Richard 'Dick' Thom, 89

Richard “Dick” Thom came screaming into the world at his parents’ home Oct. 13, 1926, in the Coeur d’Alene area delivered by a midwife.

From an early age, family and friends recognized his wit, strong moods and incisive versatile mind. As a teen he participated strongly in sports. He was captain of the Coeur d’Alene Vikings boxing team and was undefeated in the junior welter weight division. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944, his senior year, he went on to represent the state of Idaho during Army competitions. While serving our country he received the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Japan).

Following his honorable discharge, he married Connie Martin in September 1949. Supporting his family of three daughters, Vikki, Cathie and Linda, Dick worked several jobs, breaking horses at the Ulrich Ranch, milkman, bowling pin setter, before finding his passion building roads all over the Pacific Northwest mountains. This filled his life with hunting, fishing and especially prospecting. During the winter months at the Post Falls Lumber Co. mill, he operated the Tug Boat, worked on the skidder, maintained equipment, plowed snow — he even scuba dived to fix underwater equipment.

Dick and his “girls” enjoyed roller skating, bowling, skiing, camping, snowmobile riding, motorcycles and boating. His wife, Connie, died in October 1985. Dick retired at 62 in 1988 becoming passionate in musical ventures: the accordion, the keyboard and the love for dancing anything “Lawrence Welk.” Dick was very active in the various senior centers and Eagles Lodge. He loved hiking the hills on a daily basis, keeping fit. His home looked like a drug store with every vitamin and health food supplement that came on the market.

Dick’s grandchildren were a big part of his life. They enjoyed many outings and adventures together. After being “run over” on the Centennial Trail by three bicyclists, Dick suffered a stroke and moved to his daughter Vikki’s home in Spokane. He continued his music and outings with family and friends. Dick was privileged to be selected for a trip to the Washington, D.C., area with the Honor Guard program in 2014. Physically fragile in 2016, he entered the V.A. Hospice in Spokane. The doctors and nurses at the Spokane facility were so kind and respectful, offering love and attention for a truly beautiful transition from this world.

He was preceded in death by parents, Walter and Doris Thom; siblings Arlene and Floyd; wife Connie; son Wayne; daughter Jackline, who died in infancy; and grandsons Sean and Dustin. He is survived by daughters, Vikki Johnson, Cathie Davis and Linda McQueen; grandchildren Jeffrey Johnson and Crystal Royer; and great-grandson Ezra Royer.

A visitation/viewing will be held from 3-5 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with a funeral service to be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. A graveside will follow the funeral service at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. Please visit Dick’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.