Michael Anthony Thomson

Michael Anthony Thomson was born in Chicago, IL on November 25, 1949, to Robert and Kathryn (Heneghan) Thomson. He was one of 7 children, including 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Growing up, Mike enjoyed playing every sport he could, staying outside until the streetlights came on, and bantering with his brothers about everything they could. After graduation, Mike joined the USAF where he proudly served 26 years. During this time, he served 2 tours in Vietnam and participated in inspections to many bases while serving his final years in the military with the Inspector General team followed by a retirement well deserved at the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time of service, he met and married his wife of 39 years, Shirley Brannon. They chose to call Montana home up until the day of his passing. Michael and Shirley raised 3 girls in their time together, Lindsay, Elizabeth, and Sarah. They got to enjoy filling their time with sports events, choir concerts, and anything the girls could pack their schedule with. Michael was a hard worker throughout his whole life. Even after retirement from the military, he could be found working on a new project or helping someone else with theirs. There was never a moment he wouldn’t be willing to extend a helping hand. He had a joyful and compassionate heart, and there was never a holiday meal where his table wasn’t full, and an invite was extended to anyone and everyone that didn’t have a place to call home or someone to call family. He loved to cook for a crowd especially young airmen who would always appreciate a homecooked meal. Throughout his time, Michael enjoyed playing softball, all the golf he could fit in, many trips to the cabin with his close friend, Brad, to hunt, watch football, cook camping meals fit for the best, and playing several games of cribbage while enjoying a brandy or two. He enjoyed several calls with his brothers and sisters talking about sports, politics, and especially his grandkids. Anyone who knew Michael knew the joy that his grandkids brought him and how special they were. He never failed to share every accomplishment, treasure every secret shared between them, and every outing that Papa took for all the fun things. When Michael wasn’t filling his time with sports, running errands for Shirley and his girls, or his cherished time with grandkids, he could be found enjoying a glass of wine or a great microbrew in “the hole,” his sanctuary and man cave where he ultimately found peace and a place to escape. Michael is survived by his wife Shirley, three daughters, Lindsay (Dennis) Bert, Elizabeth, and Sarah; grandkids, Shaun, Mason, Brody, Aidan, Kaylee, Kaven, and Arya; and siblings, Steve (Stephanie), Marty (Sue), Brian (Linda), Mary (George), and Judy (Butch). He is also survived by many other family and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn; father, Robert; brother, Robert Jr.; and many other family and friends. His family is blessed in knowing that Michael is with our Heavenly Father and cherishing all-new eternal memories. Rest in peace Mike, we’ll see you on the other side.