Obituary: Thomas Jefferson Strange

Thomas Jefferson Strange

MISSOULA, Mont. – Thomas Jefferson Strange, passed on July 6, 2026, in Missoula, Montana. Born March 20, 1975, 4:20 p.m., in Brunswick.

Known to his far reaching Missoula family of friends whom he loved endlessly as, ThomStrange, a very endearing one word they named him. He soared through his youth and adult years in the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, canoe floating river trips. He excelled with his teaching prowess from fly fishing to ecology, from the mountains to the sea. Amidst those years, certainly never retiring his bicycle or skate board. Managed time for soccer, swimming and lacrosse within those early years as well, then moved on to mountaineering. After Montessori, became a Jordan Acre’s Whaler, BJHS Huskie, BHS Dragon, then on to UMT Missoula Grizzly. Thomas ultimately selected UMT Missoula for the luring attraction of fly fishing, we learned later years. Through his teens earned honors as a babysitter totally engaging with each adventure or mission. Through his teens, worked at his father’s business Morin’s Auto Parts then onto L.L.Bean flagship store, with his earnings bought the fly rod to accompany him to UMT. During and after college volunteered mountain search and rescue, then onto building straw bale homes in Idaho. After graduation, worked with youths; directing at Lake Arrowhead Ranch, Catalina Island Camp, lead kayak whale watching around the San Juan Islands and was a leader at the Paul Petzoldt camp for at risk youths on Sebago Lake and then to Talmage Solar Market in Arundel. Next on to immerse himself into his Missoula home establishing his own business as a carpenter, Thom Strange Eco Designs. Thomas melded his beliefs and passions with the community volunteering with ongoing environmental functional compassionate projects, also working a job at American Prairie building yurts and at the hands on center for children SpectrUM Discovery Area. Through his travels he made many friends including Holly. They fell in love and chose to spend their lives together. She became a huge loving part of our family.

Thomas leaves behind his life partner of 27 years, Holly Schwind; mother and father Nancy Curtis-Strange and Michael Strange; brother Nathan Strange (Lauren); Nana Colette Romeo; grandfather Mal Strange (Mary Ann); Danny Simonse (Cheryl); sisters, Jess and Molly Simonse; aunt Beck Curtis (Jeff Peters); uncle Thom Curtis (Deb); aunt Sue Cody; great-aunt Middy Thomas; aunt Kath Clemons (Jim), Julie Montrose (Ron), Aimee Schwind, Heidi Martinez (Chris), Gabe Schwind, Jake Monroe, Jason Bell (Karen); dear dear friends, Mason Irish, Casey Lewis and Mary Katherine Rountree and many many more friends and relatives.

Predeceased by his grandpa Hugh Curtis and grandma Gerry Curtis, both whom Thomas revered and loved deeply. Dear friend Don Canham. No doubt connecting with them in the cosmos along with Stephen Hawking whom Thom highly venerated. Thomas was rich in his community working with and aside for the common good. Celebration of life, to be held in both Maine and Montana, at a later date.

“ He came in on a rocket ship. First born of his generation of little light beings. We embraced him, he was our baby too. Sitting on our laps, this sweet little boy earnest in his worldly thoughts that were way beyond his years. As he grew, our conversations evolved. Speculation about life, the universe and why people behave the way they do. And always, the every day working of the Montana life that he loved. As he matured, I felt like I was running along side to keep up. He was a master class. His life was rich beyond measure and we shall miss him sorely” – Aunt Beck

“If I had to label you it would be, ‘The Inquisitor’ as there was no limit to the depth of your curiosity or attention to detail. I’m working hard on the letting go to get a true and loving farewell. I still feel your presence but we’re fast approaching that fork in the road and I recall your always saying, “say hello to anyone who cares” – Uncle Thom

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