Thomas R. Crane

Glendive –Tom Crane said, “I’m tired of being sick and tired, I just want to go to sleep” and he did, peacefully passing away early Tuesday morning, November 3, 2015 at the EMVH center after a courageous battle with kidney failure. Thomas Ross Crane was born on December 16, 1933 in Vermillion, South Dakota oldest of six children born to Tom and Vivian (Chamberlain) Crane. A life full of zest for adventure began for Tom; often he would hitch a ride and fish with family friends at a lake or fish along the banks of the river with his grandpa Chamberlain. At the age of 13 Tom had a successful business distributing minnows, night crawlers, and frogs to retailers who sold to fisherman all over southern Minnesota. He was honored with a plaque as “Minnesota’s Youngest Businessman.” Tom also helped his parents in the Sunshine Bakery in Marshall, Minnesota. In 1948 Tom and his father moved to Glendive, Montana to operate the H&M Bakery, the rest of the family joined them later. Tom worked at the Livestock Sales Yard in Glendive, where his interest for horses began. He spent time at the Ole Helland’s Bar G Dude ranch and his quest for the "Cowboy Way of Life” blossomed. Tom enlisted into the United States Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Los Angeles heavy cruiser war ship during the Korean War, he was honorably discharged in 1954 after three years of dedicated service. After his discharge he attended Dunwoody Institute for Bakery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tom worked with his uncle Folmer Christensen, a danish pastry chef, in Vermillion. Although Tom didn’t pursue a bakery career, he provided beautifully decorated birthday cakes throughout the years for his family. Tom began what would be a lifelong career and family business in the Oilfield industry in Glendive. During this time he met his “country girl,” Marion Leland. They married in Miles City on February 10, 1958, and made their home in Glendive, where a new chapter of his life began. The marriage was blessed with two daughters and a son. Tom owned and operated Northwest Protective Coating, Inc. in Glendive for 45 years, providing a valuable service to the oilfield. He was a NACE International Inspector for corrosion control. He sold the business in 1997. Tom and his close friend Bob Eiker built and operated C&E Autorama for many years. After retiring he had more time to spend with his family; fishing, horse shows, gardening, camping, and river rafting. He had the opportunity to fish in Alaska four times with his family and friends. Tom was an avid reader of non-fiction. He had a quick wit and loved a good cup of coffee. He served on the Glendive Spring Exposition as a director for 20 years, a member and national director of the American Paint Horse Association, Walleye Unlimited, SSPC (society of protective coatings), and International Society of Oilfield Trash. He volunteered his time for several years driving the hospital shuttle bus picking up and dropping off doctors from the airport. Memorials in his memory are requested to your Salvation Army, 504 East Main, Sidney, MT 59270, Shriners Hospitals for Children 911 West 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204, and/or Glendive Home Healthcare, 1221 East Ames, Glendive, MT 59330 Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years Marion at family home, two daughters and spouses: Cindy (Ron) Pearson of Middle Thompson Lake, MT.; Kathy (Tim) Riddle of Anaconda, MT., Son and spouse Tom L. (Eileen) Crane of Glendive. 7 grandchildren; Christopher Pearson, Tyler Crane and fiancé Alleea and their daughter Kolynn, Justice Fahland, Jesse Riddle, Amanda and husband Danny Goodale and son Grady, Jaime Riddle, and McKenzie Riddle. Also survived by three sisters and spouses; Sandra (Delbert) Pawlowski of Circle, MT., Diane (Darrel) Olson of Tucson, AZ., Jeannie Brooks of Valier, MT., and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Skillestad and brother Bob Crane. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Thomas R. Crane

December 16, 1933 - November 3, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Thomas R. Crane

December 16, 1933 - November 3, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support