Joseph Thomas (Joey) Tochihara

Joseph (Joey) Thomas Tochihara was unexpectedly taken from us on March 19, 2015 following an emergency surgery to repair an aortic dissection. Joe was reunited with his father Jeff and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joe was born in Butte, MT on December 2, 1987 to Jeff and Norie (Quinn) Tochihara. In 1995 the family relocated to Absarokee, MT where Joe attended Absarokee Elementary, graduated from Absarokee High School in 2006, and then earned a Bachelor's degree in Business in 2011 from MSUB. Joe was an avid member of Business Professionals of America where he was awarded 1st place in the Montana Region in 2004, 2005 and 2006, 2nd place in the National Leadership Conference and 1st place in Small Business Management Team. During high school Joe was a member of the Tri County Band. He was exceptionally gifted in music, incredibly intelligent and had an extraordinarily soft and gentle nature. In 2007 Joe started in the mail room at EBMS, advancing to Provider Services Lead. He was admired and respected by his entire team. Those who have welcomed him, along with his Heavenly Father, are his dad, Jeff Tochiohara, (who left us in 2011), grandparents Tom and Mildred Tochihara and grandparents Joe and Irene Quinn and many beloved relatives. Those left behind include his loving mother Norie Tochihara, her dear friend Burt Crawford, aunts and uncles Toni Mular, Cheryl (Mike) Middal, JoAnn (Ed) Staack, Kathy Quinn, Karen (John) Starcevich, Terri Quinn. Cousins Kelly (Adrian) Olmstead, Sam (Eli) Vargas and Kevin (Chelesy) Middal, Brian (Erin) and Bradie Staack, John (Diane) and Lonni Starcevich and TJ (Leah) Forrest. He also has many dear friends and family at Lifeway Church that will miss him beyond words. A memorial service will be held at 11am, Monday, March 23rd at Lifeway Church, 3100 Rimrock Road, Billings. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any school music program of the donor's choice.