Thomas Scott Ouellette

Thomas Scott Ouellette

March 10th, 1961 - January 6th, 2025

Tom peacefully passed away at his home on January 6th. He survived being the 4th born child of Ben and Phyllis Ouellette and was born in Great Falls, MT. He attended elementary school in Missoula, Montana and although not the most dedicated student, graduated from Hamilton High School. After high school, he attended the school of hard knocks pursuing a variety of careers until he settled into a career working for Montana Power Company and then Northwestern Energy. An errant cast from Christine Brunckhorst hooked him in the lip and the heart soon followed. They married in spring of 1986. They were joined soon after by his favorite fishing partner and daughter Ann Violet Ouellette and completed their family a year and a half later with his fearless ski partner Stephanie Bess Ouellette. He was the girls’ biggest fan and chief stable hand helping them with all their horse related endeavors. Win or lose he was always proud of all of their accomplishments.

From all of the friends in the plains of Cut Bank, Montana to the yard full of moose in the mountains of Butte, MT, his heart was always in the outdoors. The fishing and hunting stories amassed, too many to count. His happiest place was always with a rod, rifle or hunting bow in his hand and friends and family along for the adventure. The fish feared him and the grouse were dead in their tracks whenever Tom was near.

His greatest desire was to have a cabin in the woods. He eventually built his little slice of heaven on Georgetown Lake and enjoyed many days playing cribbage with his neighbors, fishing on Georgetown lake, campfires in the yard and four wheeler rides through the woods. It was here at his cabin that he shared his love of the outdoors with those lucky enough to call him papa, Lane, Witt and Ember who will carry on his legacy and love of the outdoors.

Tom’s life was never short of mountains to climb. Although the climbs were tough and would seem impossible for most, he conquered more Everests than anyone should ever have to. In fact, this is not his first obituary. He taught everyone that knew him that every day was truly a gift. Let go of the bad, focus on the good and smile at everyone you meet, for it’s the people that stick with you while you climb those mountains that truly matter. He is survived by daughters Annie (Jeremy) Williams, Stephanie (Cody) McLean; grandkids Lane, Witt and Ember McLean; former wife Chris Ouellette; siblings Cindy (Tom) Steigers, Lynn (Allan) Gilfillan; Jeff (Suzy) Ouellette. He is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Phyllis Ouellette.

We ask for his friends and family to please share their favorite memories of Tom on the mortuary website that will be placed into a memorial book for his family. A celebration of life is planned for February 22nd. Plan to play a game of cribbage and share a story in memory of Tom’s life.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Tom. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Tom and his family.