Thomas J. 'Tom' Byrne, 85

Thomas J. "Tom" Byrne, 85, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.

He was born on June 26, 1920, in Columbia Falls, the son of John and Charlotte "Lottie" (Heller) Byrne.

In his early years, he was a dairy farmer, drove a cattle truck, and then farmed and raised livestock throughout the valley.

He moved to Washington State in the early 1970s, living in Walla Walla. After being there one year, he moved back to the Flathead Valley, living at the base of the foothills between Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

He loved gardening, keeping his woods clean, watching all of the wildlife on his property, visiting with all of his neighbors and friends, and going for drives around the valley.

He recently moved to Heritage Place due to ill health.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lottie Byrne; his brother, Bob Byrne, whom he always called "The Captain"; and an infant sister.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Peggy Byrne; four nieces and their spouses, Jerry Davisson and Bob Rehus of Palmer, Alaska, Carol Wilkins and husband, Cliff, of Coram, Noreen Fraleigh and husband, Michael, of Cumberland, R.I., and Colleen Fisher of Kalispell; and numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services for Tom will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Fairview Chapel on Middle Road, east of Kalispell.

Pastor Ron Pierce will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Tom's family.