Thomas Joseph Heiland

Thomas Joseph Heiland

Thomas (Tom) Heiland passed away on April 22, 2014 due to natural causes while at his home surrounded by family and the sounds of sweet country music played by his children.
Tom was born October 9, 1931 in Gillette, Wyoming. The son of John and Helen (Sutton) Heiland. In 1950, the family purchased and moved to the Heiland Ranch North of Darby. Tom lived out his love of ranching while driving dump truck at the Flourspar Mine, Rye Creek (10 yrs), driving the gas tanker for Bell McCall Co. in Hamilton (10 yrs) and as a chip truck driver for Glen Bush of Darby.
He married Janice Christopherson in 1958 and the couple was blessed with 7 children, 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Tom taught his children the value of hard work, faith in God and the importance of family. Their home was filled with laughter and love. In the later years, Tom enjoyed time spent on the front porch. He loved sitting with Janice (Mom) while visiting about the family that had grown over the years. He enjoyed rocking grandbabies to sleep, swinging little ones in the swing, reading, sharpening his knives and looking out across the fields at the cattle. He always worked hard and was often found sawing and gathering firewood, irrigating and keeping up with the ranch work.
Tom had a great sense of humor and lived life to its fullest, never complaining or letting his health fade away his smile and contagious laugh. He loved music and learned at a young age to play the guitar, fiddle and mandolin. He played and sang for his family and friends, sharing his love of music with his children. The Heiland tradition of music has spread through many generations.
Tom is survived by his loving wife Janice; children Ramona (Wayne) Potter, John (Melody), Jim (Barb), Ted (Kristie), Teresa (Scott) Etter and Steve (Lindsey). Tom is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Raymond (2000), grandson Matthew (2007) and infant sister Cecilia (1939).
Tom will always be remembered for his quick wit, quiet wisdom and polite humble manner.