Thomas E. Garvey, 83, of Libby

Thomas Eugene Garvey, 83, died on Friday, March 9, 2012, at his home in Libby.  

He was born on Dec. 23, 1928, at Baldwin, New York to Jack and Mary (Donaghue) Garvey.

His dream was to have his own ski lodge somewhere in Montana. He saved his whole lifetime for this project.  

He loved mountain climbing, and for 30 years every year, for two weeks he would climb “The Man In The Mountain” in Mount Washington, N.H. with his wife Margaret. 

Tom worked most of his life for Boeing Aircraft until he retired. He came to Libby by train from Philadelphia with only a knapsack and a bicycle.  

He painted throughout his life, and his mountain home in Libby depicts his artwork on the walls.  He was an ice hockey coach in Philadelphia and an accomplished dancer and music aficionado, from opera to folk, to rock and roll.  He was a naval cadet and pilot and owned his own plane at one time.  

Tom was a very spiritual soul, as was his father, an almost-ordained Catholic priest. 

He loved cats and took in many strays, one of which lay sleeping on his chest after he died.

Survivors include his wife Margaret Anna Swartz of Pennsylvania.

Private family services are being held.  

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.