Tom Richards

Thomas Martin Richards, 57, died at his home on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Tom was born August 8, 1957 in Hailey, Idaho to Art and Theresa Richards. The third of eight children, Tom and his siblings grew-up hiking and skiing the mountains of the Wood River Valley. Tom was involved with the Boy Scouts from an early age and earned the Eagle Scout award. After graduating from high school in 1975, Tom moved to Moscow where he studied Forest Management at the University of Idaho. There he met future wife Tracy. After graduation in 1980, he worked as a logger since jobs were scarce in the Forrest Service (his dream job). He was injured in a logging accident, which lead him back to school to study Secondary Education, with the goal of teaching Math and Biological Sciences. However, in 1984 his love of the woods led him back to forestry and he helped found Northwest Management Inc. He was proud of the company he helped grow over the past 30 years. Tom married Tracy and together they raised their children, Kristen and Conor, in Moscow. Tom strived to impart his love of the outdoors with his children (and nieces and nephews) through forced marches, camping, skiing and canoe trips. Tom was a regular presence at the pool when Kristen and Conor were members of the Moscow Swim Team. He was also very involved with Conor's Boy Scout Troop 326, and loved spending time in the wilderness with his Yetis'. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Theresa Richards, and by Gracie. He is survived by wife Tracy, daughter Kristen (Chris) and son Conor. Sisters; Sarah (Ken) and Lizz. Brothers; John (Jennifer) , Joe (Sue), Paul (Lori), Steve (Cathy) and Pete(Sandy.) In-laws Pedro and Betty Echanove, Joe (Allison), Mike (Paula), Mary (Beau), Thom, Lynn, Lee. Nieces and Nephews; Ian (Robin), Abby (Josh), Anastasia (Travis), Conrad, Alex, Meghan, Genevieve, Hailey, Hannah, Andrew, Bradley, Kendall, Austin, Jackson, Alsyssa, Kaylin (Nick), Sam, Travis (Stacie), Lucas, Claire, Pearl and Lydia. Great-nephews and great-niece; Max, Levi, Evelyn and Peter. The family asks that any memorial donations be made to Boy Scout Camp Grizzly (Inland NW Council, Boy Scouts of America) or Rotarun Ski Area in Hailey, Idaho (http://rotarunskiarea.org/donate/). A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Moscow. A reception will follow at St. Mary's Family Center afterward. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.