Thomas Rex Walker, 80
T R Walker
Thomas Rex Walker, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family's love on January 5, 2016, in Hayden, Idaho. Tom was born on October 17, 1935 in Clearwater, Minnesota to Ralph and Hazelle Walker.
He joined the United States Navy in 1956 serving in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze until 1960. Tom married Linda (Sorenson) Walker on November 22, 1961, in Duluth, Minnesota. He started his career in the electronics industry in Duluth. Later he went on to manage manufacturing plants overseas in Hong Kong and Portugal. Tom and his family then moved to San Diego, California where they owned and operated Luigi's Italian Restaurant and a plastic injecting molding business. Tom moved his family to Hayden, Idaho, in 1981, and continued working as a manufacturing consultant.
Tom was an avid golfer. Many would see his face daily at the Coeur d' Alene Public Golf Course. During his years on the golf course he achieved five holes in one and an albatross. Tom enjoyed his early morning tee times with his golfing group. He also enjoyed spending his time traveling, playing cards, family BBQs, reading mystery novels, working crossword puzzles and never missed a Zags game.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda of Hayden, ID; daughters Lisa (David) Chitwood of Greenacres, WA; Christine (David) Norton of Hayden, ID; Stacie (Rob) Lechot of Coeur d Alene, ID; grandchildren Jessica (Brett) Trumbich; Stephanie (Cole) Sampson; Sydney Norton; Madison Chitwood; Robb, Logan, and Lexie Lechot; great grandsons Jaeson and Carter.; brothers George (Nina) Walker, Dean (Jean) Walker, Duane (Joann) Walker; sister Iona (Kenny) Erickson; brother-in- law Jim (Peggy) Sorenson; sister-in-law Sondra (Dick) Brahler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Hazelle Walker; parents-in-law, Kenneth and Adahlia Sorenson; brother-in-law Sid Sorenson; and nephew Michael Sorenson.
At Tom's request, no service will be held. A celebration of life will take place this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Hospice House at 9493 N Government Way, Hayden, Idaho, 83835. Tom's family would like to extend a special thanks to the Hospice House for giving him comfort, peace, and loving care.
Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Tom's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
May all your drives find fairways and may they travel far. May your irons find a place to land that helps you make your par. You will be greatly missed. We will see you again...