Thomas (Tom) Allen Kitchen

Thomas (Tom) Allen Kitchen

Thomas (Tom) Allen Kitchen left our physical world in the last hour of Aug. 24, 2018, with the blessing of his soul mate by his side.

Tom was born March 14, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, to Paul and Lois Kitchen. He was the fourth born in a family of six children. He remained in Toledo until the age of 17, when his quest for experience and opportunity called him to the road to explore the country. He found his home when his explorations brought him to the small town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. It was here that he settled in with his first wife, Lorraine Mann, and brought his son Thomas Paul into this world.

In 1995, Tom married the love of his life, Laura (Thomas) Kitchen, and welcomed her three children into his life. Together they embarked on the lifelong journey of finding happiness and success. Through hard work, determination, compassion and pure hearts, they found both.

Tom and Laura started T&L Trees Inc. with little more than a shovel. Through years of dedication and unmatched work ethic, they grew their small operation into a successful business ran on raw passion and integrity. This business has provided for their family and community for more than two decades.

Tom’s love for our natural world spanned across the ocean to the island of Hawaii, where he and Laura found serenity in the abundance that the island has to offer. It is here they spent their winters, shared their successes with friends and family and spread their philosophy of being kind humans to those who crossed their path.

Tom’s love for his wife can only be matched by his love for music. He used his passion and talent to entertain and inspire those around him. Whether in a living room playing for one, or on a stage playing for many, he always did so with a genuine heart and a heavy foot! His devotion to his art was unquestionable and will continue to invigorate the artist in loved ones for generations.

Tom is the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren ranging in age from 20 to 1. His role as Papa filled his eyes with light and his heart with joy. He took great pride in providing experiences and opportunities for his grandchildren, both of which will be cherished and held close for years to come.

Tom is survived by his adoring wife Laura Kitchen of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; his four children, Thomas P. Kitchen and Tommy Hankey, both of Bonners Ferry, and Donald Hankey and Heather (Hankey) Olsen, both of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his five siblings: Paul Kitchen (Charlotte, N.C.), Linda Large (Las Vegas, Nev.), Patty Bower (Toledo, Ohio), Mark Kitchen (Bonners Ferry) and Martha Kitchen (Cusick, Wash.).

Tom Kitchen will always be remembered as a man of passion; passion for his family, his friends, his work, his music and his journey.

“Livin’, Lovin’, Laughin’ and Living Free” — Tom Kitchen