Thomas Raymond, 58

Thomas (Tom) Raymond died peacefully at home on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 2. He was 58 years old.

Tom was a survivor of childhood cancer. But he endured for the rest of his life the lingering effects of a brain tumor after it had been removed, and probably also the long-term effects of radiation treatments. His complicated health history shortened his life.

Tom graduated from the North Idaho College Vocational-Technical program and worked for several years assembling computers, which were one of his lifelong interests. He also greatly enjoyed recreational shooting and finely crafted firearms.

Tom was a very spiritual person. At one stage in his life, he seriously considered entering a monastery. He ended up working for St. Thomas Parish as director of maintenance for the church, rectory and school. He also served there as an usher and sacristan. One of his nurses during his last hospital stay remembered him from St. Thomas when she was growing up. She described him as “kind.”

Tom was born on April Fools' Day. He was the youngest of three sons and the most rambunctious. His parents nicknamed him early on as Tom the Bomb. He maintained something of this rambunctiousness right up until the end in the hospital.

Thanks to many health care professionals who gave Tom special attention during the last month of his life, including his primary doctor and people from both Kootenai Health and Hospice of North Idaho. Nurses certainly to thank by name are Angel, Andy, Calli, Nicole, Samara, Stephen, Cy, Cole, Liz and April. Also thanks to Stephanie and Sue, who helped sit with Tom during his final three days in hospice care.

Tom is survived by brothers Richard and Michael, nieces Holly Raymond and Keanie Raymond Bedwell (Austin Bedwell), and grandniece Charlie Joanne Bedwell. He will be buried with his parents in St. Thomas Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 16. at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St. Coeur d'Alene. Burial to follow at St. Thomas Cemetery. Please go to Tom's online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.