Thomas L. Cords, 82

Thomas (Tom) L. Cords, 82, passed peacefully Feb. 1, 2024, at the Aurora, Ore., home of his loving son and daughter-in-law.

Born in Priest River, Idaho, on Sept. 14, 1941, to Richard and Idorah (Meek) Cords, he attended grade school in Priest River. The Cords family then relocated to Seattle where Tom graduated from Highline High School. 

He joined the Marine Corps and served his country from 1960 to 1964. Following his honorable discharge from the corps, Tom returned to Seattle where the man with a heart of gold met the love of his life, Donna, and her four children, Sandra, Donald, Tony and Tamera. After Donna’s many unsuccessful attempts to convince Tom to run from the trials and tribulations of an instant family Tom and Donna were married on July 10, 1965. 

Known for his great smile, Tom was also a hard-working man. He dove into family life and went to work for Boeing where he was employed for several years. When Boeing almost turned the lights out in Seattle, Tom scrambled to find work, landing at Sears and Robuck. Answering an entrepreneurial call, Tom and Donna packed up and moved to Eastern Washington, where they operated a glass business for a few years before selling and returning to the kite factory, Boeing, where he worked until he retired. 

Through his years living in Seattle, Tom yearned to return to his roots in Idaho. His dream finally blossomed when he and Donna purchased a breathtaking riverside lot on the banks of the Pend Oreille River near his hometown of Priest River.

Working swing shift at Boeing during the week and traveling every weekend to Priest River, Tom and Donna, with the help of many of his relatives, began building their retirement home. Their hard work paid off, enabling them to move to Priest River upon his retirement. Tom loved the outdoors and took advantage of the hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational opportunities. They lived in and shared their Idaho paradise with friends and family until their passings. 

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; brother Dick; and sister Gloria. He is survived by his children, Sandra Lockwood of Sandpoint, Idaho, Donald Lockwood of Louisville, Ky., Tony Lockwood (wife Stephanie) of Aurora, Ore., and Tamera Comyn (husband Tim) of Mattawa, Wash. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Bryce Wilson (wife Angelina), Amber (Wilson) Brown (husband Jeff), Michael Lockwood (wife Erica), Travis Lockwood, Brandon Charron, and Travis Charron; and four great-grandchildren Brennan, Brayden, Elle and Cole; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our gratitude to family, friends, and neighbors for all your assistance and support through this difficult time. Our hearts were comforted knowing Tom was surrounded by your love, support, and prayers as he lived his dream life to its end.

A celebration of his life will take place in Priest River at date to be determined.