Thomas Daniel Love Jr.

Thomas D. Love Jr. was born in Billings, Montana, on Oct. 29, 1938, and went home to be with family on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 84 years of age.

Tommy was very proud of his heritage and roots to early Montana history. He was a fifth generation Montana and the great-great-great-grandson of Dr. Don L.Byam, who was a leader in the Vigilante movement and was the first judge of the Miner’s court in Montana in 1863, when Montana was a territory. Dr. Byam was also one of Montana’s first physicians, with his office still preserved to this day in Nevada City, Montana.

Tommy was a veteran who served for four years in the U.S. Air Force as a jet mechanic and then served in the air reserves for two years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved and lived to hunt and fish — especially fish the Big Horn River. For years, he fished the Big Horn River, feeling fortunate that he had the opportunity to fish it before the river was dammed. In addition, he was a competitive pistol shooter who shot in matches throughout Montana, winning many medals and awards. He was a shooter for the Yellowstone Pistol Team for 40 years. He was also a member of the NRA and a strong believer in the 2nd amendment.

Tommy was raised by hardworking parents, Thomas D. Love, Sr. and Alberta H. Love, and the most loving, wonderful great-aunt named Hilda (Byam) Platz. He is survived by daughters Shawna Phillips and Tina Palaoro (Tracy); brother Fred Love (Sally); sister Robin Grinsteiner (Tom); and three nieces, Kim McCloskey (John), Stacey Saccal (Troy) and Taryn (Hicham) Bifenzi. His grandchildren include Austin (Katelynn) Palaoro, Jacob (Alanna) Palaoro, April Miller (David), and Jon (Allison) Dempersmier; as well as four great-grandchildren, Sky, Tierra, Sage and Delila; and one great-great-granddaughter, Khloe. He was preceded in death by his parents and great-aunt; his son, Mark Daniel Love; his beloved companion of many years, Bernadette Rockman; and nephew, Tyson Grinsteiner.

At his request, some of his ashes will be scattered over the Big Horn River and some will find a home in Paradise Valley at the gravesite of his great-great-great-grandfather Dr. Don L. Byam.

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