Ronald Thom
December 14, 1956 - July 23, 2016
Obituary
“From what we get, we can make a living. What we give, however, makes a life.” - Arthur Ashe Ronald “Ron” Steven Thom, 59, was called to show the biggest house of all on July 23rd, 2016. He was born in Billings, MT on December 14, 1956 to Dee Dee and Jack Thom. He was the oldest of two siblings, Sheree and Doug. Growing up, his love of music led him to play the trumpet, and inspired him to form his band named White Mountain Express where he was the lead singer. He finished high school in Anaconda and then attended college in Phoenix, AZ where he graduated with top honors in electronics. After spending a short time in California, he then chose to move back to Montana, the place that he loved most. When he returned, he began his 36 year success story in the real estate business. Ron was a tenacious, ambitious, dedicated, and innovative skilled professional. He always had a positive outlook and thrived by helping others reach their goals. He loved Billings, and his detailed memory of all the homes he had been in was a tribute to his vast experience and passion for the community he called home. In 1994 Ron married Audre and completed his “A-team” by becoming a loving father to Ashley and Alex. Ashley has always said that Ron believed in her more than she believed in herself. He never stopped encouraging, supporting, and motivating his family and friends. He also believed that by envisioning his dreams he could achieve them. In 2003 his hopes of having a cabin someday came to fruition. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time at their mountain oasis in Red Lodge. You couldn't help but appreciate his sense of humor and sweetheart smile. He never failed to get a rise out of telling his favorite stories over and over and over again. A true perfectionist, he loved playing golf but decided since he couldn't be the best at it, he would just watch the best on TV. Ron also had the innate ability to zone in on any hidden sweets in the house. However, cookies were the ultimate free for all. Audre had to portion and label individual bags of cookies with his name on them to prevent him from devouring everyone else's share. We will miss that about you Ron Thom, the man with two first names; the man we could always count on. We'll never forget your giving nature, and most of all...how you loved unconditionally. He was preceded in death by father, Jack Thom; sister, Vicki Lynn; brother, Doug; and son, Alex Brown. He is survived by his wife Audre; daughter, Ashley (Kyle) Schneider; two grandchildren, Jacob and Tenley; mother, Dee Dee Stanich; sister, Sheree (Dave) Johansen of Tacoma, WA; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Thom of Butte, MT. A celebration of life service with a luncheon will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 29th at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Interment in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park will follow. In memory of Ron, please play with your grandchildren, go find your sanctuary, and dream big. If you do wish to make a memorial donation, he would be honored by your contribution to Zoo Montana. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
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Memories
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Sharon Miller
Other •
Ron was absolutely one of my favorite Realtors to work with. He did his job and helped us to do ours. He had high expectations for all involved because he expected the same from himself. I will miss working with him very much! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
~Sharon Miller (Stewart Title)
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Matt Wolpoe
Other •
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Simply one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. When I was visiting Billings for my St. V's interview Ron gave me a real estate tour and was so wonderful we of course had him as our agent for the purchase of our home when I took the job. He of course did a wonderful job and was impressed his knowledge and attention to detail. But more important my wife Rhea and I were more impressed by what a kind and caring person he was and how much he knew about the people he sold homes for. We did not see Ron for many years but then bumped into him again in a different context and could not believe how much he remembered about us. Not many people take the time to listen and take an interest in people like that. I was fortunate to see him several times since then and was so saddened to hear this news. His life ended far too early but he touched so many lives and made a lasting impact on those that knew him. God bless. - Matt Wolpoe
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Denice Strickland
Other •
Dear Audre, I am so very sorry for you and your families loss. My heart goes out to you. Love to you and your family, Denice Strickland
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Carey Chapman
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Ron was absolutely a consummate professional and a delight to work with. I always appreciated his willingness to go above and beyond anytime I called on him for a special home that perhaps could be sold but was not yet on the active market. His memory and knowledge of every conversation was amazing, and thanks to Ron, I have many happy homeowners who have their dream home. God Bless you my friend and colleague, I and RE/MAX of Billings will miss you very much. You truly were a blessing to so many in our industry and beyond. Carey Chapman- Broker/Owner RE/MAX of Billings
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Dennis Meeker
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I was so sad to get the news that Ron had passed. He was a great guy with an always ready smile and an upbeat personality. I enjoyed working with him on several occasions in the real estate business and always found him to be a consummate professional. We became friends and I enjoyed his and Audre's company on occasion when they visited their cabin in Red Lodge. Rest easy Ron.
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Kim Gillan
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I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I will always be grateful for the advice he gave me about selling my home when I was going through a difficult challenge. I have the utmost respect for him and know that you were a wonderful couple. You've already suffered some losses and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Kim Gillan