Thomas Richard 'Tom' Gibbons, 68

Thomas Richard “Tom” Gibbons, 68, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center on Friday, March 18, 2011, following a brief illness.

Tom was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 2, 1943, and was raised in Brooklyn and on Long Island. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1964 with the rank of A2C. His service years were very important to him and he reminisced often about them.

Following the Air Force, Tom worked at various jobs until finally deciding on a career with U.S. West Communications. After relocating from New York, to Phoenix and then to Seattle, he met Margaret. They were married in 1993, had a wonderful 18-year marriage and were devoted to one another.

Tom retired in 1999 and, following Margaret's retirement in 2000, they moved to Kalispell, built their dream home and enjoyed many happy years of retirement and living in the woods.

Tom will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his generosity and his devotion to his animals. His love of woodworking and creating beautiful things was a joy to Tom, and he enjoyed sharing these with others. His humor and kind heart will be missed by all of his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Kalispell; his mother, Helen Gibbons, of Huntington, N.Y.; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jack Denis, of Commack, N.Y.; and his brother, Ross Gibbons, of Levittown, N.Y.; also in-laws, Mary Ida Jeffers of Seattle, Dianne Fix of Truckee, Calif., Mary and Bob Jeffers Schroder of Seattle, Alice Jeffers and partner Diane St. Claire of Tacoma, Wash., and David Jeffers of Renton, Wash; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

An open house to remember Tom is planned for 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 25. Please call 261-9692 for information.

Memorial contributions can be made to the veterans organization or children's charity of your choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Tom's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Tom's tribute wall.