Thomas Ralph Wiggin, 75

Thomas Ralph Wiggin was born in Polson March 22, 1947, to Ralph and Korrine Wiggin. He graduated from Polson High School, the class of 1965. In high school, he was a member of the FFA chapter and attended a national conference. Tom built a mini-bike in shop class using his Pa’s rototiller engine and proudly drove it home from class. This was the beginning of a lifetime of tinkering around with motorized toys. Ever the extrovert, however, he was not satisfied with tinkering. Learning the accordion in high school, he enjoyed serenading his family with “Buffalo Gals” for decades.

Tom joined the Army Reserve from 1965-1971 and went to boot camp in Fort Hood and Pendleton. He went to technical school in Havre studying mechanics and later attended the school of forestry as Flathead Valley Community College’s first graduating class in 1969.

Tom went on to become a Flathead County surveyor and later practiced privately. He worked as an engineer surveying Highway 2 “Lady Bird Johnson,” for the federally funded Highway Beautification Project, spanning from Columbia Falls to West Glacier for the Flathead Electric easement of power lines.

Tom then became a contractor and established Wiggin Construction. He continued his pursuit in the public, private and government sectors, including the Bigfork Library, Marina Cay Resort and numerous forest service buildings for the remainder of his professional career throughout Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Thomas passed away the morning of Thursday, Jan. 12, with his wife, Diane, by his side, at his home in Lakeside at the age of 75.

Tom was a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend. He was passionate about flying since he first laid eyes on the neighbor’s plane at 6 years old. He had great comedic timing and loved to laugh. He loved to entertain his family and friends, especially at the lake.

He was a great cook who had a servant's heart and was always giving of his time and talents to the people he cared about. He was enthusiastic working on projects for the Lutheran Camp and donating. He was humble throughout his life, worked extremely hard, and was an avid reader and history buff.

Thomas is survived by his four children, Wendy (Darrell), Connery (Sarah), Stasia (Nate) and Carly. He is also survived by his wife, Diane; step-children Robbie and Ryan; and grandchildren Cierra, Paige and Madison. He is also survived by his sister, Janice (Dave); brother Ernie (Sherree); nieces and nephews Christie, Kenny, Andrew and Olivia; and his love, Boo the Cat.

As flying was so greatly important to Tom, we have decided to create an aviation scholarship fund with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 South Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.

There will be a celebration of life for Tom on Friday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp Main Lodge, 550 Lutheran Camp Road, Lakeside, MT 59922.