Thomas Edens Cleveland, 73

Thomas Edens Cleveland, formerly of Pierce, died at his Hayden, residence on Jan. 12, 2011. He was born in Prescott, Ariz., Nov. 19, 1937, to Charles Alfred and Kathryn Elizabeth (Edens) Cleveland.

His family relocated to Burke in 1946 where his father worked at the Hecla Star Mine. His mother, along with help from the children, operated the Burke Variety store later moving to Mullan and Wallace.

Tom served his country in the U.S. Army in France 1956-1959 and returned to Wallace where he worked until the summer of 1962. At that time he moved to the Kooskia area and began his career with the U.S. Forest Service. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 1988 following 28 years of service where he worked at Fenn Ranger Station, Nezperce National Forest and the Kamiah District, Pierce, on the Clearwater National Forest. After retirement he did auto body work, a hobby he began in the ‘60s, for Davis Trucking in Pierce.

On Dec. 23, 1962, he and Nicky Elevera Huhta were united in marriage in Coeur d'Alene and shared 48 years together until his passing. To this union a daughter, Jodi Lynn, and a son, Thomas Lee, were born. They lived in North Idaho all of their married life residing in Kooskia, on the Selway River and then Pierce before moving to Hayden in 2004.

His love of the outdoors gave him enjoyment throughout his life with fondest memories being of the Selway. He found great pleasure in his time spent fishing, hunting (rifle, bow and with hounds), boating, archery, trapping, snowmobiling, camping, getting wood and gardening. Our handyman had many talents and especially enjoyed doing his carpentry projects. His home was always abundant in the blessings and joy only children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can give.

Predeceasing Tom in death were his father (1954), mother (1974), half-brother Alfred Charles Cleveland (1990) and sister Mary Alecia Plummer (2007).

Surviving to honor his life are: his wife, Nicky, at the family home; daughter Jodi Lynn Cleveland (Careywood); son Thomas Lee (Stacey Jo) Cleveland (Coeur d'Alene); granddaughters, Nicole Danielle (Mike) Cleveland-Lyons (Clarkston, Wash.); Megan Christine Heitstuman (Dover); Shalynne Kiyl Heitstuman (Careywood); Marissa JoLee Cleveland (Coeur d'Alene) and grandson Brandon Lee Heitstuman (Careywood). Also great-grandsons Blake Nikolai Edens Cleveland (Clarkston); Wyatt Anthony Greenwood (Dover); and Ezra Verlon Thomas Lyons (Clarkston). Other survivors are sister Cordelia (Rose) Rosalie Pfennig (Post Falls); brothers Jack Leonard (Betty) Cleveland (Hauser); Robert James (Karol Lee) Cleveland (Kooskia); half-sister Joy Ann (Dave) Trower (Spokane); and nephew Charles Alfred (Pamela Sue) Crowell (Kamiah) who was raised by Tom's family. A large number of extended family members also survive.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Henry Covelli who cared for Tom since 2004, giving us six more years of precious memories. Also to North Idaho Hospice who provided comfort for Tom and his family in his final days before he was called peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

In honor of Tom's wishes a private family memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Coeur d'Alene.

Memorials may be sent in his name to North Idaho Hospice, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden ID 83835.

Please visit Tom's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.