Harold E. Thomas, 82

Lifelong Coeur d’Alene resident, Harold E. Thomas, 82, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2014.

Harold served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, and spent most of his service at Camp Grohn, in Bremen, Germany. In 1954 Harold transferred to the Army Reserves, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in 1960. Harold learned his trade under the tutelage of Ken Evjen, the Ken of 'Ken’s Electric.' Harold purchased Ken’s Electric from Ken upon Ken’s retirement in 1964. Harold owned and operated the successful electrical contracting business until his own retirement in 2006. He plied his trade to many buildings and businesses from Moscow to the Canadian border.

Harold’s passions in life included running his business, gambling, hunting, gambling, camping, gambling, fishing, gambling, cruising, gambling, a connoisseur of crustaceans, and ok, did we mention he liked gambling? All you had to say to Harold was, “Do you want to go ..., ” and he had his hat and coat on, was out the door and in the car before you could finish your sentence. So God must have said, “Harold, do you want to go?”

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Janet E. (Dahl) Thomas. He is survived by his six children: Shirley Walton, Barbara Calhau, Terry Thomas, Donald Thomas, Susan Whitesitt, and Valerie Nelson; 17 grandchildren, and (too many to count) great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Harold’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com