Thomas Addis McGuire

Thomas Addis McGuire

It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of Thomas Addis McGuire. On the evening of December 28th, Tom passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home outside of Philipsburg, Montana. Tom was 75 years old.

Tom was born in Anaconda on May 7th, 1947 to Alonzo and Ann Bozantz McGuire, the fifth of six children. He graduated from Anaconda Central with the class of 1965. In 1974, he married a raven-black haired beauty by the name Mary "Rene" Metesh. With Rene, he helped raise their five children. From the time his children were young, he taught them about the joys and wonders of the high mountains, the woods, fishing, hunting, and snow-catting.

Tom was a truck driver, logger, and a hard rock miner. He was completely in his element when he was stopeing out, sinking shaft, driving raises, or driving drift. Tom was a past member of the Montana Logging Association and Communities for a Great Northwest. More importantly, Tom was a founder and member of the "Frog Pond Basin Boys." After retiring, he turned the air back on and started cutting firewood. Tom was also a member of the St. Philips Catholic Parish in Philipsburg and an avid attendee of mass at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Anaconda. He reserved a special place in his heart for his old black lab "Roy." Whether Tom was hiking in the mountains, visiting friends, dancing at the Folk Festival, or running in local races, he maintained a remarkable kindness and love for people. His long list of great friends is a testament to his kindness and compassion. When Tom became a grandpa, he found true joy, strength, and sheer willpower. He was at his absolute best when he was with his grandchildren- whether it was picking them up from school on Fridays, packing in to a mountain lake with them, or surviving cancer to spend more time with them.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Alonzo; mother, Ann; brother, Bo; sister, Pat Reeves; son, Darby Metesh; and his wife of 43 years Rene McGuire.

Tom is survived by his brother, John "Jack" McGuire; sister, Joan Michaels; brother, Dan McGuire; children, William (Woody), Robert (Bob), Daniel, Kelly Marjamaa and their spouses; and grandchildren, Sequera, Andre, Tommy, Audrina, Kalsin, Elliya and Brian.

The family asks that if you are so inclined to donate to the Veterans Association in his name, a population that was near and dear to his heart, they would be very appreciative. Upon his adamant request, there will be no services however, the family will plan a gathering at a later date to celebrate his life. He has simply asked to hoist a shot of Irish whiskey in his honor and celebrate his remarkable life.

"The Hard Rock Miner walks on ground

on this earth that no modern man has

either seen or stepped on."

Please visit the www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Tom.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home had been privileged to care for Tom and his family.