Thomas A. “Tom” O’Halloran

B: February 14, 1917 D: , November 11, 2008

Thomas Ambrose O’Halloran 91 Dr. Tom O’Halloran died peacefully in Polson, with his family all around him, on November 11, 2008. Tom was born February 14, 1917 to Michael and Delia O’Halloran in Creggs, County Galway, Ireland. He was predeceased by his brothers Monsignor Colman, Anthony and Frank. He is survived by his brothers, Father Alfred O’Halloran of Galway and Dr. Albert O’Halloran and his wife Patricia of Bainbridge Island, Washington, and his sisters, Bella Glynn and Imelda O’Halloran of Galway. Tom received his schooling in Galway and as a young man, rowed on the Irish rowing team that took the National Championship. He received his medical degree from the National University of Ireland in 1945 and after completing his internship in Nottingham, he entered the Royal Navy as a surgeon Lieutenant. He served in Malta, Great Yarmouth and Cornwall, England. After resigning from the Navy, Tom completed an internship in gynecology and obstetrics in Ipswich and a year of general practice in Kent. Tom married the love of his life, Madeleine Harris in Great Yarmouth in 1953. Shortly thereafter they emigrated to Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, living there for seven years. The couple then emigrated to Plains, Montana, living and practicing there for three years before moving to Polson, where Tom was a general practitioner until he retired in 1989. Tom loved working at Grandview Clinic and St. Joseph Hospital just as much as he was loved by his colleagues and staff. Although the community knew Tom as the family doctor who delivered more than one generation of many families in the Mission Valley, he is also known by many for the Connemara ponies he imported and trained. A few will remember that he raised and trained hunting dogs and fewer still will remember that in his youth, unbeknownst to his parents, he kept a ferret hidden in the house, to take out to hunt and capture rabbits. In his retirement Tom has been writing stories of Ireland and sharing his political views with his wonderful wit and charm. He has not played his golf for a few years but has been free with his commentary from the deck of his house. Tom is survived by his wife, Madeleine, his sons Michael and Dermot of Polson and Sean of Missoula, his daughters Maura O’Halloran of Kalispell, Claire and her husband Charlie Harball of Kalispell and their two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, Melanie and her husband Rick Agrella of Spokane and their two daughters Casidhe and Erica, Beth and her husband Dave McAlpin of Missoula and their daughter Greta and son Ian, and Fiona and her husband Pat Harris of Salt Lake City and their daughters Madeleine and Annie as well as many nieces and nephews throughout the States and Ireland. A Rosary will be prayed for Tom in Polson at 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 14, 2008 and a Resurrection Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m., both at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

November 12, 2008
Bigfork, Montana
What a wonderful story teller! Lots of good memories of Himself, the consumate Irishman and pragmatic physician. Our condolences to each of the members of the O'Halloran family. Bill and Jean Fischer

November 12th
Mary Fulkerson Lee
He was loved by many, and healed many people. I loved the way he always told me that I had the "grippe". It was so much more homey than the flu, or bronchitus. May the grace of God be with Madeline and all the children as they celebrate his life.

Nov.13,2008
peter & Susan Mangels
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of a truly great irishman. We will miss him. Godspeed, Tom.

11/13/08
Dayton, MT
I remember when he retired from practicing at Grandview Clinic, our family felt such a loss. He had been our provider thru many years. He always had a smile and a story to share. He delievered many babies in our family...

11/13/08
Mentor, Ohio
Dear O'Halloran Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I have many fond memories of Dr. O'Halloran from when my family moved to Polson from Ohio in 1979. Your in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Doug Baker PHS Class of 1983

11/13/2008
Kalispell
Dr. O'Halloran was a beautiful man with a beautiful heart and a beautiful family. His wise counsel and wonderful humour will be so sadly missed. Our prayers are with you.

11/13/08
Tom & Lorrie MeeksDixon, MT
 

11/13/08
Hamilton, MT
Our sympathy to your family, but knowing what a long, wonderful life Dr. O'Halloran lived and the many lives he touched in such a positive way. My dad, who lived in Charlo, always spoke so highly and fondly of Dr. He truly helped my dad in more ways than just medically, even after Dr.'s retirement. I know dad missed being one of Dr.'s patients, probably as much for the visiting as anything else. He was also there for my mother throughout her battle with cancer in the mid-1970's, and he delivered our younger daughter in 1974. So to him, through you, we say thank you and farewell. Mary and Rick Borden

11-13-08
Holly Springs, Georgia
My thoughts are with you Maura and all of the O'Hallorans. Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I'll be thinking of you on Saturday. Bill Welch

11/13/08
Missoula, MT
Fiona, I'm terribly sorry for your loss and that of your family's. What a long and glorious life. I wish your family many happy memories and years of recounting fantastic stories with the hopes of keeping your father's memory alive in the heart's of your mother, your brothers, sisters, extended family and friends and most importantly your children. May you and your family look at everyday as a blessing. Thinking of you - Tory Dailey

November 14,2008
Polson
To Madeline, and the children of Dr. O'Halloran: Thank you for the wonderful memories that we have of Dr. O'Halloran. He was our physician and when he retired we felt lost. To this day we have not found a doctor to fill his void. Words cannot express the feelings that one needs at this time, but maybe these words by Amanda Bradley will add some comfort: Love Lives On Those we love are never really lost to us, we feel them in so many special ways. Through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind. In beauty that they added to our days, in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone. Those we love are never really lost to us, for everywhere their special love lives on. Chris & Odin Strom

November 14, 2008
Sandy, UT
Fiona - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, John, Sharon, Stefani and Courtney

11/14/08
Missoula, MT
Sean, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge of what a long & wonderful life your dad had. Glen & Kathy Strelnik

11/14/08
WAYNE AND CAROL COOPER
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY

11-14-08
Missoula and Polson
Our wonderful memories of Dr. O'Halloran will always be cherished. He was one in a million and will be missed. We are so glad we had the opportunity to know him. Our condolences to all of you! The Gillespie Girls (as he always called us!)

November 14, 2008
Valier, Montana
My mother June O'Neal worked in the office at the Sanders County Hospital in Hot Springs when Dr. O'Halloran used to come there from Plains in the 1960's. Our whole family appreciated the stories Mom used to bring home about his great humor. I suppose being of Irish descent ourselves we more than appreciated his Irish wit. One story that our whole family remembers well is that he came storming into the hospital one morning and was most visibly upset. When asked what had happened, he roared, " A damn deer jumped out in front of me and I crashed the car and ruptured the radiator!!" Of course this was delivered in his best Irish brogue. Mom has passed on, of course, but all of us kids remember this story. My family joins me in our condolences to all of his family. He was a wonderful man and he will be a very difficult act to follow. Penny O'Neal Takala Valier, Montana

November 14, 2008
Valier, Montana
My mother June O'Neal worked in the office at the Sanders County Hospital in Hot Springs when Dr. O'Halloran used to come there from Plains in the 1960's. Our whole family appreciated the stories Mom used to bring home about his great humor. I suppose being of Irish descent ourselves we more than appreciated his Irish wit. One story that our whole family remembers well is that he came storming into the hospital one morning and was most visibly upset. When asked what had happened, he roared, " A damn deer jumped out in front of me and I crashed the car and ruptured the radiator!!" Of course this was delivered in his best Irish brogue. Mom has passed on, of course, but all of us kids remember this story. My family joins me in our condolences to all of his family. He was a wonderful man and he will be a very difficult act to follow. Penny O'Neal Takala Valier, Montana

DEC 3 '08
St. Croix, USVI
Dear Dermot and all your family, I know you will miss your Dad immeasurably, but may you carry him in your hearts as you continue to share joys as a family and honor him with good works and the spread of laughter. Slainte' Tamara Libbey