Thomas Edward Austin, 81

Born in Hermosa Beach, Calif., on April 12, 1937, Thomas Edward Austin passed away peacefully June 21, 2018, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 81.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Betty Joyce Austin of Hope, Idaho.

Over the course of his life, Tom was a roofer, an oil refinery worker and was particularly well known by residents of the Hope and Clark Fork area as a plumber, practicing this trade and helping numerous families after moving to Hope in 1991.

He enjoyed boating and fishing on his pontoon boat, NASCAR races and supporting local activities, including the Sandpoint Follies, the Hope Octoberfest and Sunday musical events at Beyond Hope Resort.

Tom and Betty especially enjoyed countryside rides on their trike and fondly remembered being forced to turn back only once when on a hot August day they encountered a pestilence-sized swarm of grasshoppers while riding on River Road toward Toby’s in Montana.

He and Betty also took great pleasure in their nightly feeding of their “pride” of raccoons, with an occasional black bear included.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by daughter, Trudi Breazeal; son, Walter Austin; and daughter, Gail Pedro. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

May God bless you, Tom (aka Tommy). Until we meet again …