Thomas Marshall Burgess, 79

Thomas Marshall Burgess, 79, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008, at his home in Kalispell.

The oldest of four children, Thomas was born in Spokane on June 25, 1929, to Helen Mary (Kraut) and Marshall Phillip Burgess. He attended St. Patrick's grade school, afterward attending Gonzaga High School and Spokane Trade School simultaneously. He graduated in 1947 and subsequently attended Gonzaga University.

Thomas met Florence Virginia Smoot at the Catholic Excelsior Club, where Thomas was playing the fiddle. They were married Jan. 2, 1954, at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, and made their home in the Spokane Valley for the next 17 years. They moved to Kalispell in 1971. Tom and Florence were married for 54 years.

Thomas enlisted in the Army National Guard after high school. He attained the rank of master sergeant, then became a commissioned officer and was honorably discharged as a captain.

Thomas was a world-renowned custom rifle-maker, building his first operating gun from scrap wood and metal at the age of 13. He began employment while still in high school at the Columbia Gun Company.

While pioneering a business in custom rifle-making, he also successively worked in the machine trade at Columbia Electric and Wilson and Sprow, repaired guns at Spokane Sporting Goods, and was a tool and die maker at Comet Truck Trailer Manufacturing. From 1966 onwards he devoted himself entirely to custom rifle building. His work has been featured in the American Rifleman, Gun Digest, and numerous other books and publications. According to the late Jack O'Conner, former editor of Outdoor Life magazine, one of the rifles built by Burgess (owned by a prince of Iran) probably has killed more big game throughout the world than any other rifle. Thomas's love of his craft was such that he always put perfection in what he was doing ahead of any monetary consideration - often building rifles for much less than their actual worth. His business brought him into contact with important people from around the world, enabling Thomas to become a valued mentor to many. He was known by his peers as a man completely devoted to his craft. They have said that, "While they didn't know if he is 'the best,' there are none better."

The legacy Thomas leaves to his family is by his example: an abiding love of timeless values and beauty, the pursuit of excellence, love of country, a passion for music, generosity and caring for all (especially for the neglected), the ability to see beyond appearances, and his love for God and the Roman Catholic faith.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Florence; brothers, Bill and Pat; his sister, Phyllis; children, Michael, Kathy Martin, Jack, Patricia Marshall, Bill and Chris; and 19 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from noon to 3 p.m. today, Aug. 10, with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A sung Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, in the Buffalo Hill funeral chapel, with Father Dennis McDonald officiating. Burial will take place at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with military graveside honors. A reception will be afterward at the Burgess family home.

Memorials may be made in his name to Grace Hospice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave a condolence or sign Thomas's guest book.