Thomas Leo Jaskolski was born on December 13, 1935. Tiger, is the name everyone knows him by. He grew up in Hayward, Wisconsin the son of Leo and Johanna "Jenny" Jaskolski. He was the middle child of five children. As a young child, he loved tearing things apart and putting them back together, even grandma's brand-new toaster. I was told, he might have been a little bit of a hellion. As a young man in the late 1950's he was in the Illinois National Guard and transferred to the Peace Corps. This was the beginning of his love for heavy equipment.

After his service he made his way to California while working for a trucking company. He met his wife to be, Melba in 1963. They got married on February 8, 1964.

The family started when Julie was born, then 13 months later Tom arrived. In 1970, they had twins, Robert and Mike. Tiger's love for hunting led him to meet an outfitting couple from Wyoming, Barb and Terry Pollard.

In 1974, he moved the family to a 3-acre ranch in San Jose. He had a trucking company, Milbrae Transfer, still worked for Matson Ship lines, and had all the farm animals. He continued his hunting trips to Wyoming and after falling in love with Pinedale, they moved to Wyoming in 1979.

He was a good man. Firm but fair. I could tell you how he got the name, Tiger, but that would be for him to tell. Many long-time friends know. Oh, how mom wanted him to shave that damn beard. But I can't imagine him without it.

After getting a fresh start in Wyoming and buying an Auto Parts store, Dad used his mechanical ability and knowledge to diversify his store and began selling and repairing agricultural implements. This made the store equitable. Work was always number one in Dad's eyes. Dad became deeply involved in the community and was active in many different organizations. The Lions Club, Pinedale Snow Explorer's, American Legion, NRA, Sour Doughs, Elk Foundation, and he was a huge supporter of 4-H and the FFA programs. Haying was his passion which nobody could deny and keeping him out of the hay field! We were blessed to have a father like Tiger.

In 2011 Dad finally let go of the store and spent all of his time working his passion, rebuilding tractors and tractor repair. During the summer he continued his customized hay business. I remember hearing that old John Deere on Bob Harrower's fields echoing through the dark from my house across town.

This same year the great grandbabies started to come. Oh, how he adored them.

In 2015, after 54 years of marriage, we lost mom. This was the first time that dad realized mortality applied to everyone, because he lived life like there was no tomorrow. Everything had to be completed today, even if that means you work until 3 am.

Towards the end, Judy and Rob worked alongside him and allowed him to continue at the shop, even when his body was starting to fail him. He was content. When this winter weather became so harsh this year, he had to stay home. The idle time made him miss my mother more than ever before. He wanted to be remembered as a hard-working family man.

He died March 1, 2023 quickly and unexpectedly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Lou Clark, Florence Tripp (Myron), and Julianne Stasik (Richard); brother, Leo John Jaskolski (Ruth), brother-in-law, Thomas Clark, and nephew, Bob Hogstead. He is survived by his children Julie Belton (Randy), Thomas Jaskolski, Robert Jaskolski, & Michael Jaskolski (Laurie); 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way.

Tiger's funeral will be held on March 12, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Pinedale. Followed by dinner at Rendezvous Pointe Senior Center starting at 4:30PM. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Tiger's passions: Rendezvous Pointe, Pinedale Lions Club, and Green River Cattleman's Association. There will be a celebration of life on July 7, 2023.