Thomas Breen

Salute!

Thomas “Tom” Breen, Jr., passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, after leading a life filled with family, friends, travel, business, golf and quick-witted wisecracks.

Born November 23, 1942, to Tom Sr. and Betty Breen in Kansas City, MO., Tom grew up in Denver and Billings before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard where he met his wife Sheila Hood while stationed in Alaska. Seldom one to toe the line, Tom brazenly dated the daughter of his commanding officer before proposing and marrying Sheila.

The couple returned to Montana with Tom joining his family’s business, eventually becoming president/CEO of Empire Steel Manufacturing which fabricated massive fuel tanks and culvert pipes. He was a businessman of strength and fairness standing firm on his principles while working to ensure respectful decision making.

Tom and Sheila raised their children, Scott and Holly, in Billings with great pride. The family’s first big road trip in 1980 could’ve been a scene-setter for National Lampoon’s Family Vacation. Ever the perfectionist, Tom spent hours meticulously strapping every suitcase to the luggage rack. Less than a mile from town, still on the frontage road, the entire load unhinged, launching into a roadside field. Little was said — but the trip was unforgettably fantastic.

Tom’s skills as a handyman ranged from engines to carpentry to drafting building plans. Proudly, there was no such thing as “too sturdy.” He once crafted a driveway basketball post anchored so securely into the ground that - hypothetically - a tornado could’ve uprooted neighborhood homes, vehicles and trees — yet Tom’s post would’ve stood firmly planted, both level and plumb in the aftermath.

As their children established careers and settled into families of their own, Tom and Sheila cherished watching their four grandchildren grow and thrive. The couple, married for 57 years, later embarked on their passion for travel, often with close friends. Tom was captivated by ships, the roar of hydroplane races, vintage cars and aircraft of all types from storied war planes to stunts of the Blue Angels.

He was an avid sports fan, with a knack for “discovering” teams during championship seasons - denying any bandwagon tendencies to the collective eye rolls of family. Yet, Tom never wavered from his Oklahoma Sooners, a team Sheila’s roots are still devoted to through generations living in the Sooner State. BOOMER! He rarely turned down a round of golf, usually accompanied by a fine cigar and the promise of a morning Bloody Mary or Scotch in the afternoon.

He loved a party. Tom’s forte was mixing the stiffest Mai Tais and margaritas north of the Caribbean. Always the entertainer, he loved surprising friends with flaming Sambuca shots —“hopefully” extinguished before drinking — while exclaiming ‘salute!’ The stunt left more than one bartender wide-eyed.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend whose generosity and humor touched those around him. He is survived by his wife Sheila, children Scott (Erin) and Holly (Craig), four grandchildren and many golf/coffee group buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Betty, and siblings Jack, Bill and Mary.

Tom’s family would like to express deep gratitude to his outstanding and compassionate caregivers Adrienne, Marylin, Trudi and Nikki at Synergy HomeCare, Lisa and Laura at Compassus Hospice, along with Lori and her staff at Holiday Aspen View. A private family service will be held Monday, November 3, at Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Tom is deeply missed and will forever be remembered for his many endearing qualities — including his ambition to celebrate, no matter the occasion.

Salute!

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to hospice or Synergy HomeCare.