Thomas H. Paschane, 68

Thomas H. Paschane, a 45-year resident of Northern California and, most recently, a 20-year resident of Hayden, Idaho, left this world to be with his Heavenly Father at the age of 68 on Thursday. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, July 4, 2024 — a day of fireworks and explosions fit to send off the larger-than-life man. He left this world too soon, but doing what he loved: appreciating the beauty of nature and spending time outside.

Thomas loved the outdoors and could always be found on a tractor, riding a mower, quad, or with a shovel in hand. Feeding the doves birdseed each morning and leaving nuts out for squirrels were part of his morning coffee routine. Tom’s greatest passions included working the land, building a thriving business, and most of all, his family.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Lisa; sons: Henry (Rachel) Paschane, William Paschane and Jesse Paschane; daughters, Jacqueline (Ben) Spada and Katherine (Michael) Gardiner; grandchildren: Grace Gardiner, Matthew Gardiner, Emerald Paschane, Elizabeth Spada, Jazlyn Paschane, Isabella Spada, Alexandra Spada and Abigail Spada; and his four-legged kids: Scooby, Aspen and Shasta.

Tom grew up in Sacramento, Calif., and worked in the family business with his father at Sacramento Sewing & Vacuum Center. Over the next two decades, Tom grew the family business into Paschane’s Sewing & Vacuum Centers, which he operated until his move to Idaho.

Once in Coeur d'Alene, Tom quickly jumped into the next adventure of real estate, where he won many accolades, including Realtor of the Year and top performer. Later, he ventured into the fuel and service business, where he met his best friend, Lisa Paschane (Barker). On Aug. 17, 2019, Tom married the love of his life, Lisa, in a private celebration at their beautiful Hayden home.

Over the next few years, Tom continued his love for customer service, opening many other businesses, most recently Family Automotive Sales and Service. On opening day, he wrote this letter:

“Greetings Everyone: Having been here in Northern Idaho for almost 20 years now, I can say what a great place it is to live. With all my working years (50 now) spent serving the public in retail, service and repair, real estate, lube & oil, life has truly been an adventure. One of my life’s dreams was to open an automotive business with my two sons, working side by side together for all the years to come, building valuable service for the community. Today, that dream has been fulfilled. Working in the automotive business is one of the most enjoyable things to be a part of. Having a master mechanic and enthusiasts on the team will allow me to eventually coast into retirement. I look forward to the future, working with both of my sons here at Family Automotive and serving the community. With love, Thomas Paschane.”

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a reception immediately following at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). Please visit Tom’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.