Thomas Harris

Thomas Lee Harris, Sr., 74, died Sept. 5, 2007, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center after an illness of five months caused by pancreatic cancer.

He was born Dec. 25, 1932, in Devol, Okla., the son of Judge Calvin and Artie Mabel Harris. He graduated from high school in Beulah, N.D., and continued his education in California.

In 1950, he enlisted in the Army and served in Greenland and Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953.

In 1952, Tom and Lorreta Bell married. They had three children. A divorce followed. In 1968, Tom and Mary Tombrink married.

Tom followed his father’s occupation as a steamfitter and mechanical superintendent on projects ranging from oil refineries to paper mills. In 1970, he moved to Montana. He always enjoyed coming home to Whitefish after a project. Biking, flying, boating, fishing and inventing were his primary hobbies.

Tom held the TBI support group and Hospice in high regard for having provided him with invaluable support and caring. Neighbors and relatives have made his last months more bearable, and he leaves endearing gratitude to them.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James, Jerry and Ronald; and sisters Virginia and Eva Jo.

He is survived by his wife, Mary at the family home; sister Pat Clamp in Corning, N.Y.; children Tom Jr., Ken and Elaine and their families in Texas; seven grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.

At his request, no memorial services are to be held. Inurnment took place Sept. 8, 2007, at Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kalispell.