Thomas Walter Springer, 82

Thomas Walter Springer passed away on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, 2023, one month and one day shy of his 83rd birthday. Tom was born April 18, 1940, to Mark and Laura Springer (Stennick) of Walla Walla, Wash., growing up in Spokane, Wash. At a young age, he developed a love of aviation and could identify nearly every plane in the sky. After graduating from Gonzaga Prep, he joined the U.S. Navy. He arrived at Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda, Calif., where he met the love of his life, Joan Pitts. They were married in Reno, Nev., on Valentine’s Day, 1959. After two years of active duty and four years in the Naval reserve, he returned, with his family, to Spokane to work at Washington Inventory Service. In 1980, he started work at Spokane Falls/Spokane Community College as a purchaser, retiring in 2004. He enjoyed fishing and camping, and after retiring, loved RV’ing with his close friends.

He is survived by his three children, sons Mark Springer (Jackie) of Hayden Lake, Idaho, John Springer of North Ogden, Utah, and daughter Theresa Fotis (Dean) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.; his grandchildren, Nichole Springer of Spokane, Shawn Springer (Ruth) of Salt Lake City, Shannon Hofsommer (Samuel) of Cypress, Texas, and Zachary and Charly Springer of North Ogden, Utah; and his three great-grandchildren, Kai’Leigh Springer and Benjamin and Zoe Hofsommer. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife of 62 years, Joan Springer; brother Joseph Springer; and sisters Helen Stokesberry, Alice Lenoue and Rosemary Springer.

There will be a viewing at 2 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 25, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity, and always remember, where words fail, hugs prevail.

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