Thomas Sverre Lee, 74

Thomas Sverre Lee, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell on May 11, 2023, after a lingering struggle with ailments of the heart and lungs. His wife of nearly 42 years, Barbara G. Lee, was at his side.

Born in Kalispell on Feb. 2, 1949, Tom virtually grew up in the boat business, and he was notably handy with engines from an early age. His mother and father, Patricia and Ole Lee, Jr., owned Lee Craft Boats, servicing the Flathead Lake area by Somers Bay. Starting at about age 10, Tom had his own little boat for puttering around the bay, graduating to a bigger engine every few years. It wasn't long before he became a permanent fixture in the Lee Craft mechanic shop as well. Throughout school he was active in sports. He played youth baseball, track freshman and sophomore years, JV basketball, and varsity football junior and senior years as a left guard, earning his letter. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1967 and Flathead Valley Community College in 1969.

Tom and Barb met in 1979, through a friend, while she was teaching home economics at Kalispell Junior High. Their first date was a long drive through Glacier National Park. Tom and Barb married on July 11, 1981, in Hamilton, and decided to make their home in Kalispell.

They were blessed with twin daughters, Cori and Lori, in June 1985. In 1989, Tom opened his own boat business, Lee Marine, just north of Somers, where he sold and serviced boats and motors to many loyal customers. He dedicated his life to helping others enjoy their time in the beautiful rivers and lakes of Northwest Montana. He still made family a priority and often recorded family plays, concerts and events with his trusty video camera.

A devoted fan of the Seattle Seahawks and the Montana Griz, Tom remained true to the Pacific Northwest throughout his life. He had fond memories of attending the 1962 Seattle World's Fair with his parents and watching boat races over the years. Daughter Lori’s move to Seattle for college provided an excellent reason to visit and attend a few Seahawks games. When Cori attended Montana State University in Bozeman, a friendly Cat-Griz rivalry developed in the family. Tom supported local sports teams and theater, attending many Brave and Bravette games and performances at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. Spending time on Flathead Lake during summer was always a highlight.

At home in Kalispell, Tom loved spoiling his pet dogs and cat and observing the many animals that traveled through his backyard. He loved carpentry and worked on many projects like building bookcases and finishing the basement. Engines remained a passion. Tom also liked attending boat shows, car shows and museums. He owned a Corvette or two in his early life, and he loved finding car shows on TV. He knew the movie "The Great Race" by heart. Visits with the grandkids, Leo and Melanie, were always special. He enjoyed building Legos, playing games and putting together puzzles with them. He was known to "save" a few puzzle pieces to make sure he got to place the last one.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia and Ole Lee, Jr.; and granddaughter, Evelyn Mattison. In addition to his immediate family, Tom is survived by two sisters, Nancy Lockman, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Virginia Michels of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and brother, Larry Lee, of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Donations in Tom's memory can be made to the Flathead Lake Trust's Somers Beach Project or to a charity of your choice.

Services were held in Thomas S. Lee's memory on June 30, 2023, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 S. Main St. in Kalispell. Inurnment was at Glacier Memorial Gardens.