Thomas Jay Peterson
courtesy photo
Thomas Jay Peterson
Quote by Vince Lombardi:
“After the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written and after you are back in the quiet of your room and the championship ring has been placed on the dresser and all the pomp and fanfare has faded, the enduring things that are left are: the dedication to victory, and the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which we live.”
Thomas Jay Peterson, 45, “Coach P,” died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 13 after a long courageous struggle with colon cancer.
Tom was born October 22, 1967, in Great Falls, to Gene and Dianne Peterson. He grew up in Lolo, graduating from Big Sky High School in 1986. He attended The University of Montana with a degree in Psychology and most recently was working toward a master’s in educational administration.
Bobbi Mitchell-Jore and Tom were married in 1996 and had two beautiful children, Ashley, 15, and Nic, 12. They later divorced.
Tom worked at St. Patrick Hospital, was a business owner of Chem-Dry and worked at Peterson Advertising Specialties until he began at the Ronan Schools. While there he initiated and implemented the Safe School, Healthy Student campaign as the behavioral specialist. He did his student teaching in geography, American government and economics.
His greatest passions were his children and coaching. If Tom wasn’t on a sports field he was with his kids and most often they were all found together on the field. Whether teaching Ashley to cook, or coach her basketball team, or playing catch with Nic, his wisdom, humor, and playfulness were always a part of his love for them.
At a young age his love of coaching began in Lolo with his sister’s softball team. Coach P found his calling, leading him from Missoula, to coaching both fast pitch softball and football. He was the head football coach for the Arlee Warriors, and St. Ignatius Bulldogs. He was the softball coach and special teams and defensive line coach for the Ronan Maidens and Chiefs. He loved and found inspiration from the kids he coached.
Tom still had his home in St. Ignatius but lived with Bobbi and her husband Matt. They generously opened their home so he could be close to his children while receiving treatment.Tom’s mom, sisters and brother in-law, (his doctor), were his caregivers and were there every step of the way.
His family is grateful to the many friends who called, emailed, stopped by to visit, encourage him, or even to sneak him treats. He was a very lucky man. Your kindnesses truly lifted his spirits.
Tom was a son to be proud of, a brother to look up to, a devoted father, a favorite uncle, a treasured friend, a prized nephew and an adored cousin.
His children Ashley, Nic and dog Packer, all of Ronan; his parents Gene and Dianne Peterson of Stevensville; his sister Jodee and her husband Adam Fleck and their children Osher, Elan, and Afton of Carlsbad, Calif.; sister Stephanie and her husband Sam Wallace and their children Sophia and Baret of Missoula; and sister Jenny Peterson and her son Collin of Missoula, survive him.
The celebration of Tom’s life will be July 2, at 11 a.m. in Ronan at the Ronan Community Center. There will be a reception/pot luck following services at the community center where we would love to hear your stories of Tom. Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com.
