Thomas Keast, 86

Thomas (Tom) James Keast, 86, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Dec. 30, 2024.

Tom was born May 11, 1938, in Marquette, Mich., to Lynn and Edna (Nault) Keast. After graduating from Bishop Baraga High School in 1956, Tom attended Northern Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1961. Tom continued his education, receiving his Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University in 1963.

During his years at university, Tom spent summers working as a radio operator for the National Park Service on Mott Island, and exploring Isle Royale National Park. It was during this time that Tom cultivated his lifelong love of all things Lake Superior. Isle Royale would also eventually become a favorite setting of the many stories he shared with his children and grandchildren.

In 1962, Tom began his long and successful career with the U.S. Public Health Service as a commissioned officer. Tom was assigned to Crow Agency, Mont., and arrived on Sept. 13, 1962 – a date that would later hold great significance. Unbeknownst to him, it was the birthday of his future wife, Mary Louise Langevin, who was working as a registered nurse at Crow Agency when Tom first arrived.

The two were married on June 13, 1964 and later had four children: Diane Keast, Suzie Keast-Hunt, Richard Keast and David Keast.

In July of 1965, after his time at Crow Agency, Tom was transferred to St. Ignatius, where he became the first non-physician Service Unit Director in the Service's history. Knowing Tom would eventually be transferred, Tom and Mary Lou purchased land in 1968 as they had fallen in love with Mission, its beautiful mountains, and the people in the community. They looked forward to one day building a home and spending their retirement years in St. Ignatius.

Tom was transferred to Salem, Ore., in 1971, where he worked as a social worker for Chemawa Indian School. In 1972, the family was again transferred, this time to Lapwai, Idaho, where they would spend nine years with Tom working in coordination with the Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai tribes of Northern Idaho.

During this time, Tom enjoyed many summer road trips with Mary Lou and the kids exploring the Northwest. While in Lapwai, Tom was promoted to Captain and to Health Services Officer, Director and was ranked first in a field of 24 directors.

In 1981, Tom and his family were thrilled to learn that he would be returning to St. Ignatius sooner than planned and that Tom would once again be working in collaboration with the Salish and Kootenai Tribes as Service Unit Director. Tom was honored to finish his career based in St. Ignatius. 

During his last years with U.S. Public Health, Tom often traveled to all seven Montana reservations and the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming to work closely with the local tribes in those areas. During his time in St. Ignatius, Tom received the Public Health Service Commendation as well as Outstanding Service and Meritorious Service Medals before retiring in October of 1992.

Tom enjoyed his many years of retirement. In the evenings, he could often be found walking the canal and sitting up on the hill gazing at the mountains or sitting quietly under the big tree watching the wildlife in his yard.

He found incredible joy attending his grandchildren’s activities and cooking for his family, especially his famous pasties and meat pie. He enjoyed talks with nieces and nephews and with any visiting family and friends who were always welcomed. Throughout his retirement years, Tom’s passion for Lake Superior continued, and he was often found up in his office researching anything he could about his beloved lake.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Edna Keast, brother Robert Keast, uncle “Jack” John Keast, aunt Essie, and niece Jean Keast-Van Tatenhove.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Keast; children Dianne Keast of Missoula (Bob Ruby), Suzie Keast-Hunt of St. Ignatius (Rusty Hunt), Richard Keast of Tigard, Ore. (Erin Keast), and David Keast of St. Ignatius (Sara Keast); and by his grandchildren, Kevin Wheeler, Daniel Hunt (Abby), Brooklin Hunt, Lanie Keast, Sparrow Ruby, Jack Keast, Maeve Keast, Sandra Keast, and Eamon Keast. Tom also leaves behind his sister, Mary Donavon of Laconia, N.H. (Bob); friend and sister-in-law, Judy Keast of Petoskey, Mich.; Linda Sheridan (Tom) of Dixon, Mont.; and nieces and nephews Peter Keast, Jim P. Keast, Cathy Keast, Suzanne Keast-Rabitaille (Ken), Mary Keast-Van Linden (Bob), Francis Keast-Ternes (David), Michael Donovan, and Jerry Donavon.

Viewing is at Foster’s Funeral Home in St. Ignatius on Monday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Memorials and donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Fort Connah Historical Restoration Society at 406-644-2882 or Fortconnah.com.