Collin Cole Thomson

Collin Cole Thomson went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 10, 2026, at the age of 82.

Collin was born February 25, 1944, to Charles Harold and Mona Gene Thomson in Libby, Montana. Collin grew up in Libby hunting, fishing and causing trouble with his best friend Doug Porter. He graduated from Libby High School in 1962 and joined the Army; he was honorably discharged in 1965. 

After returning home, he went out one night in his 1964 and 1/2 Mustang and met the love of his life Connie, (The Joke in the family is she loved the car first, but that changed quickly) and they were married in July of 1969 and were together for 57 years.

Collin and Connie left Montana for a short time and moved to Texas. They returned home to start their family and in 1971 they welcomed their daughter Dea Colleen and in 1973 their son, Charles Joseph. In 1989 through the schools' exchange student program, they were blessed with another daughter Bente Scherenberger.

Collin worked at the lumber mill in Libby for 30 years before starting T&B Electric in 1995, wiring log homes for the Amish, houses around town and anytime a church needed electrical work (or plumbing, or heating, or carpentry,…) he was there. 

Collin was a hard worker and never said no. If funds were tight, horse-trading was always an option. (Thanks, dad, for the China hutch).

Collin loved spending time with his family. Hunting, fishing and camping will always be the best memories we have. Whether it was mom being the better shot, hiking the mountain with Dea during hunting season and coming home wet, tired and empty handed or fishing, when Charlie filled a 5-gallon bucket with perch he caught and dad sat at the table filleting every one of them (there could have been some not nice words said that night). Or teaching us to waterski behind an aluminum boat on Rainbow Lake. 

He also enjoyed watching cooking shows and recreating the recipes. He always said, “a recipe is just a guide, add what taste good to you.”

Collin was the commander of the VFW post (1548) from 2005-2008 and became a life member. While there he enjoyed cooking the VFW dinners alongside the members of the Ladies Auxiliary.

One of Collins' biggest joys was becoming a grandpa/great-grandpa (Papa). On Feb. 25, 1994, he met his “50-year twin,” his first granddaughter Tayler Gene Betts born on his 50th birthday. In 1996 the triplets arrived, Megan, Morgan and Mathew Betts and he was a proud papa again. 

But he wasn’t done yet. In 2000, Miranda Thomson, his fourth granddaughter, entered this world, followed by his second grandson Ryan Thomson and one more granddaughter Alisha Thomson. Collin was also blessed with three bonus grandchildren; Paul and Max Bonnes and Abby Gillespie.

Collin was preceded in death by his son Charles (Charlie) Thomson; brothers Donald and Robert Dale Thomson; sister Sharon Staff; parents Charles Harold and Mona Gene Thomson.

Collin is survived by his wife Connie Thomson, daughter; Dea (Bryan) Gillespie in Libby, Bente (Peter) Bonnes in Germany, daughter-in-law; Amy Thomson in Arkansas, grandchildren; Tayler (Andrew) Baird in Missoula, Mathew Betts in New Mexico, Morgan (Jesse) Reiche in Deborgia Montana, Megan (Darryon) Breckenridge in Alberton, Montana, Abby Gillespie in Missoula, Miranda Thomson in Arkansas, Ryan (Allison) Thomson in Arkansas, Alisha Thomson in Arkansas, Paul Bonnes in Germany, Max Bonnes in Germany. Great-grandchildren; Mia and Lilly Baird, Sterling, Trinity and Hayden Reiche, Collin and Mason Breckenridge and Zelda Thomson.

The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at the City of Libby Cemetery in Libby, Montana. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.