Thomas Edward Grant

Thomas “Tom” Edward Grant

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. 

After battling cancer, Tom Grant of Helena, MT died on April 25, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family.  He was 78 years old. 

He was born on April 12, 1945 in Spokane, WA, the sixth of seven boys born to Ronald Eli Grant and Retha Mary Grant (nee Dark).  When he was five years old, his parents moved the family to Montana, eventually settling in the Helena area. 

He served in the Army from August 1969 to August 1971 as a firefighter at Fort Rucker, Alabama during the Vietnam War.  

Tom married Anita Grandy on November 11, 1972 in Elko, NV.  They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November 2022.  They raised three children:  April, Heather, and Shelley. 

He worked hard all his life, and even though he only finished the eighth grade he maintained employment in various manual labor jobs.  As a teenager he worked for this uncle as a logger.  He then became a construction laborer until his service in the Army, later joining the Cement Masons union as a journeyman cement finisher.  This became his profession until he was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury which kept him from performing the hard work required.   No matter what task he set his mind to, Tom worked hard to provide for his family.  Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed telling about the “big one” that he reeled in or the one that got away.  You were never sure of the authenticity of the “story” because he kept a straight face while telling it.  He enjoyed getting a rise out of those around him, including his coffee buddies, with his mischievous nature. 

He is survived by his wife, Anita, daughters: April Molen (Stephen) of Great Falls, MT, Heather Hammond (Kurt) of Spokane, WA, and Shelley Osborn of Dutton, MT; grandchildren Josh Bock (Kayla) of Bozeman, MT, Melanie Galahan (Drew) of Harlowton, MT, Joseph and Austin Osborne of Dutton, MT, Alyssa Leone (Sid) of San Pedro, CA,  Alexis Buckingham (Dustin) of Bell Buckle, TN;  great-grandchildren Aiden, Aria, Ada,  and Kaladen; his brother Donald Grant, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.  He will be missed by his faithful dog Rosie. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Alfred, Irvin, Kenny, Robert and Conrad. 

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family only.  A celebration of Tom’s life will be held for family and friends on May 21, 2023 at the VFW in East Helena beginning at 1 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Peter’s Hospice of Helena, MT, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT  59601.  We appreciate all of their assistance and guidance during this difficult time.

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