Thomas "Tc" Patrick Cunningham

Thomas “TC” Patrick Cunningham passed away unexpectedly in his sleep in the early morning of March 26, 2024, in Kauai, Hawaii, the day after his 64th birthday, during which he was able to spend time golfing, sharing stories and laughs at dinner with loved ones.

Tom was born on March 25, 1960, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the third of Robert and Sarah Cunningham’s four children. Tom graduated from Meridian (Idaho) High School in 1978. Upon graduating, he joined his brother, Bob, in Kemmerer, Wyoming, to work in the coal mine.

Tom’s love for motorsports, especially dirt bikes, led to an immediate bond with a big-hearted mechanic named Archie Birgenheier. Archie took a special interest in Tom, and introduced him to his daughter, Sherri. Tom would eventually and unsuccessfully ask Sherri out several times before she finally agreed to go on a date. After that, the rest is history and the two wed on Nov. 15, 1986.

After a decade in Kemmerer, a career opportunity presented itself when the man who would serve as Tom’s greatest professional mentor, Sam Clark, approached him. Sam saw Tom’s potential to impact countless lives and convinced him to bet on himself and become an agent with Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

In 1987, Tom and Sherri embarked on their new journey to Rock Springs. Mountain West provided Tom with the platform to carry what would become his greatest passion: protecting and serving others. Tom embodied what Mountain West stands for, which is building relationships and protecting livelihoods.

The Rock Springs community epitomized Tom during this chapter of his life: blue collar, proud, caring, quick to help a neighbor when needed, and Rock Springs knew how to have a good time and so did Tom.

Rock Springs is where Tom and Sherri would welcome what he would often call his greatest gift: his three children, Geoffrey (1989), Connor (1991) and Jordan (1995).

In 1997, after much personal and professional success, Tom accepted an Agency Manager position with MW and moved his family to Billings. Billings quickly became home, and Tom took tremendous pride in being a part of the community. He served on countless boards, committees and community groups such as the Parish Council at St. Thomas Church, Rotary Club and led his trade organization NAIFA on a national level.

The job and responsibility Tom took most pride in was being a dedicated husband and father. He cherished his time with his children and loved making memories. He rarely missed any events and would always get involved with their activities in any capacity, whether that be a coach, chauffeur, or host get togethers.

When his busy schedule allowed for it, Tom loved to golf. He was a proud longtime member of Laurel Golf Club. True to form, Tom could not be a part of a community without trying to better it. He served on the board of directors, which included three terms as the club president. As president, he spearheaded the campaign to have the new clubhouse built, which was completed in 2023.

Those who knew Tom knew him for his warm personality, quick wit, smile, sense of humor and contagious laugh. But where he thrived most was in difficult situations. He was the ultimate life coach. Tom always knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Most importantly, he was never shy to step in and be there for those who were going through even the smallest “turbulence,” as he would call it.

In 2015, Tom and Sherri’s next great calling was realized when they welcomed their first of seven grandchildren. He was so proud to be “Papa Tom” and made all his grandchildren feel so special and loved.

In 2022, after “riding for the brand” for 35 years, Tom retired. Sherri and he have spent the last two years doing the things they love the most. Spending time with their loved ones, getting away to their home in Red Lodge, traveling in their motor coach and seeing the world. Earlier this year they went on their dream adventure and traveled to Norway to experience the Northern Lights.

Tom leaves behind an everlasting mark of inspiration and admiration on anyone who was lucky enough to have had the “pleasure to shake his hand.”

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Robert Cunningham; and Sherri’s parents, Rosie and Archie Birgenheier. He is survived by his bride of 37.5 years, Sherri; his children: Geoff and Melissa Cunningham, Connor and Marissa Cunningham, and Jordan and John Knisely; his seven grandchildren; his siblings: Debbie (Ricky) Cunningham, Bob (Julie) Cunningham, and Michael (Michelle) Cunningham; numerous cousins; nephews and nieces; and countless friends.

Our family cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support we have received during this trying time. In lieu of flowers, we are asking that those that feel compelled to give, please donate to the Tom Cunningham Memorial Fund. This account will be used to better the communities and charities that TC cared about most. There is a Tom Cunningham Memorial account at Yellowstone Bank under Sherri Cunningham and a Venmo account @TCMemorial1960.

Last Call: TC’s Final Happy Hour will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at St. Francis School, 2202 Colton Blvd. Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive.