Thomas "Tom" George Graham

On March 23, 2024, Thomas “Tom” George Graham died at home surrounded by his loved ones from brain cancer.

Tom was born on February 16, 1984, in Missoula, Montana.  He was the first born son to Ron Graham and Linda (Worden) Graham.  

As a child, Tom was always playing cowboys and tagging along with his Grandpa Leo. It was from Grandpa Leo that Tom’s passion for ranching was born. His love for hunting developed over many trips down Christmas Tree Lane with Grandpa George chasing after that big buck. Tom took his job as an older brother seriously, adoring and protecting Carl and Mel at any cost; something he continued to do even into adulthood.  Tom was a natural athlete.  Running, jumping, playing football and basketball and competing were part of Tom’s everyday routine.  A three-sport athlete through high school, Tom held many records and eventually would be a member of the University of Montana Track team.  Tom went on to graduate from Montana Western with an education degree in Math.  During his time there, Tom fought bulls and became an avid fan of rodeo.  He was always finding a Montana rodeo to watch, wearing his best jeans and black cowboy hat. 

An avid outdoorsman, Tom knew Granite County better than any map.  His drift boat could always be found on Rock Creek and he often bushwhacked off trail.  With a strong determination to get to a secret spot or hidden lake, Tom was a natural in the wilderness and delighted in the fact that he was able to live in his beloved Granite County.  Tom played hard and worked hard as a member of an award-winning trail crew for the USFS. Many stories and lifelong friendships came from Tom’s work at the Forest Service.

Ranching on Fred Burr Creek and running Black Angus/Charolais Cross cattle was one of Tom’s true passions.  Tom’s favorite season was calving, his least favorite haying.  Driving down the lane to have a cup of coffee with Marlene and talk news, Tom enjoyed his time being able to carry on his Grandpa Leo’s  legacy.  It was not lost on anyone that one of Tom’s happy places was at the ranch, doing all those ranch things.   

Tom was devoted to his family and fiercely loyal.  His parents, wife, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and in-laws were of the utmost importance to Tom.  He was always willing to drop what he was doing and help in any way he could.  Tom really enjoyed going to any family function, reminiscing about good times, and seeing those he loved so much.

A true P-Burger, Tom was proud of growing up and living in Granite County.  Coaching high school basketball (especially his sister’s team), and his daughter’s t-ball, Tom was an avid fan and supporter of any Prospector/Titan sporting event. He was invested in his Pburg community and loved the people he grew up with his entire life.  

The most important and favorite role in Tom’s life was that of dad.  When Tom met and married his wife Jennifer, he proudly took on the role of step-dad to her children Reece and Erik whom he loved as his own.  He was able to deliver his daughters Lacie and Hattie Joe, in true rancher fashion, catching them with his two hands. With the birth of his two daughters, his family was complete.  Tom was dedicated to protecting his children, teaching them, and giving them tough love when needed.  Watching Reece compete, taking Erik hunting, bringing Lacie to the ranch, and napping with Hattie Joe, Tom cherished his children and would do anything at any time for them.  

Tom was preceded in death by his grandfather Leo Graham, his grandmother Donna Reisman, grandmother Joan Young, cousin Amanda Foote, four precious babies, and good friend Justin Mason. 

Tom is survived by his wife Jennifer (Verlanic), step-children Reece and Erik (Pitcher), daughters Lacie and Hattie Joe, his parents Ron and Linda Graham, brother Carl Graham,sister Melanie MacPherson (Aaron), and nephews Duke Dennison and Leo MacPherson, as well as numerous other family and friends who Tom cared for and loved deeply.   

A viewing and visitation for Tom will take place on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Philipsburg Chapel, 107 S. Holland St., Philipsburg, MT, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Granite County High School, 407 Schnepel St., Philipsburg, MT. Following the memorial service, a graveside service will be held at the Philipsburg Town Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held at the Granite County High School.

Donations in Tom’s name can be made to Pintler Hospice of Anaconda, 118 E. 7th Street, Ste. 1A, Anaconda, MT 59711.

The family would like to thank the Philipsburg Community, friends and family; the love and support throughout Tom’s cancer journey was so very much appreciated.  A huge thanks to Pintler Hospice and Nurse Lora for caring for Tom compassionately and empathetically.  Tom will be greatly missed.

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.