In Memory

Tom Frisby

Tom Frisby

To his final day in this world, Tom Frisby brought joy to the lives of people he had known for a lifetime and those who had met him only days before. 

Tom was born in Billings, the beloved son of Bert and Gretchen Frisby. Although he was an only child, he had, as he said, many brothers and sisters because of the close-knit aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived in town. His family instilled in him an abiding appreciation for the mountains. He grew up camping, fishing, skiing, and spending time in Yellowstone Park. Tom loved to play, and later coach, baseball. Tom graduated from Billings Senior High in 1965. He attended Montana State University-Bozeman, earning a B.A. in Commerce in 1969. While at MSU, Tom was a proud Sigma Chi and in ROTC. He became an officer in the U.S. Army and served our country in the Vietnam War.

After returning from Vietnam, Tom became a computer programmer for Burroughs Corporation. He met the love of his life, Kathy (Eide), at a Burroughs training program. Although they had graduated from Senior High just one year apart and had mutual friends, they did not meet until a co-worker came to introduce Kathy to Tom. When asked if he’d met Kathy before, Tom replied no. When the co-worker assumed Tom, who loved to kid, actually knew Kathy already, he walked away and left the two alone. It was the beginning of a romance, love, and full dance card of more than four decades.

Together, Tom and his wife Kathy raised two children, Rick Karp and Tammy Frisby. Tom’s life was grounded on his faith and focused on his family, friends, and the Billings community. For much of his adult life, Tom was active in the Billings Kiwanis Club. For two decades, Tom served Billings, and later surrounding areas, through his work at the Job Service of the Montana Department of Labor. Tom began at Job Service helping other veterans find employment and secure job training. He was promoted to manager of the Billings Job Service and retired as a regional director of economic development. Tom found satisfaction in helping people find good work.

Tom loved good food and travel, and he relished them most when shared with family and friends. He was a great cook, giving generously of wonderful meals and traditions that will be deeply missed by many. He was always up for a new recipe too, no matter the mess it might make in the kitchen. Tom was a talented gardener, who year after year did the hard work of tending a large raspberry patch so that others could enjoy the very best fruit and raspberry pie.

A lifelong non-smoker, Tom passed away from complications of metastatic lung cancer. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Tom’s memory to Billings First United Methodist Church, Huntsman Cancer Foundation in Salt Lake City, or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Thursday, June 16, 11:00 a.m., at Billings First United Methodist Church, 2800 4th Ave N.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy (Eide) Frisby of Billings; his children Richard “Rick” Karp of Billings and Tammy Frisby (Graham Mather) of Salt Lake City; grandchildren Cory Karp, Jack Frisby Mather, and Stella Frisby Mather; sister-and-brother-in-law Sandy (Eide) and Dennis Anderson, and his niece Lisa (Anderson) Norby (Justin) and nephew Dennis (Sonia) Anderson; brother-and-sister-in-law Mike and Deano Eide; his aunt Florence (Frisby) Gentry of Cody; cousins Ron (Myrna) Simon, Sharon Simon, Katherine (Frisby) Fisher DeCourcy, Ted Frisby, Nick Frisby, Patricia (Frisby) Rankin, Elizabeth (Frisby) Lutton, Jane (Frisby) Kincaid, and Ann Brundage; he is also survived by a host of second cousins and friends, especially those at Billings FUMC and his Monday morning prayer group, who were very important in his life.



 
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06/16/16 09:09 PM #2    

Roger Schuppe

I attended Tom's funeral today. It was a very moving and spiritial experience. I feel honored to have been there.

 


06/17/16 08:33 AM #3    

Sally Sullivan (Mueller)

What a blessing for me  to have been in town for Tom's services.  Everything about it,  including the setting, the music, the  rose ceremony from Sigma Chi, the flag ceremony and the warm and loving words of Rev. TIm Hathaway,  was a true testament and tribute to the way Tom lived his life, and an inspiration to all who attended  for how God wants us to live our gifted lives. Praise, prayers and blessings to Kathy for sharing your faith and strength with all of us through what has been the ultimate challenge for both of you.


06/17/16 09:29 AM #4    

Robyn Leischner (Geffre)

 

as per Robyn's request,

 

Tom's service was filled with wonderful music provided by Tom Blankenship, Dave Oltrogge, Clark Marten, and  Rev. Tim Hayhaway. These men have been close friends with Tom and Kathy and they sang with their hearts and emotions. The White Rose ceremony was delivered by Tom's cousin and the Sigma Chi's in attendance participated. The Army ceremony of salutes and delivery of the American flag to Kathy was so awesome. Tom and Kathy have indeed been an inspiration to all of us in their walk with God. I'll be asking Milo to post the front of Toms funeral program for all to see tha wonderful picture of him with one of his favorite scriptures that I think he truly lived by.

 

 

 

 


06/17/16 09:53 AM #5    

Kim Nybo (Gambish)

Tom and Kathy have done what we are all supposed to do-make a difference. I am proud to be a friend of theirs. I am thankful that Tom was honored in such a beautiful fashion. xxoo


06/17/16 12:58 PM #6    

Vicki Price (Gilman)

The memorial service for Tom was overflowing!  It was so very personal, heartfelt and beautifully done by his friends and family.  A wonderful tribute to someone so loved who will be so missed.  It was truly inspirational and touching.  


06/18/16 02:42 PM #7    

Julie Hehn

I truly wish that I had been in Billings to honor Tom at his service.  He and Kathy are truly an inspiration to all of us, and lived a beautiful love story. What more can one ask for? We were so fortunate to call him "friend".


06/22/16 07:10 AM #8    

Merry Steffensen (Wottawah)

Last Thursday, I was listening to KULR Billings Christian Radio (via the Internet) and thinking about our dear classmate Tom Frisby. Tom was a man of character and was dedicated to serving others from his high school days as a member of Key Club.  What I remember about Tom is his ever-cheerful manner and encouraging, comforting voice.  And the way he was then seems to have continued his whole life.  All of our beautiful memories of Tom are like having “roses in winter” (so a saying of comfort goes).  My heartfelt condolences go out to Kathy and their children.


06/23/16 08:25 AM #9    

Gloria Fields (Wester)

Tom was a fun, bright classmate. Post BSHS I got to see him from time to time through his work at Burroughs. A great advocate for veterans and job seekers, Tom came to the Outlook in person many times to share the news of the Job Service programs and opportunities he directed. He knew that if he made the effort to come over himself for an interview, he would get more than “press release” space in the paper. Tom always had more than “press release” status with Milt and me anyway. At BSHS, Milt remembers that Tom, always an advocate for his fellow man, was an advocate for his fellow band members. When the administration-designed solution for overcrowding of the stands at Daylis was to have the band sit on the grass, Tom went into action. He started the SISNOG campaign -- Sit In Stands Not On Grass. (You can't keep from smiling when you say SISNOG out loud!) He knew how to get a point across in a fun, barbed way. Thank you, Tom for a life well lived and for good memories. God bless.


06/30/16 08:23 AM #10    

Michael (Milo) Carbis

seeing Tom in a White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation,
dancing the night away with Kathy is a vision
of dignity and grace never to be forgotten.
thank you Tom and Kathy,
for taking the title of a tragic teenage tale
and turning it into a beautiful memory.


07/10/16 11:32 AM #11    

Marla Connor (Davenport)

On Tom's birthday I am posting a message from Facebook in his memory.

My sister Donna and I grew up next door to Tom (Tommy).  He was like a brother - sometimes obnoxious, but mostly fun.  We spent hours playing hide and seek, board games and backyard baseball. He invented the tardy walk when we were late walking to Highland School.  We played in the band from 5th grade through high school.  When we were older, he even weighed in on approving our boyfriends!!  (He approved of my husband as they were classmates and fraternity brothers.)  It was special catching up with Tom and Kathy at the reunion, not knowing it would be the last time!  He and Kathy have been phenomenal in their battles with cancer, enjoying every possible moment together!  That is true love!!  I feel that I've not only lost a friend but a piece of my childhood!  Tom, you are missed but you are safe and healed in the arms of our Lord!  God's blessings and peace to Kathy and their family!


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