Thomas R. Broderick, 85

Thomas R. Broderick of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife, Connie, the love of his life at his bedside on February 24, 2021, at the age of 85. 

He was born September 1, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to Mary Ellen Schmidt and Thomas H. Broderick.  Tom was married to Connie A. (Melendrez) Broderick for 58 wonderful years.  

He attended high school in Vancouver, Washington.  After high school he enlisted in the Washington National Guard. His father wanted Tom to be part of the family business, so he rode his motorcycle across the country and continued in the Illinois National Guard and eventually Tom purchased the family business of Tom Broderick Truck Sales. He was very successful at motorcycle and off-road racing. He won the 1976 Mint 400 World’s Greatest Off-Road Race as Best Appearing Vehicle and 9th Overall in Reno, Nevada.

He was a member of Tebala Shriners of Dixon and Rockford, Illinois, Dixon Elks Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Lee County Pheasants Forever.  Tom loved the outdoors and he spent countless hours in the wilderness enjoying hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.

After his retirement, Tom and Connie moved to Bonners Ferry in 2000.  He enjoyed hobbies of showing his cars and he was especially fond of his Lincoln Continentals. One of Tom’s greatest car show memories was in 2014, when he was a three-time winner at the Silverwood car show in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, winning best of show, and first place in street rods post 1936 and best interior.  Connie and Tom enjoyed participating in many car shows over the years in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana and even returned to the Amboy Depot Days Car Show.  

Tom is survived by his wife, Connie of Bonners Ferry; a sister Elsa Dietz of Princeton, Illinois; and very special friends, David and Jenny Erickson of Bonners Ferry, and Brad and Ann Apple of Dixon, Illinois.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ellen Schmidt; his father, Thomas H. Broderick; stepmother, Irene S. Broderick and sister Margery Broderick.  

Rest in peace Tom, you will be missed.

A celebration of Tom’s life is planned for Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Auburn Crest Hospice, 6541 Main Street, Suite 2, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.