Laroy Robert Tollbom, 82

Laroy “Roy” Tollbom passed away May 23, 2019, in Richland, Washington, after several years of battling age and its associated debilitating afflictions.

Laroy was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, and was the second oldest of four siblings born to Stewart and Ruth Tollbom. Laroy was the sole survivor of the four children when in 1948, a house fire claimed the lives of Robert, 12, Arlene, 6, and Arletta, 2. The remaining family moved to Yakima, Washington, for a year to recover.

Upon their return to Sandpoint, they found that the good neighbors of town had generously built them a new home to help replace at least something of what the family had lost. Bravely starting over, two more children, Ward and Daralyn, were added to the family.

Laroy graduated from Sandpoint Sr. High in 1955 and went on to get a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Idaho. He started his career in Pittsburg, later working at the Arco site out of Idaho Falls. It was there he met his wife, Freda Weeks of Swan Valley, and started their own family. They eventually moved to Richland, where he finished out the bulk of his career in various capacities at the Hanford site.

In his retirement, he travelled a little but devoted much of his time to serving others with his gifts and capacity as a helper and handyman. This involved anything from the smallest repairs to helping to renovate and rebuild a school. He was always looking for ways to help others. Laroy was a steadfast and stalwart believer in Jesus and his faith and service to God always came first in his life. Laroy and Freda often made trips to the facility in Connell, Washington, to minister to the prisoners there.

Laroy is survived by his three children, Stewart Cullen Tollbom of Richland, Bruce (Heather) Tollbom of Beaverton, Oregon, and Trenna Johnston of Burbank, Washington; his brother, Ward of Sandpoint; and sister, Daralyn of Lewiston. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Sarah, Stephen, Nathaniel, Daniel, Camille and Stephanie.

A memorial service will be held on June 8, 11 a.m.-noon at First Family Baptist Church in Richland (reception following). Viewing, at Einan’s in Richland, will be at 9-10 a.m. with graveside services from 10-10:30 a.m.