Thomas J. Peterson

HAMILTON - Thomas J. Peterson, 69, of Hamilton passed away at his home in the company of his family on August 2, 2016, due to complications from Frontotemporal Dementia from which he had suffered for so many years.

A Hamilton native, Tom was born on November 3, 1946, the son of J. Roland and Lillian Peterson.  Tom was a 1965 graduate of Hamilton High School, attended Carroll College and then transferred and graduated from the University of Montana.   Serving with the Montana National Guard, he received his basic training at Fort Ord, CA.  Upon his return, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service, based in Sula.  He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy McCoy, on September 23, 1967, and they made their lifetime home in Hamilton.  Tom was an insurance agent and a financial advisor, working first with his father, and then establishing his own business. Very civic-minded, Tom was a well-known figure in the community, proudly serving as a volunteer fireman of HVFD (20 yrs), a city councilman, Hamilton Mayor, President of the Historical Society, and on the board of Ravalli Services. Many people would seek Tom out for advice and he was always willing to serve as a mentor.

Growing up, Tom was always interested in government, politics and history.  Having five uncles serving in World War II, he had great admiration and respect for the military, and spent a great deal of time as a civilian skywatcher of the Ground Observers Corps in the 1950’s. Tom was proud to receive the Expert Rifle award with the M-16 while in the National Guard, a result of the many hours he spent as a youth practicing his marksmanship at the Hamilton Gun Club.  Tom had a great love and respect for the outdoors, and he enjoyed many hours hunting, fishing and hiking in his beloved Bitterroot Mountains.  He greatly enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on the East Fork and the many adventures with his friends and family. Riding motorcycles with his father and brother, Rolly, was one of his fondest past-times.  Tom loved the sport of football, playing center for Hamilton High School and was proud to be on the Divisional championship team of 1964.  He was also an avid Redskins fan.  Tom was the greatest fan of his three grandsons- Jayden, Dillon and Matthew.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Hamilton; his son John, and wife, Sharon, of Helena; daughter, Melissa Peterson of Hamilton; grandsons, Jayden Peterson of Helena; Dillon Weidow and Matthew Weidow of Hamilton; sister, Sue Peterson of Hamilton; brother, Roland and his wife, Nora of St. Louis, Mo; nephew, Carl Peterson of Gig Harbor, WA; niece, Lillian Dannels of Spokane, WA; and many well-loved cousins.

At Tom’s request, no formal services will be held.  Private family internment will take place at a later date.  Always active in student government, delivering his address as Class President of his 8th grade class, the motto of “Not the Sunset, But the Dawn”, seems apt as he embarks on his next journey.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department.