Thomas Alan Fears, 53

Thomas Alan Fears, 53, was swept away by angels at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009.

Born on March 4, 1955, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Norma Frances Fears. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughters, Allison and Hannah Fears; stepson, Brent Schimek, and daughter-in-law, Jasmine Schimek; and father, Lynn Fears, and stepmother, Pat Fears.

A graduate of Capuchino High School in California, Tom started working as an apprentice plumber and was soon hired by the city of San Francisco. He retired as a supervisor in the Water Department's gate room in June 2005 to beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, where he pursued his passions of music and film. Tom was on the board of directors of Sandpoint Films and participated in the making of a number of local movies, including "The Pick Up,"  "Sole Food," "Return to Sender," and "In The Rough" (his first director of photography role.)

Tom's love of music could be heard for miles as he cranked up his Bose system in our backyard for many celebrations (and sometimes just for fun - sorry, neighbors). He was an extraordinary percussionist and, in addition to various recording studio projects, he was a member of a number of great bands. In San Francisco, he played with The Freeze, Wishbone Tug, Leafhog and the Dan Greenleaf Project. In Sandpoint, he was a member of Bone Orchard and Lost Marbles, and had the privilege to play on occasion with a number of talented musicians, including John Kelley when they opened for the Delgado Brothers at the Panida Theater.

In his spare time, Tom loved to ski Schweitzer with good friends and entertain family and friends on his boat - giving his version of guided tours on Lake Pend Oreille. He was constantly in awe of Sandpoint's sunsets and the beauty of the mountains surrounding us.

Tom's sense of humor, commitment to the community, willingness to help and his zest for living every day to its fullest will be remembered by all. He truly slid into heaven sideways saying, "Wow, what a ride!"

A funeral service will be held at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 West Pine St. in Sandpoint at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, followed by a bonfire at his home at 186 NE Kootenai Bay Road. Additionally, on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at noon, Tom's idea of an "Irish wake" will be held at Stage Right Cellars, 302 North First Avenue. All friends are invited to bring their instruments (and stories) for a joyful musical celebration of Tom's life.

Lakeview Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Please visit Tom's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guestbook.