Thomas Reed

In loving memory of Thomas Edgar Reed 1937-2025 Thomas Edgar Reed, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, was working on his property, when he inadvertently tipped his four-wheeler over, resulting in injuries that required him to be transported to St. Alphonsus hospital in Boise, where he passed away several days later on May 5th, surrounded by family. A graveside service for Tom will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Tahoe Cemetery in Kooskia, Idaho with Nick Schlader officiating.

Born in Mount Idaho, in 1937 to Mary and Thomas Reed, Tom lived a life defined by love, laughter, adventure and service. He was the proud brother of Larry, Phil, Stella and Phyllis. Tom's early years were spent in the rugged beauty of Idaho, where he attended the Big Cedar Schoolhouse and later graduated from Kooskia High School.

As a boy, he thrived on boxing, baseball, football and playing music in the family band. These simple joys set the tone for a lifetime filled with connection, storytelling, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Together with his brothers, Tom worked for the Forest Service, taking on daring tasks like resupplying lookout trails and helping to build and rebuild the famed Highway 12 - a legacy of grit and determination.

In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart Betty, and together they raised three daughters; Tammy, Cindy, and Trudy. In the 90's, after the loss of their parents, Derry (Laura) and Rod (Tami) Shaul became a very special part of our family. Tom was a devoted father and grandfather who passed on his passion for hunting, fishing, camping, and being in nature. Teaching his children and grandchildren to be self-sufficient and to love the wilderness was his proudest gift.

After a logging accident, Tom attended barber school and went on to cut hair in Lewiston and Orofino, eventually opening his own shops in Nezperce and Kooskia. In Nezperce, he poured his heart into the community, serving in the Jaycee's, the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He served on the ambulance crew and as a volunteer firefighter. He also drove the school bus, worked at Jacklin Seed, and at the Cash & Carry grocery store - Tom never let a day go by without making himself useful.

Despite all his bravery, he used to say nothing scared him more than living with six women and a female dog: Aina Haram Engeset, Kelly Mader Williams, Tammy, Cindy, Trudy, and Betty. But he handled it with the humor only Tom could bring. He was the king of one-liners, funny hats and even funnier shirts. Nobody could tell a joke like Tom.

In 1980, construction began on the cherished family cabin in Kooskia - a dream he brought to life on land that once belonged to his mother, originally a homestead from Tom's Grandpa, Benjamin Franklin Reed. That cabin became a sanctuary where Holidays, gardening, laughter, and memories flourished. In retirement, it became the home he always dreamed of, alongside Betty.

Tom found deep joy in music, playing the guitar, mandolin, bass, and fiddle where he played regionally with Phil and Larry "The Reed Brothers" in the Clearwater dances and many other area events. This passion of music has been passed on through several generations. Whether he was picking tunes in Los Algodones, Mexico or strumming at the family cabin, his music brought people together.

He and Betty began snowbirding to Parker, Arizona, twenty-four years ago, where they found a second family of friends and community.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of encouragement, humor, resilience, and unconditional love. He is survived by his Wife, 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren - All of whom carry a piece of his spirit with them.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Tom's doctors at Syringa in Grangeville, Air St. Luke's Transport and St. Alphonsus in Boise for their compassionate care.

Tom was the kind of man who left a mark everywhere he went - with a story, a tune, a joke, or a helping hand. His memory will forever echo in the canyons he explored, the laughter around the cabin, and the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tahoe QRU (Quick Response Unit), 786 Leitch Creek Road, Kooskia, ID 83539, or Ridge Runner Fire Department, PO Box 262, Kooskia, ID 83539