T.J. “Tim” Brophy, 76

Former Bonners Ferry resident T.J. “Tim” Brophy, 76, passed away quietly on Saturday, July 11, 2009, in his Hayden home surrounded by his wife and children.

Tim was born on Sept. 13, 1932, in Conrad, Mont., to Leo and Antonette Sullivan Brophy.

Tim grew up on the family farm in Valier, Mont., where he attended Stone School and graduated from Valier High School in 1951.

Following graduation, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean Conflict on the USS Essex. His last station was Kodiak, Alaska, where he flew air patrol.

Tim flew an airplane to Seattle for repair and met the love of his life, Helen McGowan. Three months later, after much correspondence, they married Dec. 4, 1954 in Kodiak.

Tim was honorably discharged in June 1955.

After being discharged, he attended the University of Washington in Seattle.

In 1959, they moved to Big Timber, Mont., where Tim began his 40-year career with the John Deere Co.

In 1971, the Brophys and their children moved to Bonners Ferry, where he became sales manager of the John Deere Co. Retiring in 1995,  Tim and his wife moved to Hayden while working part-time at the John Deere dealer.

Time was a faithful member of the St. Thomas Parish and served on the parish counsel and the St. Vincent DePaul Advisory Board.

Tim enjoyed flying, farming and especially gardening and visiting with his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill “Buddy” Holefelder.

Tim is survived by his wife of 54 years, children Colleen Eyrich of Spokane, Wash., Mary Helen Peters of Post Falls, Thomas Brophy of Bremerton, Wash., and Timothy Brophy of Post Falls; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his sister MaryAnn Dubay of Great Falls , Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews..

Tim will be greatly missed.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d' Alene with a reception following and graveside services at Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 2 p.m.