Thomas Hugh Dunbar Iii

In Loving Memory of Thomas “Tom” Dunbar

Bitterroot Valley, Montana

1953 – 2025

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” H. Dunbar—beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother, and cornerstone of the Bitterroot Valley. Tom left this world peacefully in his sleep on July 12, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by the family he cherished more than anything.

Born and raised in the very valley he would spend his life shaping, Tom was a man of quiet strength and deep purpose. From an early age, he learned what it meant to work hard, keep your word, and love where you come from. These values stayed with him always, and he passed them on to everyone who knew him. Tom was born in 1953 in Hamilton, Montana, to Thomas Lee Dunbar and Margaret Dunbar. Raised among the towering pines and mountain creeks of Montana, his life was shaped by hard work, deep family roots, and an unwavering belief in the strength of a close-knit community. He found an immense source of peace and comfort in the family property that we affectionately refer to as ‘the Ranch’, where so much love and family history reside; from his great-grandfather’s birthplace, to the cabin by the creek that he built by hand, to his granddaughter’s wedding, it meant the world to him and to the many generations of family history and growth that flourished in those mountains.

He loved this land with his whole heart—the smell of sawdust, the way the creek moved at dusk, the hush of snowfall in the pines. But above all, Tom loved his family. His wife, Ana “Annie” L. Dunbar, was his compass and companion through 29 years of love, partnership, and laughter. His daughter Monica Dunbar, affectionately known as “Sugar Bear,” and his son Jake Dunbar, or “Bubba” were his whole world. He was blessed with three granddaughters, Kami, Megan, and Gracie, as well as his great-grandson, Porter.

Tom took over the family business, Dunbar Sawmill, in his youth. Under his steady leadership, the sawmill not only became one of the valley’s most reliable sources of lumber and general household items, but also helped lay the foundation for the area’s economic growth. More than a business owner, Tom was a builder—in wood, in community, and most importantly of all, in character. He saw the mill not just as a livelihood, but as a way to support families and preserve the traditions of honest labor and stewardship of the land.

Tom has always been very proud of his Scottish ancestry, and the value of knowing about where we came from and how it affects who we are today. The clan Dunbar motto varies between sources from “in promtu” or “always ready” and the second, somewhat more fitting motto “sub spe”, which means “under hope”. Tom Dunbar Embodied hope in a way few else can; instilling in his loved ones that we can endure in the face of adversity, no matter what comes, the Dunbars will survive because we have hope… and because we can be that hope for someone else.

Known for his firm handshake and even firmer sense of integrity, Tom believed that success was best measured by what you give, not what you take. He was always the first to lend a hand to friends, family, and the community. In all those who knew him, he instilled the foundations of kindness, humility, and hard work. Tom’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew him as “Papa,” the man with the gentle smile, a massive heart, and a story for every season. He taught us that ladybugs are lucky, showed us how to fix up vintage cars— even though we were more interested in playing in them — and to listen more than we speak. I still think of him every time I smell Gojo. Another favorite memory is how every Christmas Eve, without fail, Papa’s kids, grandkids, and, recently, his great-grandson would always gather around him. We would go to Victor Steakhouse for dinner, then go back to his family home for presents and quality time together, always filled with stories and joy and laughter that made our hearts sing from the outpouring of love we felt.

Tom Dunbar leaves behind a legacy carved not just in timber but in the hearts of those who knew him. His strength was quiet but enduring. His impact on the Bitterroot Valley will be felt for generations. Tom Dunbar built more than a business—he built a legacy. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry his example forward in how we live, work, and care for one another.

A word from “Grandpa’s Grump” Gracie: “Papa has always been such a massive part of our lives. I remember hiding behind one of his old chairs because I didn’t want to go home; I wanted to stay and play with Papa. Another memory that I cherish beyond measure is when my sister and I would wreak havoc in the Dunbar Sawmill and General Store or sit in the vintage old cars he was restoring. It’s important to remember that the intense ache we feel in our hearts is just the evidence of the immense amount of love he poured into each and every one of us.”

He is survived by his wife Annie Dunbar; children Monica (Sugar Bear), Jake (Bubba); 3 granddaughters; 1 great-grandchild; his sister Linda.

A word from his beloved wife: “Life is full of surprises. One day, you’re filled with joy and love, living life with the most important person in your life, but with just the blink of an eye, things can change, and you’ll never know how life can go on without them.

My life will never be the same without my true love, my husband, Tom. When I first met him, I never knew things could get real, because we were worlds apart. But he was persistent, and we continued exchanging letters throughout the test of time. We conquered all odds because we knew we were meant for each other. And at the end of it all, we did it and lived our Happily Ever After!

Our love for each other is something out of this world. Tom was the most patient, loving, funny, and just the most amazing person I have ever met in my entire life. Through ups and downs, we made it through ’til he couldn’t hold on anymore.

I love you, my lovey dovey, you are forever carved in my heart, and I will always remember all the great memories I had with you. You may be gone, but your legacy and memories will live on. We will miss you so much.”

As Tom was a very private man, both in life and after, he requested no funeral services to be rendered, save for a small private family function. We thank the community for your loving support for our family in this time of grief and heartache.