Thomas Gregory Greenwood
POLSON – Thomas Gregory Greenwood, 71, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012, peacefully as a full moon rose above the Mission Mountains. He was surrounded by his loving family. Tom had battled cancer and a traumatic brain injury for three years prior to his passing.
He fought with dignity, humor and endless strength. Tom lived his life with energy, vision, and integrity. He will be remembered as a leader, an inventor/entrepreneur, fun loving, and adventurous, always living a little “on the edge.” Tom had a great sense of humor and endless stories, which he happily shared with all of us, adding his own special “Tom-isms” to entertain and embellish. Our husband, father and friend will forever be missed. His passing has already left a huge void in our lives.
Tom was born April 12, 1940, in Two Rivers, Wisc. He graduated from Norte Del Rio High School (Sacramento, Calif.) in 1959, then from Sacramento State University in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental resources. He went on to earn his master’s degree in forestry from the University of Idaho in 1971.
Tom was the Regional Parks Manager for Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Missoula for 20 years. He was responsible for coordinating the construction of the FWP building on Spurgin Road. He also served a number of years on the Missoula County Park Board. Tom’s efforts were responsible for the development of the Placid and Salmon Lake Campgrounds. He was also instrumental in the successful cooperative effort to open the Blackfoot River Corridor to the public for recreational use. This was, without a doubt, his proudest accomplishment while at FWP. Tom loved the outdoors. His all-time favorite adventure was a 16-day raft trip down the Colorado River, which he organized in its entirety, expertly rowing his 18-foot “Tuna Boat” down through “Crystal” and “Lava” rapids while trying to stay upright. He was an avid biker and hiker.
While living in Eugene, Ore., Tom started his own small business called R.A.F.T., developing gravity and battery operated water filtration systems for river guides and outfitters. In more recent years, after a joyous return to Montana and his beloved Flathead Lake, Tom worked for the betterment of the Polson area through his involvement in the Salish Point Improvement Project, also serving as Interim Director for the Polson Chamber of Commerce. He ran for Lake County Commissioner in 2002. He also enjoyed working as a Project Coordinator with Flathead Dock and Pile.
In 1966, while serving in the VISTA program, Tom met and married Linda Anne Crass of Wilmington, Del. Their first assignment was in Heart Butte, Mont., on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, where they lived in a tiny cabin that lacked running water or toilet facilities. They were happily married for 46 years and raised five children together. Linda and Tom did everything together and it is common knowledge that the two were soulmates. Tom adored Linda completely, always grateful to have her by his side and forever appreciative that she fed him. Linda was a willing participant in all of Tom’s many escapades. She took excellent care of him, particularly during the last years of his life.
Tom is preceded in death by his son Todd Greenwood (deceased in 1978), mother Clara Edwards, father Woodrow Greenwood, and brothers David, Daniel and Peter Greenwood. He is survived by his wife Linda Greenwood of Polson, daughter Hollie Greenwood of Missoula, son Chris Greenwood of Salem, Ore., son James (Dusty) Greenwood of Eugene, Ore., and daughter Jennifer Greenwood of Missoula.
We will celebrate Tom’s life on St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17, 2012. A mass will be held at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson with a reception immediately following. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Tom’s life, bringing any stories they wish to share. Donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County, P.O. Box 334, Ronan, MT 59864. Tom will be missed more than any words can describe but the world is a better place for his having been a part of it.
