William's Obituary
William “Bill” G. Thomas, 80 of Great Falls, MT, peacefully passed away on November 13, 2022, with his family by his side.
Bill was born January 17, 1942, in Great Falls to Martin and Irene Thomas. He graduated from Central High. He attended Montana State and enjoyed fraternity life and college football. He graduated from Montana State – Northern.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful small business owner of Granny's Pie House, It'll Do Bar, Iron Kettle Restaurant, and shot hole plugging (Oil Drilling) endeavors. He served in the Montana Legislature for a decade and was also an educator for 30 years retiring from the Montana University System. Bill served as President of the State Board of Education, championed the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, as well as served on various boards for the State and Cascade County. He was particularly fond of helping countless friends and family in navigating intricate ways to afford higher education.
Bill had a strong Catholic faith spending time in the seminary in his youth and as a lifelong parishioner of Holy Spirit Church.
Bill revelled in a variety of activities including politics, investing, both water and snow skiing, and he loved our yearly boating outings with his family at Seeley Lake. He had a passion for football, cheering on his Green Bay Packers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He enjoyed and always made time to mentor his political friends and colleagues. He also spent time volunteering at St. Thomas Orphanage, Great Falls Rotary, and a number of roles in supporting and organizing The Montana East/West Shrine Football Game.
Bill’s greatest joy was his family. Big Bill had many nicknames, but was best known for his big heart, deep belly laugh, and infectious smile.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving parents, Martin and Irene and his brother-in-law, Hollis Broderick.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patsie Bartoletti-Thomas who encouraged him to pursue his adventurous life. He leaves behind his sister, Colleen Broderick. Bill raised and adored his children, Patti Monts, William G. (Jen) Thomas II, Mary Pat (Tim) Penley, Marty (Rebecca), Brad, and Stephanie (Justin). Bill’s legacy also includes his grandchildren, Kim, Katie, Kyle, Bryce, Amanda, Thomas, Edward, Terra, Joseph, Taylor, Gabe, Kate, William J. Thomas III, and Colton.
The prayer vigil will be held on November 22, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial service and reception will be held on November 23, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. (streamed live via the Holy Spirit Catholic Church FaceBook Page. https://m.facebook.com/holyspiritgf/)
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Great Falls Central High School and/or Shriners Children Hospital. https://greatfallscentral.org/giving/ or
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=shrinerschildrens&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=donateheader&utm_campaign=shrinerschildrens&c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=header
