Thomas H Clements

Thomas H. Clements, born on August 16, 1953, in Walla Walla, Washington, passed away on April 18, 2026, in Moscow, Idaho at the age of 72. He was an extraordinary artist whose rare ability to capture the subtle nuances of light, air, and even quiet shifts in temperature within the natural world set him apart. Tom’s work was marked by a profound attentiveness and a keen awareness of beauty that often eludes the casual observer.

Tom was gentle in spirit and meticulous in his craft. He exhibited a quiet, conscientious care for all living things, tending thoughtfully to each plant in his home and pausing to notice the delicate presence of a rabbit in the arboretum. This sensitivity permeated every line and layer of his paintings, drawings, and print work. He found joy in places many might overlook and felt deeply the discomfort of spaces lacking harmony—sensations that might go unnoticed by others.

His commentary on life and the human condition was marked by an irreverent yet sagely wit, expressed in a way distinctly his own. Some of the most cherished memories shared with him revolve around kernels of wisdom spoken at the dinner table, often diverting into absurdist humor—moments filled with warmth and camaraderie. It was here he often returned to one of his truest teachings: never to take anything too seriously.

Tom held a great love of cinema and introduced many to films they may otherwise have never discovered. He appreciated movies not only for their messages or artistry but sometimes simply for their entertainment value, recognizing that sometimes a film’s purpose is just to be fun.

Tom’s friends and family offered heartfelt reflections that illuminate his character. He was described as “an interesting person with hidden talents, musically the most talented of all us siblings, with a dry sense of humor reminiscent of Sean Connery as James Bond.” ; “a classic—a throwback to days when things were done right and with tremendous pride,” ; “he was one of a kind, both funny and talented, with a truly unique way of seeing the world, expressed through both his art and his life,” ; and most importantly, “Tom offered us a lesson in what beauty can mean in our lives: not just something to admire, but something to notice, protect, and feel.”

Tom's artistic legacy and the depth of his personal relationships are a testament to a life lived with sincerity, creativity, and care. He leaves behind a world made more beautiful by his presence and his art, and all who knew him carry forward the lessons he imparted through his vision and kindness.

He is survived by Kayoko Nadamoto - his partner of 15 years, his siblings Barb Stutz and Dan Clements, and his many friends he made along his journey through life.