Jeffrey T. Tochihara
Jeff

In the afternoon of Feb. 16th a very dear man unexpectedly slipped away and entered into the loving embrace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jeff was a man of many talents, exceptionally intelligent, and had an amazing amount of compassion and love. He will be sorely missed.

Jeff was born in Brighton, CO in 1953 to Tom & Mildred (Terada) Tochihara. He attended Alsup elementary school before the family relocated in 1964 to Thousand Oaks, CA, where he graduated in 1971 from Parks Oak High School. He was an extremely skilled musician, which led him on a journey traveling with a band until he purchased Len Waters music store in Butte MT. Jeff formed the well known band, Carousal, who entertained for many years throughout the state.

Jeff met the love of his life Norie (Quinn) and they were united in marriage on Aug. 21st, 1982 in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Butte. Together they raised an amazing son Joey, who has exceeded their expectations and has become a wonderful young man that any parent would be proud to call their own.

Later in his life, Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Montana Tech on May 13th, 1995. He held a brief internship with The Montana Power Co. before relocating his family to Absarokee, MT to work as the Human Resource Manager for Still Water Mining Co for 15 years. After careful consideration, he accepted a position with EBMS in 2009 and was promoted to Vice President a few years later.

Montana Tech extended a Professional Accomplishment Recognition award to Jeff on Oct. 11th 2002. He enjoyed supporting his local community by sharing his musical talents, directing musical talent shows, volunteering to support local hospitals and schools, and giving his time whenever needed.

Those who went before him were his mother Mildred, sister Eloise & brother-in-law Hal, and father &mother in law, Joe & Irene Quinn.

Surviving relatives include his forever loving wife Norie and beloved son Joey of Billings. His father Tom Tochihara, brother Rodney (Christine) Tochihara of Big Timber, and nephew Darin (Paige) Tochihara. Sisters-in-laws who loved Jeff like a brother are Cheryl (Mike) Middal of Portland OR, Jo Ann (Ed) Staack, Kathy Quinn, Karen (John) Starcevich and Terri Quinn, all of Butte. Nieces and Nephews who looked up to their uncle Jeffy are Cassandra, Elizabeth and Ariel Spencer all of California. Kelly (Adrian) Olmstead, Sam (Eli) Vargas and Kevin Middal of Portland, OR. Brian (Erin) Staack, Bradie Staack, John Starcevich (Diane Sullivan), Lonni Starcevich and T.J. (Leah) Forrest, all of Butte.

A memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday,Feb.20th at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Billings, MT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any school music program of the donor’s choice or Zoo Montana.

Remembrances

Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.

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MY HEART GOES OUT TO NORI AND THE FAMILY.
HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND SO MANY PEOPLE OF BUTTE LOVED HIM INCLUDING KIDS OF ALL AGES. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER OF MUSIC AND HAD A NACK OF MAKING KIDS FEEL IMPORTANT.
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HANDS!!
CHRIS BYRNES, RADE POPOVICH, RYAN POPOVICH

Norie and Joey: I want to tell you how saddened I am of Jeff's passing! He was such a great man! Norie remember how much fun we all had at Gheonn's on Friday nights! With much love and prayers! Tami Osborne O'Connell

My deepest sympathy to Nori, Joey, and family. Jeff was a great musician. He inspired many to be a better musician, and I'm grateful to have worked with him and called him my friend.
Dave Heidt

Norie, Joey and Family:

We join with you in mourning the loss of you husband, father and friend.  Jeff was one of the most kind and gentle people we have had the good fortune to know, and his passing is deeply saddening.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave and Lori Bigelow

Norie, Joey and Family:

We join with you in mourning the loss of you husband, father and friend. Jeff was one of the most kind and gentle people we have had the good fortune to know, and his passing is deeply saddening. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave and Lori Bigelow

Our condolences to Jeff's family. He was a great guy and a top-notch musician, will always remember the good times playing with him. He will be missed.
The Hammond Family

missed. I pray you are doing ok and if there is anything you need or I can do for you please do not hesitate to ask. My love always John

John M Moodry

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We were blessed to have known Jeff and to call him our friend. We spent many good times together. We will always have a part of him when we listen to Andy's album and hear Jeff playing the piano for all the songs. Jeff was a man of great character and kindness and a dear friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. It has been a while since we have all seen each other and I am very glad I got to visit with Jeff this summer at the Renz wedding. It was good to see both of you and I will cherish our visit always. Our love to you Norie and Joey.

Our deepest sympathy.

Andy & Roxie Larson

To Norie and and family we are very saddened to hear of the loss of Jeff he was a bright spot on this dimly lit earth. always with a smile on his face. he will be missed. Don and Carla Merzlak

Dear Norie and Joey,

We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. Jeff brought such delight to so many of us and we are immensely grateful to have known and worked with him. His gentle kindness will always be remembered and his willingness to give so much of himself to our community will never be forgotten. You are in our prayers.

With love and sympathy,
The von Nieda family
Kurt, Donna, Tij, Claire and Jon