Tom Monahan, owner of Tom’s T’s in Sturgis and designer of the official Sturgis logo, passed away yesterday morning at the Rapid City hospital from complications after heart surgery on Thursday. Tom was a both a hero, mentor, father, grandfather, friend and a pillar of the Sturgis community. Successively high school teacher, former co-owner at T&M Photography and the owner of the Sturgis Wine Bar and of Tom’s T’s since 1976, he also created and designed the official Sturgis logo, holding the contract until today.
Tom Monahan was always above the fray when it came to the multiple Sturgis Rally lawsuits and the contention that resulted. He was one of the few Sturgis Rally contributors who committed to the community 100% and who did a great deal to make certain that people in Sturgis benefited from the event. He loved the Rally. As a vendor and store owner for many years on Main Street, he respected the business people that came into the community, helped draw the crowds, resulting in increased sales for locals as well as out-of-towers, boosting sales tax revenue to benefit the people in South Dakota.
We had bloody Marys every morning at his wine bar. Met Tom and he was glad to see the bikers. He will be missed for sure.
Thats ashame man, may he rest in peace
One of the good guys. He had an immense impact on the Rally and always treated visitors and vendors alike with respect. He will be missed.
R.I.P tom was a great man.will be missed by all.he loved them bloddy marys
He will be missed. May you rest in peace Tom.
I’m a fan of Sturgis on & off the TV. Just like to say I’m so sorry to see one of the best on his way to the Angels above. R.I.P. Tom
Well done….R.I.P. Tom..
God Bless and thank you sir.
Thanks for the post Cyril. It is a somber time in the Black Hills. Thanks for keeping Tom’s Family in your prayers this holiday season.
Tom’s Legacy Lives on in Sturgis -This week, billboards and marquees are dedicated to him as well as flags flying at half staff. Tom gave himself to this community and cared for every human who came for a day or stayed for a short while. He was the first to buy a round, smile, share a story and make new friends. He was last to make judgements against others or shoot down an idea. He was the true definition of a leader.
You probably didn’t know him because he was humble and was the last person to ‘toot his own horn’ or care about who knew him for the work he did. But chances are if you’re a fan of the Sturgis rally or visited the Black Hills you wore one of his tshirt designs…or if you were on Sturgis main street and stopped in at the Sturgis Wine Bar your first round was bought by the guy with the gap-toothed grin. Tom’s number one priority was Sturgis and that is how he will be remembered. Today we join his family and thank the Lord for bringing him into our lives. We’ve got 1 more angel looking over us – may he continue to share his direction through others’ work and learn from the legacy that he left behind.
See more about the story of Tom – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Toms-Ts/121989727811511
Well said Stephanie , he will be so missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thanks Tom for keeping it REAL !
R.I.P. Tom you’ll be missed by many and prayers go out to the family.Martin
R.I.P our brother and watch over us in the bikers heavens