Frank Thomas, 82

Our beloved Frank Thomas passed away on July 22, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Frank was born in Kalispell to George and Margaret Thomas on Nov. 9, 1936.

He was a pillar in the community, serving in a variety of organizations such as Kalispell Rotary, Jaycees past president, City Council, and boards of directors for Bigfork Summer Playhouse, Montana Printers and Publishers, Salvation Army and Hockaday Museum of the Arts. He was a past president of the Montana Wooden Boat Club and served on the steering committee for the Kalispell Art Show and Auction. In 1966, he was selected to appear in the book “Outstanding Young Men of America.”

Frank began his printing legacy while attending high school and working at O’Neil Printers. In 1962, Frank fulfilled his dream and founded Thomas Printing. Still working 12 hour days at the age of 82 defines his passion for the trade, all while building the most high tech printing plant in the state of Montana.

Frank married the love of his life, Marjean Elwood, in 1956 and together they raised four wonderful children, Vickie, Shelley, Craig and Chad. As a family they enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, hiking and skiing. Family vacations were often spent in the San Juan Islands aboard Frank’s prized possession, a 44-foot trawler, “Miss Print.”

Frank was preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret, his sister Patsy Jane, and his nieces Becky and Wanda.

He is survived by his wife Marjean, sister Daisy Mae, daughters Vickie (Greg) Baker, and Shelley (Darrel) Zauner, sons Craig (Cheryl) Thomas and Chad (Kim) Thomas, and his grandchildren, Cassie, Trey, Jock, Ali, Marni, Sydney, Eric, Katie and Alec; as well as five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 Highway 93 South Kalispell.

The family suggests remembrances to Coats for Kids MT, P.O. Box 427, Kalispell, Montana 59903; or a charity of choice.