Thomas “Tom” Lawrence Sheridan died peacefully Feb. 7, 2011, in Spokane, after an 18-year battle with leukemia.

He was born Feb. 26, 1928, in Oakes, N.D., and lived in Cut Bank for over 60 years.

Tom was a loud, boisterous, passionate Irishman who loved good stories and loved telling them. He viewed St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday.

He loved sports and followed the Cut Bank Wolves, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the Boston Red Sox, the Atlanta Braves and any other team that beat the Yankees. He enjoyed a game of golf in the summer and a game of pitch in the winter at the Pioneer Bar.

He often held court for family, visitors or friends on his front porch where there was always a cold beer, a bump of booze and food for any that dropped by. He had tremendous compassion, was bluntly honest and was always ready for a good laugh.

He was a man of great faith and was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church for over 60 years. He was also an active community member and coached numerous baseball teams, from Little League to Babe Ruth to American Legion where his teams won two state championships. He was an active member of the Cut Bank Golf Course and the Cut Bank Elks Club. He so enjoyed socializing at these two places.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alora; five children, son, Greg and Pam; daughters, Marcy Tomsheck and Cal, Leslie Nermyr and Jerry, Jean Brakovec and Kevin, and Mary Gunlikson and Reed; 17 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren (none of whome are “duds” according to Tom); sister, Rosemary Money; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Ray and Robert Sheridan.

A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, at St. Margaret’s Parish. There will be a celebration of Tom’s life at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, at the Elks Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cut Bank Youth Baseball Program (c/o Treasure Berkham, 326 7th Ave. SE, Cut Bank, MT 59427); or The Gift of Life in Great Falls (2906 10th Ave. South, Great Falls, MT 59405); or the charity of your choice.