The Honorable Thomas "Tom" Michael Mckittrick

Our family is heartbroken to announce that our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Thomas McKittrick passed away on November 18, 2023, in Great Falls, Montana with his devoted family by his side. He succumbed to glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, diagnosed on July 4, 2021. He accepted this devastating illness with an abundance of faith and courage.

Thomas Michael McKittrick was the second child welcomed by Daniel Thomas and Catherine (Murphy) McKittrick on January 7, 1944, in Anaconda, Montana. He had an older brother, D. Patrick “Pat,” and younger siblings, Eileen and Timothy. Sadly, a brother Kevin, died shortly after birth. Tom enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Anaconda running with friends, often going to work with his father, playing baseball, walking to movies on Saturdays, hiking in the mountains, and fishing at Georgetown Lake, a place he loved. At age 11, life drastically changed for Tom when his adored father, who was the mayor of Anaconda at that time, suddenly died at age 44, leaving behind his wife and four children ages 8 months to 13 years. Tom carried this sorrow with him for the rest of his life.

After his father died, Tom immediately sought jobs, such as selling seeds to the neighbor ladies, who kindly bought them, delivering newspapers, and setting pins in the local bowling alley. In high school and college, he worked at the Anaconda Smelter and built mountain roads with a construction crew. From age 11, Tom was never without some kind of full or part-time job, sometimes two or three at a time.

He attended Catholic schools, graduating from Anaconda Central High School in 1962, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Tom loved playing baseball and was widely recognized as an outstanding catcher. One summer, Dave McNally, who later became an all-star major league pitcher, contacted Tom to be his catcher while he was being scouted by the Baltimore Orioles.

He worked his way through Carroll College in Helena, Montana majoring in Political Science. Tom continued to excel at baseball on Carroll’s team, was prefect of discipline, and president of his senior class. He graduated in 1966. He then worked at a bank while attending Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington.

In 1969, Tom moved to Washington, DC to work as a copyright examiner for the Library of Congress. On December 20, 1969, Tom married Lisa Taylor, a native Virginian. They welcomed a son, Matthew in November 1970 and a daughter, Marissa in December 1972. While raising a young family, Tom took law classes at Catholic University and interned with two local judges. He passed the Virginia Bar in 1972, and then practiced law in Arlington, working as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney and in private practice. Tom had many interesting life experiences, one of which happened in October of 1972. He was in a bank in Arlington when an infamous bank robbery took place. During the robbery, Tom was ordered to the ground, had a gun held to his head, and told not to move or he would be killed. Tragically, a police officer and the bank manager were shot to death. The robbers then hijacked a plane and fled to Cuba, but were apprehended years later.

In 1978, Tom and Lisa moved to Great Falls to be back in beautiful Montana and close to his large family. He worked as a Deputy County Attorney and then Chief Trial Counsel. In 1983, he was appointed to the position of District Court Judge by Governor Ted Schwinden. Tom was known as a hard-working individual, with an extensive knowledge of the law and a deep sense of fairness and integrity. He thoroughly enjoyed his position and was very grateful to be able to serve the people of Cascade County for over 30 years. Throughout his career, Tom received many judicial and civic awards. He was always very humbled by and appreciative of every one of them. Tom was the first judge to receive the Edward C. Alexander Award. He served on numerous boards and committees and was past president of the Montana Judges Association.

Tom and Lisa had the opportunity to travel all over the United States and Europe. In Italy, they were very moved by Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper. They also went with Matt, Marissa, and Luke to Great Britain and Ireland. The highlight was County Monaghan where they visited Tom’s father’s birthplace and were welcomed by family friends who knew and shared interesting stories about his relatives. Tom and Lisa also liked trips to Seattle to watch the Yankees play the Mariners. He continued his favorite activities of hiking and fishing at Georgetown Lake and relaxing at Carter Ferry. Tom was also an avid reader. He and Lisa frequently drove the back roads of Montana, with their furry companions Scarlett, Shag, and Fiona, stopping at small shops and cafes along the way.

There was nothing more important to Tom than his family. He deeply loved Matt and Marissa and was always very proud of them. He willingly rearranged his busy work schedule, so he could attend their sporting events and school activities. He was always there to provide sound and calm advice whenever needed. Grandpa Tom absolutely adored and spoiled his 3 grandchildren and enjoyed every moment he was with them. We will all miss his humorous stories from his childhood, when he earned the much deserved nickname of Holy Terror. Above all, Tom was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He never forgot a family member’s birthday, his wedding anniversary, or any other special occasion. Tom had a strong work ethic, and a deep respect for the law, his country, and his Catholic faith. While his death has caused our hearts to break, there are many people who are immeasurably and forever grateful for the guidance and help he provided them. Tom’s death is a profound loss to our family, and he will be remembered and cherished forever.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother Kevin and brother-in-law Jack Sletten. He is survived by Lisa, his beloved wife of almost 54 years, son Matthew (Stacy) McKittrick of Great Falls, daughter Marissa (Luke) Ostby of Clancy, grandchildren London and Sloane Ostby and Devin McKittrick, brothers Pat (Sharon) McKittrick and Tim (Carole) McKittrick, sister Eileen Sletten, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, both at O’Connor Funeral Home. A vigil will be Friday, December 8, 2023, at 6:00 pm with a funeral liturgy on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:00 am, both at St. Ann’s Cathedral followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery.