Tom Scharff, 62, of Libby

Tom Scharff, a longtime resident of Libby, died of natural causes at his home on April 29, 2013. He was 62. 

Tom was born in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 1950, to Donald and Ruth Scharff, and graduated from Bozeman Senior High School in the top 10 of his class. In high school, he excelled in drama, gymnastics and wrestling. He was also a gifted pianist and was chosen to participate in the Montana state piano competition in Billings. 

He loved hunting and tracking and being in the wilderness. He perfected his skill at bow hunting as a boy. He was 11 when he shot his first deer. He enjoyed many years of hunting together with his dad, brother and friends. 

Tom studied engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he also became an accomplished sky diver. 

He relocated to Libby in 1969, where he lived until his death. 

He married Jane Ellis in 1978, and they lived together until 1986. He worked in logging and construction for many years, both for others and operating his own logging company. 

He enjoyed avocations of fine woodworking and furniture building, tending a garden and putting up and sharing food, and making sausage from the game that he hunted. 

Tom was well-known for his skill at building, restoring and repairing cars and machines. 

Someone said: “If you can’t find it or buy it, go to Tom’s boneyard, and he’ll make something for you  that works.” 

Tom had a deep love and respect for nature, the land and the animals and plants in it. He loved family and friends, and forged many close relationships in the community, doing much to help and protect others. He was cherished for his loyalty, generous and honest heart, his sense of ethics and his talent for telling a good story.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his “good dog, Sue,” and his two cats, Sam and May. 

He is survived by his two sisters, Toni (Tim) Cashin of Santa Monica, Calif., and Teri (Thom) Abbott of Olympia, Wash.; his brother, Tim (Grace) Scharff of Missoula; three nephews, Jake, Paul and David; two great-nephews; and numerous cousins.

A memorial celebration for Tom is tentatively scheduled for Labor Day weekend.