurtured and left it that way by his life and actions.
Joe and Patty Guiberson
Donna Coman says
Julie. I was so sorry to read about Tim’s passing. I remember his smile & the twinkle in his eyes. He was a great help to me when he was at DOT. He knew just who I needed to help.
You have my sympathies in your loss.
jeff sherlock says
I got to know Tim when he and I were in an election against each other in 1988. Throughout that grueling ordeal Tim was an honorable opponent and a true gentleman. Later, I often observed his legal work and found it to always be top notch, while he, as expected, continued to be a good guy. Peace to his family
Jim says
Jimmycavanaugh @309gmail.com
Jim Cavanaugh says
You r great laddy Iriishmsm Laddy !! Jimmycavanaugh
Janet McNamee Bjornemo says
I remember you Tim as one of the “big kids” in the neighborhood.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Irish Reardon family. Rest In Peace you Goosetown kid. You sure did the neighborhood proud!
Donna and Dave Kloker says
Tim was a good man we will miss him. I have looked up to him since High School days. He was a great cousin and friend.
Kristine Foot says
I know this is a late submission, but I didn’t learn of Tim’s death until I tried to find him (on-line) to see if he was coming to Missoula for Bob Campbell’s funeral service. I worked with both men at the Workers’ Compensation Court, which was my first job out of law school. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. Forever known as Judge Reardon (JR) to me, he was smart and funny. He seemed quiet to those who didn’t know him, but he was simply selectively social. I learned a whole lot from JR, not just as his clerk, but then as a practitioner appearing before him. JR was a good person who did good things. I was lucky to know him and the world was lucky to have him. RIP, JR.