Thomas McGurren

Thomas Drayton "Tom" McGurren, 84, Bismarck, passed away Nov. 10, 2018, at Dakota Alpha, where he has resided since Oct. 1, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Tom was born in Fargo March 24, 1934. He was the son of James F. and Virginia (Burton) McGurren. He was raised in Bismarck and graduated from BHS in 1952. He attended St. John's University and UND before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served for two years, which included time stationed in Japan. After the military, he completed his undergraduate degree from UND. He furthered his education by earning a Juris Doctorate degree from UND Law School.

On Aug. 29, 1960, Tom married Dana Flanagan. They had five children, Laurie, Jamie, Dan, Ginny, and Pat.

In 1963, Tom and his family moved to Bismarck. He worked in social services until he was appointed the position of juvenile court referee and served as a judge for nearly 20 years. He was dedicated to helping area troubled teens. He was a Police Youth Bureau Advisory Member and received a "Decade of Service to Youth" award during his tenure. He resigned from his court position in 1982. He then moved to Reno, Nev., where he lived for about 15 years. While living in Reno, he became an avid San Francisco 49er fan. He returned to Bismarck in 1997. He spent many winters in Mesa, Ariz., with his sister, Karen McGurren. The two of them also took some adventurous trips together over the years. Tom enjoyed walking and running, and he completed several marathons. He loved trivia- especially from WWII and Bismarck history. He watched "Jeopardy" every day. He also liked listening to PBS radio. He was a longtime member of the YMCA and the Bismarck Elk's Club.

Tom is survived by his children, Laura and Patrick Hoffman, James and Babette McGurren, Daniel McGurren, Virginia Bard, and Patrick McGurren; his grandchildren, Kyle McGurren, Erik and Keziah McGurren, and Joshua Baker; his sister, Karen McGurren; his brother, Charles McGurren; and his nephews, Chuck, Paul, and Robert Dixon, and Michael McGurren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A favorite pastime of Tom's was going to the Elk's on Wednesdays to visit and tell stories with friends. To honor his memory, his family will celebrate his life from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Elk's. Please join them to visit and tell stories about Tom.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Humane Society, PBS, or of the donor's choice.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Tom and sign the online guest book.