Thomas Briggs, 72
Thomas Everett Briggs, 73, of Oldtown, Idaho, passed away April 12, 2025.
Thomas, known to his., to Thomas H. Briggs and Glenda (Robertson) Briggs. His parents homesteaded off Blue Bird Lane on 40 acres since 1967, and he was a survivor of the winter of 1968-1969 (if you know, you know). He attended grade school in Colorado and later attended and graduated from Sandpoint High School in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Born with a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors, Tom found joy in the simple pleasures — Jeeping through the mountains, camping under the stars, and spending quiet days on his beloved property in the woods. His bonfires were legendary, always a place of warmth, laughter, wonderful stories, and shared memories.
He enjoyed spending time with his best friend since childhood, Stan Syth, and they both loved taking their families on many camping trips together throughout the years; a friendship that stood the test of time. More than anything, Tom enjoyed being a father and grandfather. His grandchildren brought him endless pride and joy.
Throughout his life, Tom worked hard to provide for his family. From 1974-1986, he worked for Ron McDonald Logging in Priest Lake. During the spring breakup, he would go on the sheep shearing crews down south in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado; a third-generation sheep shearer, of which he was very proud. He enjoyed muscling ewes and rams and although not a bragging man, liked to share about his days shearing more than a hundred head of sheep a day, although according to Tom, Americans were never as good at it as the Australians.
He loved logging and would often reminisce of the old days camping over the Canadian border at Boundary Lake, riding motorcycles from wherever they camped whether it was Camp 9, Indian Creek, or Lion Head. He operated all sorts of equipment from horses with his dad and an old 1010 cat to the more sophisticated 440 John Deer skidders to his favorite 518 cat skidders. He retired from the Bonner County road crew in 2017 after 30 years of dedication and hard work where his skills earned him the nickname “The Grader Guy.”
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas H. and Glenda Briggs, as well as his former wife, Tina Broncheau. He is survived by his sister, Cathie (Les) Garlinghouse, and their two sons Scooter and Cody, all of Olathe, Colo.; his former wife, Regina Briggs of Post Falls, Idaho; his son, Tommy (Andrea Klutz) Briggs, Priest River, Idaho; his son Randy (Beth) Howell, Williston, N.D.; his daughter Jennifer Conner, Rathdrum, Idaho; and six wonderful grandchildren, Ayla, Anarah, and Everett Briggs and Emma, Torin, and Kaven Conner.
Tom will be remembered for his rugged spirit, love of the land, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and the memories shared around countless campfires. His love and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 2-5 p.m. at the Priest River Senior Center, 336 East Jackson Ave. Priest River. Sherman Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at shermancampbell.com.