John Tooke

John Richard Tooke born June 25th, 1950 to parents Mary (Mariana) and Frank Tooke, passed away December 3rd, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Growing up, John excelled in both wrestling and football. After graduating from CCDHS in 1968, John attended St. John's University on a wrestling scholarship. After wrestling for the Johnnies he attended and graduated from the University of Montana. In 1972, John married Catherine Carr and moved to Cleveland Ohio where he was an accountant for Standard Oil. John and Cathy welcomed their first son Johnny to the family before moving back to Miles City and later welcoming sons Robert and Kevin. John truly enjoyed his "day job" as he called it, practicing as a CPA and serving his clients in eastern Montana over the last 44 years. His relationships with his clients were very special to him.

John also had his "hobby" and opened the Golden Spur with his friend and business partner Gary Mathews. He was not content with just being a bar owner and served multiple terms as president of the Gaming Industry Association and also served on the Montana Gaming Advisory Council. John also served on the advisory board to the Bureau of Business and Economic research at the University of Montana. He had a love for politics on both sides of the aisle. John was an avid golfer and had the proud accomplishment of two holes in one. John also had a great passion for horse racing both as a horse owner and a fan. John enjoyed going to different tracks around the country especially his favorite track Saratoga. John was also a long time MOA official reffing both wrestling and football for many years. One of his favorite past times was discussing calls that were both right or wrong with his fellow reffing buddies. John could always be found in the end zone watching his sons football games. He was really looking forward to watching his son John coach in the state title game this year, but his health prevented him from being there in person. John will be greatly missed by his boys and their families.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce and his nephew John David Friend. He is survived by his sons John (Amy), Robert (Brittani), Kevin (Jen) and his grandchildren Greta, Zoe, AJ, Jack, Roan, and Remi. He is further survived by his twin brother Frank as well as his nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held December 7th at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will be held in the family lot of the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Scholarship Fund, John Friend Scholarship Fund or Wake Up and Lace Up.