- Date Of Birth: February 28, 1931
- Date Of Death: February 17, 2008
- State: Montana
Thomas Ingbret Birk, 76, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Kalispell, Montana. He was born on February 28, 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois to Ingvald and Selma (Thompson) Birk.
Tom returned to Cuba with his mother at the age of ten months to join his father at the family ranch. In 1936, at the age of five he moved to Miami, Florida. Five years later, the family moved to the Flathead Valley and settled in the McGregor Lake area. This is where Tom received his early education, for the most part getting one on one instruction because of the remoteness of the area.
Tom worked with his parents farming and ranching until joining the U.S. Army where he served briefly. On September 2, 1950, Tom married Thallis Clare in Missoula, Montana. They made their home in Kalispell. One of Tom’s endeavors included breeding and racing Quarter Horses around Montana.
Tom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 27; a diagnosis that answered some of the struggles he had as a youth and continued throughout his life.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Doniell and an infant son, Tom. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Thallis; two sons: Bret Birk of Whitefish and Tim Birk and wife Julie of Kalispell; a daughter: Kim Bell and husband Lloyd of Frenchtown, MT; 10 grandchildren: Cody, Casey, Catie, Crystal, Jason, Jennifer, Colton, Nicole, Illyhia, and Marshall; as well as three great grandchildren: Cody, Issac and Fionia.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Tom’s family.
