Thomas J. McGrath, 79, died at his home in Butte on March 24, 2016.
Tom was born in Butte to Josephine 'Dade' Powers McGrath and Thomas A. 'Boge' McGrath on July 14, 1936. He was raised on Jay Street in Finn Town on Butte's East Side. Tom graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School and Christian Brothers High School in Butte. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Gonzaga University, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Montana. Tom had a long and successful career in the field of mechanical engineering. He worked for General Electric in Boise, Idaho; for Boeing in Renton, Washington; for the Atomic Energy Commission in Las Alamos, New Mexico; and for Puget Power in Colstrip, Montana, and Bellevue, Washington. He also worked in Greenland, the Netherlands, and Point Barrow, Alaska. Tom's interests were many and varied. His travels took him to every Continent with the exception of Antarctica. When it was time to come home, he retired to Butte to be with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his expansive appreciation of other cultures, human and animal alike, and a reserved manner that belied his devilish wit. He was preceded in death by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles. Tom is survived by and will be sorely missed by the McGrath Family, the Powers Family, the Shannon Family, the Renz Family and his loyal neighbors, Hank and Romeo. The Family wishes to express sincere thanks for the expert care and great kindness that Tom received from the generous and professional staff at St. James; from Dr. Pat McGree; and from Dr. Allen Nichols. Tom, himself, sang your praises with thanks and gratitude. A memorial service will be held at Duggan Dolan Mortuary on Thursday March 31, at 11:00 a.m.