Thomas Charles Hopman

There are no words that can adequately describe the man I spent 40 years of my life with. We met and married later in life. I was divorced with 2 children, he was single. Tom had already spent time overseas in Pakistan at an Air Force Base in Peshawar where he had top security clearance. When he was sent back state side he went to Fairchild Air Force base near Spokane, this is when he fell in love with the pacific northwest. His dream was to move here and we did in 1986/ With my son in tow we picked up stakes in Illinois and made our home in Idaho. Tom was a parts person at a dealership in Illinois and found a job during the years at several dealerships in the area. He was always a great provider. He worked hard and was in excellent physical shape. Something he was proud of and never missed a chance to challenge a younger coworker to one handed push-ups, sit ups or chin-ups. He routinely lifted weights and it showed. Tom loved the quiet and solitude of the forest. Every year he cut firewood for our winter heat. That was some of his happiest times when he was with nature. Tom was a true artist. He learned calligraphy from a master in Chicago Illinois, that's why his handwriting was exquisite. He was also someone who could draw, his preference was airplanes. The detail is stunning. Tom also loved to write and kept a monthly journal of our lives and of family. Tom's biggest desire was to preserve history. His restored 57' Chevy and his pre World War 2 American flyer train display were his pride and joy. He loved country western music (old stuff) and his juke box full of 45RPMs and last but not least he loved his cars. They filled his life with joy. Tom had lots of family in his life. A brother-in-law, Bill and his wife Patti in Illinois, a cousin in Moscow Idaho and a brother in Arizona. But it was our Idaho family that filled his life. Don how was as close as a son he ever had. Six grandkids and 5 great grandkids, Don's partner Chas and three grandsons-in-law. Jessica, her husband Shayne and Dominic spent lots of time with grandpa and they were his pride and joy. Every visit. every picture he saw would make him smile. I could not have had a better partner in life. He made me feel safe, protected, loved and always made me feel like I could do anything. He will be remembered for his kindness, gentle personality and his intelligence. Let's not forget "the thought of the day". Our family is going to hold a celebration of life well lived in the summer where we will scatter his ashes in the forest he loved. All are invited, we will keep people informed. I love you Tom. Till we meet again.