In the wee hours of December 26, the gates of heaven opened, and the Choir of Angels gained a little bit of Rock and Roll.
Tom Davis was born and raised in Scotland. He started out as a baker’s apprentice in Balloch, Scotland, at the age of 17. He made his way to America, thanks to his sponsorship of his sister Ann. This was a dream come true of Tom, coming to the greatest Country in the World.
In his early years Tom was an avid soccer player and musician. Once established in the States, Tom formed his group “Little John and the Monks.” They toured with Van Morrison, opened for Sonny and Cher, and the Mamma’s and Papa’s at the Oregon State Fair.
Tom’s career, outside of music, consisted of jobs in the Safety field, working as a Safety Director for several large companies. In 2008, one of Tom’s childhood dreams of living in the “Wild West” came true when he and his wife, Lynda, purchased the “Wise River Club” and put down roots in the community. At any given time, one could walk into the “Club” and find Tom entertaining, be it a song or a story.
Tom was a generous man with a kind and positive spirit. He was always willing to help someone out and in return all he would want was “Go call your mother and tell her you love her.” A quote from Tom on a daily basis, “Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” Tom’s love for his wife Lynda was very special. He loved to write songs for her that were very heartfelt of the love they shared.
Tom had many birthdays and he wanted us to celebrate them all. He had his natural birth, his coming to America birthday, his becoming a citizen birthday, and his (AA) birthday which he was most proud of. He was going to be celebrating his 40th (AA) birthday this coming April 12th.
Tom is survived by his wife, Lynda; his son, Don McLean; daughters, Teresa Fowler (Jeff), Zanae’ Bates (Hal). His greatest joy was his grandchildren, Christina Toole, Tommy Hayes, Molly Davis, Kayleigh Bates, Bethany McLean, Sydney Bates, Tanner McLean, Beau Bates, and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Luwana Ripley, Eva Balbi, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Davis; mother and father; his brother and three sisters; brothers-in-law, Steve Ripley, Bob Balbi; and good friends, Larry Jaeger, Marty Daly.
Tom also leaves behind many adopted family members and close friends, including his dear friends, Charlie Miller, Joe McCallum, Louette Jaeger, and Teri Daly.
Tom was a Scotsman through and through; he was very proud of his heritage
He is leaving us with this:
Let your Kilt be short enough to Dance a Jig, and Long enough to hide your Shamrocks.
Until we meet again, Tom, we will hold you close to our hearts and always remember your love for us.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Monday, January 4, 2021, at 11 A.M. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital over the phone (800-805-5856) or through the website (www.stjude.org/donate).
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Tom. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Tom and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Monday January 4, 2021
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Monday January 4, 2021
Saint Ann's Catholic Church
2100 Farragut Ave
Butte, MT 59701
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Audrey Bane says
I’m so very sorry Lynda💜
Sending prayers for comfort and peace to all who knew and loved Tom 💜
Sincerely, Audrey Bane
Holly & Bob Asmuth says
Thinking of you Lynda during this very difficult time.
I am sure you will have many memories that will make you
Smile. Hang in there.
Our thoughts are with you,
Holly & Bob Asmuth
Kimmydee says
Lynda, so sorry for your loss!
Nancy Kenny says
Lynda, we are so sorry for your loss of Tom. Thoughts and prayers for you and your families.
Terri James says
Beautiful obituary for a beautiful man. May God wrap his arms around you Tom Davis and welcome you home. No more pain. Watch over “Mrs.Davis”♥️Much love from the James Gang
Mark, Terri, Austin, Rose, Taylor, & Justin
Benn Dunn says
I know I am a richer fellow for meeting Tom. I’ll not forget him.
Corky Logan says
Lynda, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. We send you and your family our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley Johnson says
Lynda, I am just returning home to find this terribly sad news. Sending all our love and prayers from the Johnsons. We all have such wonderful memories of Tom. God bless,
Shirley Johnson
Connie Butler Walter says
Lynda. We are sorry to hear about Tom. Prayers to you and the entire family!🙏🏻❤️
Jordan Salmonsen says
Lynda, I’m so sorry! Thinking of you ♥️
Teresa Fowler-Davis says
I love you mom put your hand on your heart and know I am there. Love bunky
debbie robbins says
Lynda, I was shocked to read about Tom. We are so sorry for your loss . I cannot say anything that will make u feel better,. If I could I would. There is no pain now and only an angel to watch over u forever . Rip in Peace Tom ur friendly smile and demeanor will be missed. Hugs Lynda if u need anything please call. Mike and Deb Robbins
Jamie Vanisko says
Love and prayers to the entire family & community!
Anonymous says
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Janice Wasser says
So sorry to hear. My condolences on Tom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Laurie Horswill says
So much love and prayers to our dear friend Linda and the entire family. Our hearts are truly broken 💔 we loved Tom and will miss him greatly! Rest In Peace our dear friend until we meet again! ♥️ Ken and Laurie
Anonymous says
Lynda I am very sorry for your loss.sending my condolences n prayers for the faimly.God Bless.The community lost a good man.
Mark Connolly says
So sorry for your loss Lynda. I have wonderful memories of Tom, especially playing with Tom and Friends! He was a great man with a great love of people. Wise River has lost a great soul. Sherry and I send our love, Mark Connolly
Anonymous says
So sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and all your family ❤️❤️❤️
Kidd family
Dawna Wilkinson says
We are so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you and your family. Wise River will never be the same without him and his great sense of humor and respect he showed to everyone. He will truly be missed. If at anytime you need anything please let the Thompson family know..
Love to you from Lu,Sue,Clyde,Angie,Dawna Thompson
Thompsons Corner
Kelly. Esquibel says
Linda and family, so very sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all during this time.
Barb Madison says
Linda I am so sorry for your loss . You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers . Tom was such a wonderful guy . My heart goes out to you. Barb and Steve Madison
Mary Jane Brimhall says
Dear Lynda,
The Wild West was injected with graciousness, humor, friendship, new as well as familiar music and a lot of love.
Thank you Tom Davis. Thank you Lynda Davis.
Wise River gained a lot with both of you. And sadly it lost a lot now.
But we all have our memories.
Love to you Lynda
Mary Jane Brimhall
Willie Peterson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t have the words.God Bless and Prayers to you all. The last time I spoke with Tom was at the last AA meeting of the season at the Wise River Club a couple months ago. He offered me his number and told me to come out and fish anytime,or call anytime to chat as I was facing challenges of my own, which I thought was great. and Although I didn’t know him that well, I had huge respect for him. He inspired me to stay sober and I always enjoyed when he spoke. I did hear him say that day, “Do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do willie” I will never forget that. Great,great man.
I’m grateful for the oppurtunity to know who he was. Prayers🙏
George Brimhall says
Tom Davis was a man of kind heart, generosity, and rare humor. Bonny music flowed from his very soul. Rock and Roll were more than words and tunes to Tom- but rather a way of life and people he had known personally as friends and band members. His lyrical words came out with a Scottish lilt. His knowing eyes had the sparkle of the few who see humanity for what it is yet choose to celebrate only the good side by extending a helpful hand and a safe place to meet. Tom and Lynda made the Wise River Club a welcoming extension of our homes, families, and daily rhythms. As a Scottish immigrant, he became an American original blending his rare musical talent with a deep love of his adopted country and its unique Democratic history. His caring ways were manifest in choosing to work in health and safety training and compliance ensuring that on the job industrial accidents were as rare as humanly possible. We will miss Tom very much. Our love to Lynda.
Doug McNeill says
Lynda,
I’m so sorry to hear about Tom. I really miss you guys and will always remember Tom’s wisdom he gave me during the time I knew him. I will always remember his generous nature to everybody he had encountered in his travels. I knew he loved you very much and I could see it every time you two were together. I just wanted you to know how much he meant to me in my life and I will always remember him.
I will miss my Scottish brother very much. One day I will see him again.
Rosemary Granberg says
So sorry for your loss Lynda, Tom was a very special man and I am so glad Ron and I got to know him. He always made you feel welcome. A true blessing to meet such a kind and caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and comfort you during these hard time.
Ron & Rosemary Granberg
Glen Lippincott says
The Wise River Club was a special place to all the Project Healing Waters veterans who dined there. Wonderful man and place. Rest In Peace ye laddie!
Judie Tilman says
Lynda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Will never go through Wise River without remembering Tom and all that you did for us when Ray passed.
Kevin Bartsch says
I worked with Tom at State Fund. I always enjoyed his perspective and enthusiastic outlook as well as his appreciation for America. Very sorry for your loss.
Kari Lamey says
Lynda, Don, Bethany & family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. What a dandy guy. We are thinking of you and asking God to bless you all during this difficult time. We sure regret not fulfilling his bucket list wish of partaking in a cattle drive horseback!☺️ 🙏
With sympathy,
Cory & Kari Lamey
Penny Ruth says
Lynda and family,
So sorry to hear about Toms passing . Such a kind man with a gentle heart and soul . We will all miss him dearly. Thoughts and Prayers 🙏 Penny, Darcie and Kyra
Mike Paffhausen says
Tom was a special man, we arrived in the big hole with my 1 month old son in March and Tom was just about to close up the club. Instead of turning us away, he invited us inside, cooked a great meal, and brought out his guitar and sang Scottish lullabies by the wood stove to my newborn son.
Paul and Heidi Connolly says
Lynda, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. There are truly no words. We always looked forward to the Tom & Lynda team at the Wise River Club on our Montana visits. Tom was such a caring and kind man. Wise River will not be the same without his life stories, sense of humor, and positive nature. He will be missed.
Joe McCallum says
To one of my dearest friends ever – I’ll miss you. The laughter and tears we shared over the years will forever be in my heart.