Thomas R. Kingsford

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University of Montana

Thomas Kingsford Obituary

Thomas R. Kingsford, 77, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2005 in Peoria.Tom was born one of three children to Roland and Florence Kingsford in Missoula, Montana. As a youth, Tom was very athletic. He was involved in football, basketball, baseball and track. He and his family traveled many miles to different sporting events in which he participated. Tom continued his athletic career at the University of Montana, where he earned All-American honors in football.He was married 50 years to Betty Ann Delaney of Missoula, Montana. Tom graduated from the University of Montana in 1951 and was drafted into the NFL by the San Francisco 49ers. His NFL career was short lived due to Tom being drafted into the Korean War and he chose to serve his country as a United States Marine. Upon returning home, Tom went on to touch many lives and minds over the next 40 years as a teacher and coach. He started teaching and coaching at Billings High School in Billings, Montana. He later moved on to Polson High School in Polson, Montana, and subsequently became an assistant football coach at his alma mater, the University of Montana. For the next 25 years, Tom was the Head Football Coach and Associate Professor in health and physical education at Southern Utah University, in Cedar City, Utah. In his latter years at Southern Utah University, he served as the golf coach. In 1992 Tom and Betty retired and moved to Peoria, Arizona, to spend their winters and Bigfork, Montana to spend their summers. Tom worked as a ranger at various golf courses in both Peoria and Bigfork. He was also an active member of the Montana Club of the northwest valley.Tom is survived by his wife, Betty; sons: Thomas (Heather) Kingsford of Salt Lake City, Utah; Kyle (Bridget) Kingsford of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and four grandchildren.A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Francisco Cordova and staff at Hospice Family Care, for all their special attention.A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 4, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at the Congregational Church of Sun City, 18401 N. 99th Avenue, Sun City, Arizona 85373. Interment will take place in July, 2006 in Missoula, Montana.Please make any contributions in the memory of Thomas R. Kingsford to the Hospice Family Care, 17200 N. Boswell Boulevard, Sun City, Arizona 85373, 623-875-8080.Arrangements entrusted to Sunland Memorial Park, 623-933-0161.Visit this person¹s Guest Book at www.dailynews-sun.com.

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Published by Daily News-Sun on Nov. 2, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kingsford

14 Entries

Tim Gauthier

November 22, 2005

Mrs. Kingsford, Tommy and Kyle,

What a special person Coach was to so many young men striving to find their way in life. I know for one I am grateful for the opoortunity I received to live my dream to play football beyond High School and graduate from College. I am not sure that we all connect the dots that lead us back to Coach who gave us the start on our life's lessons. I am terribly sorry for you loss, please be reminded of the many positive impressions Coach made on so many people over his coaching and teaching career. It is interesting that just recently I googled Coach Kingsford name and noted the many accomplishments he had in his football career. I tried keeping in touch because as I tell many people that I speak with around the country that I would not be where I am if it were not for Coach Tom Kingsford having faith in me and allowing me to earn my College degree. What great memories I have and will always cherrish. My best to you all.

Tim Gauthier

Michael T. Shaw

November 11, 2005

Mrs. Kingsford, Tom and Kyle, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Kingsford. I was fortunate to have played football for coach Kingsford in 1975 – 1977. He was a great inspiration to me and others not just on the field but in life.

Judi Krossman

November 9, 2005

Dear Betty,

Was so sorry to hear about Tom, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. It was always a pleasure to help you and Tom at the pharmacy, I've been gone for awhile but was always updated on you both thru my daughter Jennifer. Tom was a great guy and will be deeply missed. Take care.

Sincerly,

Judi Krossman

Bob & Carolyn Young

November 7, 2005

Dear Betty and family,

Carolyn and I send our warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy to all of you. Tom and you were always so gracious and good to us, and you both touched our lives in Cedar City in ways that I will always remember with great fondness. "Though much is taken, much remains."

Dennis Smith

November 3, 2005

My sympathies to the Kingsford family.

I was fortunate to have have played football for coach Kingsford in 1964 & 1965 as a Polson Pirate. In addition to coaching football, Coach Kingsford was teaching life lessons which have been invaluable to me.

His spirit and character will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mike McBride

November 3, 2005

Mrs. Kingsford, Coach and Kyle,

Our entire family sends its deepest sympathy.

I have fond memories of Coach Kingsford visiting practices and games while Tom (jr.) was an assistant coach at Skyline High School. Coach Kingsford always took time out to talk with me personally during those visits and he has truly left a positive mark with so many of us. What a tremendous life -- full of family, friends and fun!

All our love,

Mike, Ron, Vicky, Jill and Kelly McBride

Bruce Barton

November 3, 2005

Thomas, Sorry to hear about your Dad passing away. I send my sympathy to you and your family. I am glad I got to meet you at Highland High School, you are very nice.

Clark Kincaid

November 2, 2005

Betty, Tom, Kyle

I am but one of the many people Coach Kingsford had an impact upon during the course of his life. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and play for Coach Kingsford. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your and our loss.

He will always be "our Coach"

Gil Rodriguez

November 2, 2005

Betty, Tom and Kyle, I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom Srs. passing. Coach Kinsgford was an inspiration to me on how important it is to treat people with respect and dignity. I was very fortunate and honored to have run into Tom, Betty and Kyle in Cedar City a couple years ago at the El Rancho Motel, is that ironic. I was ble to introduce him to my family and tell my kids, "This is my coach, he influenced my life". Take care, you are all in our prayers.

November 2, 2005

Dear Betty, Tommy and Kyle,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Coach Kingsford...I don't have to tell you that he was "one in a million", and for those of us who were fortunate enough to play for him, our lives are richer and our character stronger. God's Speed Coach.

Scott Burns

White House

Washington, D.C.

Jason, and Jennifer Enderle

November 2, 2005

Dear Mrs. Kingsford,

Jason and I would like to send our condolences to you and your family, we are so sorry to hear about Mr.Kingsford, I truly believe he will still continue looking out for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathy, Mr.and Mrs. Jason Enderle

Diann Grupe

November 1, 2005

Betty, My prayers are with you and your family during this hard time and always. My name is Diann , you probably know me best as the sr. pharmacy tech at the walgreens on Lake Pleasant/Beardsley. I havnt been there for several months but have always considered you and Tom as 2 of my favorite customers. Tom was always a pleasure to visit with when he came in, I will miss his kindness and all the stories about Montana.

Dave Christiansen

November 1, 2005

Dear Mrs. Kingsford,Tom and Kyle, I would like to take this opportunity to pass along my condolences and deepest sympathy on the loss of Coach. I can only imagine how difficult it is to lose your husband, your best friend, your dad and your hero. I will always be indebted to Coach for giving me the opportunity to go to college, play football and help to mold and shape the person I am today. My only regret is he had to try to win games with a player like me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Frank & Kathy LaRussa

November 1, 2005

Dear Betty, Tom, Kyle and families,

We send our deepest sympathy for your loss of this wonderful man. He truly shaped the lives of countless young men who knew him at Southern Utah. He had a passion and enthusiasm for the game of football that was contagious. His love of life, his disclipine and his high expectations made us all want to be better people, and his sense of humor gave us memories that still leave us with a smile. Thank you for the many, many hours of his life that you shared with all of us. We are the ones who benefited from knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. There will never be anyone else like Coach Kingsford.

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