Thomas William Harris, 71 of East Helena, MT passed away at his home on Monday September 16, 2024 after a lengthy illness.
Tom was born on Aug. 13, 1953 to Bill and Lorean Harris in Helena, MT. After attending Helena High School, he went on to begin his military career. Tom joined the ARMY as a Huey crew chief in 1972 serving at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, 8th Infantry Division in Bad Kreuznach, Germany and at Ft. Lewis, Washington. After an honorable discharge from the ARMY, he joined the Montana National Guard and eventually the Florida Air National Guard, serving over 20 years.
In 1970, he met the love of his life, Cathy Huftel. They married on June 3, 1972 in Helena, MT. They went on the have 4 children and raised their family in Helena.
Tom loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Being a proud fourth generation Montanan, he passed on his love for the Montana outdoors to his children and grandchildren. Some of our fondest memories are of exploring the historical town of Elkhorn, where his family hailed from, and camping and fishing out on Canyon Ferry Lake and at Muskrat near Boulder.
Tom was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His love for his family was evident in everything he did.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Lorean Harris, his son Jermey Harris and numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife Cathy Harris, daughter Becky (Bob) Cedar, son Nathan Harris, daughter Janie (Kyle) Schmidt, daughter-in-law Gina Harris. Granddaughters: Sarah, Raelyn, Kayden, Ashley (Nick), Adelyne, Hannah, and Destiny. Great-granddaugher Emilia. Grandsons: Jimmy, Cody (Lacey) Frailey, Noah (Aliesha), Rhet, Seth, Baek, Jacob, Lukas, Kevin (Aurora), and Logan. Great-grandsons: Dominick, Caleb, Ethan, and Levi. He is also survived by his sisters Linda (Gary) Isaacs and Debbie (Alex) Hamilton as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the East Helena VFW Saturday Sept. 21 at 2:00pm. Anyone who knew Tom is welcome to attend.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to St. Peter’s Health Hospice for their loving care of Tom and support of our family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Saturday September 21, 2024
East Helena VFW
117 W Main St
East Helena,
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Saturday September 21, 2024
East Helena VFW
117 W Main St
East Helena,
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Brenda Lee Hess & Family says
Godspeed to you Tom. I hope you are in heaven with Jermey sitting on the bank of a lazy river fishing, sipping a beer & talking about goofy Father-Son things. You raised an amazing family & leave behind a wonderful legacy for all of them.
To the Harris Family—
May your memories make your grief somewhat bearable & give you something to giggle & smile about. The Wisconsin Huftel’s will keep you in our prayers.