Thomas Arthur Harney

Thomas A. Harney (Tom) of Bainbridge Island, WA, passed away at age 79 on May 30, 2023.

Tom was born to Robert and Marion Harney on October 21, 1943, in Great Falls, MT. He attended parochial school in Great Falls after which he attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. He enrolled at the University of Montana School of Law (now the Blewett School of Law) in Missoula, MT where he served as a Montana Law Review student editor. Tom earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1969, graduating near the top of his class.

In July 1969, Tom embarked on a career as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He served with distinction at resident agencies in Annapolis and Hyattsville, MD; New York City, NY; Great Falls, MT; Fresno, CA; and Poulsbo and Seattle, WA. Tom worked on criminal, white-collar, and organized crime cases throughout his career. Tom retired from the FBI in 1997 as a Supervisory Special Agent and Chief Division Counsel for the Seattle office.

Upon retirement, Tom stayed active. He worked part-time for the National Park Service teaching criminal law and law enforcement techniques to park rangers around the United States. Tom spent countless hours researching the Harney family genealogy and traced the family heritage to Ireland. He located the Irish cousins and often traveled to Ireland to visit them. Tom’s hobbies included reading, especially history; running marathons; cycling; and even sailing after he purchased a catamaran while living in California. He especially loved gardening; and took immense pride in his yard, landscaping it with various flowers, shrubs, and trees. An avid dog lover, Tom owned five Labrador retrievers over the years: Pete, Mac, Danny, Bridget, and, most recently, Molly. Neighbors would often see Tom walking Bridget and Molly along Mandus Olson Road into the Grand Forest. He loved Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball, the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners; and the University of Montana Grizzlies. Tom was a long-time member of Saint Cecilia’s Parish.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marion Harney. Survivors include his siblings, Patricia Huber of Great Falls, MT; Bob Harney of Lakewood, CO; and Mary Beth Harney of Arlington, VA; nephews Jim Huber of Dillon, MT; Mike Huber of Missoula, MT; nieces Leanne Huber of Great Falls, MT; and Erin Duran of Fair Oak, England; and eight grandnephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held for Tom on August 30 at 11:00 am MDT at O’Connor Funeral Home in Great Falls, MT. Inurnment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, the family asks that individuals donate to the Bainbridge Island Land Trust in Tom’s memory, which can be found at: https://www.bi-landtrust.org/

Requiescat in Pacem, Tom.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.