Thomas (Tom) Herman Mayer was born on May 6, 1947, but everyone knows that his life began in September 1996. That was when he became Grandpa Tom, or as we affectionately referred to him— GT. Tom is, and will always be, widely loved for his deep kindness, willfulness, and love of indulgence.

Tom was born in Spokane, WA and was the only child of Herman and Edna Mayer. As a young child, he cherished his family's visits to Flathead Lake. By all accounts, Tom was a rowdy youth who partook in life's pleasures early and often. After graduating from Helena High School, Tom joined the Army Reserves and served seven years. He met his wife, Gloria Smith, in 1969 and had two children, Robert in 1970 and Jeanine in 1973.

Tom was always passionate about giving back to his community and was a dedicated member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and on the Board of Directors for the United Way. The Mayer Family were longtime members of the Green Meadow County Club and the Montana Club, where weddings, birthdays, and many New Year's Eves were celebrated. Tom was notorious for ending family meals with a freshly refilled Manhattan and a tearful proclamation of his love for his family.

Tom worked at the U.S. Federal Reserve in Helena for 30 years. Beginning as a janitor, Tom worked tirelessly to later become an accountant. In 1983, Tom received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Carroll College and was a devout alum, proudly sporting Carroll College license plates on every vehicle he owned. After retiring from the Federal Reserve, Tom worked for the Department of Revenue for 10 years before again retiring, this time to the surprise of everyone— including his wife.

GT spent his retirement showering his granddaughters, Bailey and Jacey, with love and affection. He became their primary babysitter, a regular patron of the local Humane Society (which the girls insisted they visit daily), and always encouraged a midnight, or 8pm, snack.

GT loved to travel, eat great food, and celebrate. Tom and Gloria travelled around the U.S. and encouraged their children and grandchildren to experience new places. In 2012, GT and his family travelled to Hawaii for the first, but not last, time. Despite an ongoing battle with Alzheimer's, which eventually limited his ability to travel, GT would declare at nearly every family gathering that it was time for the family to return to Waikiki. Tom was also known to be an avid walker and for decades he and his children would walk a two mile loop from his home to the Montana State Capitol. Once moving to Touchmark, GT was known to walk laps around the facility to get his two miles in.

Even through his last days, GT reminded all of us that life should be lived on our own terms, with the Beach Boys on repeat, a little mischief, and with treats — whiskey or otherwise. Tom is survived by his wife, Gloria Mayer, his children Robert Mayer and Jeanine Sundby (Wade Sundby) and granddaughters Bailey Winsor (David Winsor) and Jacey Fillinger. We love you GT

A Celebration of Life will be held at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Drive, Helena, Montana on Saturday, December 9th at 2 PM.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.