Thomas R. Girvin, Sr.

Thomas R. Girvin 89 of Lewistown died Wednesday morning, February 14th, 2018 in the Central Montana Medical Center of natural causes.  He was born January 1, 1929 in Indianapolis IN the son of Thomas O. and Irene F. Girvin.  He met the love of his life Ruth A. Rohner and married her September 13, 1949 and they raised 5 children.   He served in the United States Marine Corp being stationed in Guam and Quantico, VA.  Tom was the oldest of 8 siblings and took on the responsibility of raising them along with raising his own children.  Being the outgoing and gregarious man that he was, he always said that laughter was the best medicine.  His interests were gardening, which he took great pride in having the best flowers surrounding his houses; fishing in streams, rivers, lakes and the Pacific Ocean and hunting.    

Tom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewistown and served as a deacon for several years.  He was also very active in various organizations whether living in California or living here in Lewistown.  Tom was always taking the time to meet new friends and keeping in touch with them.  His laughter and love for everyone was infectious.  His life started out living in Indianapolis but he didn't stay there for long.  He moved to Evansville, IN and then to Chippewa Creek near Grass Range, MT and then to Lewistown, MT until 1966 when he moved the family to Goleta, CA working at the University of California at Santa Barbara as a carpenter.  He returned to Lewistown in the summer of 1977 with his wife and became the Judge.  One of his duties was marrying couples of which he did for 100+ couples.  His dedication and his love for his wife of 68 years was evident to all those who met him  For all those who have known him his life was filled with so much more than can be expressed in words.  His humor and love will forever be missed. 

Tom was a member of the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Friendship Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M., Al Be Doo Shrine, Eastern Star of Grass Range, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #16, Snowy Mountain Muzzleloaders and Past President CB Club in Santa Barbara, CA.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Ruth; daughter Lyndia Sue Smitman; son Thomas Jr. all of Lewistown; sons Leslie A of Los Los Osos, CA and Timothy A. of Nipomo, CA; brother Lamont of Fairfield, OH; sister Mary Lou Wagner of Lewistown; 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death one son Michael, one granddaughter, two brothers, four sisters and his parents.

Memorial Services for Thomas R. Girvin will be Saturday, March 24th, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church.  Cremation has taken place at his request.  The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the Shrine Crippled Children Transportation Trust Fund or the charity of their choice and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.  Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.