Thomas Gene Henderson, 79

Thomas Gene Henderson, 79, passed away at his home on Monday, April 4, 2016, in Sagle, Idaho.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Thomas was born on March 18, 1937, in Seattle, Wash., to Gene and Florence Henderson. After attending school in the Seattle area, Tom joined the Unitedt States Coast Guard and graduated from basic training in Alameda, Calif.

He served on the Coast Guard cutters Ivy, Tupelo, Iris, Balsam, Ironwood, Storis, Yocona and the Icebreaker Northwind. He also served at the Cape Hinchinbrook lighthouse Alaska and Adak Naval Base in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Tom was awarded the “Gold” Coast Guard Cutterman Insignia and the Coast Guard Achieve-ment Medal. He finished his service while living in Astoria, Ore., where he retired in 1978 after 24 years of service as chief engineer with the rank of chief warrant officer 4.

While in the military, Tom met his wife of 42 years, Irene Heath, and they were married on Aug. 16, 1973, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Tom and Irene moved to the Sandpoint area in 1985 to spend their retirement years, he fell in love with the area where Irene was born and raised.

After retiring from the Coast Guard, Tom worked on tug boats in the Merchant Marines for Foss Maritime Co. and Sause Bros., he also worked for Louisiana Pacific Lumber Co. in Chilco, Idaho, as a diesel mechanic.

Tom enjoyed playing guitar, he played in country and western bands while in the military and continued his love of music throughout his retirement.

Tom attended the New Song Bible Church in Sagle, Idaho, as well as the Baptist Church in Newport, Wash.

He is survived by his wife, Irene of Sagle; a daughter, Cathleen Bishop (Randy) of North Bend, Ore.; and three grandchildren, Lindsay, Michael and Shelby.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit Tom's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.