Longtime Silver Valley pastor to retire
ERIK FINK/Hagadone News Network | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 years AGO
WALLACE - Father Tom Loucks is retiring after 37 years as a Catholic priest, 11 of which he spent in the Silver Valley.
During these past 11 years Loucks has served as pastor for not one, but three Catholic parishes across the valley: St. Rita in Kellogg, St. Alphonsus in Wallace and St. Michael in Mullan.
Loucks, a native Idahoan, plans on returning to his home in Boise after retiring.
The idea of being a priest was always in Loucks' mind since second grade, he said. Although he didn't instantly pursue ordination as a priest, Loucks said he eventually came to the point where he knew this was what God wanted for him.
"There were a couple of times when I almost went to start training, and didn't, but I was way too immature to have gone," Loucks said. "So by the time I got out of the Navy, I went to Idaho to become a rich young man."
Loucks received a good job offer, but after visiting the place where he would be working he decided his life was meant for something else.
It was at this point he entered the seminary to become a priest, but he never forgot his other interests developed during his time at the University of Idaho. Loucks said these interests included architecture, agriculture and banking. He said through being a priest, he has been able to pursue all these things with the regular daily activities of his profession.
"I've built and remodeled buildings, so the architecture part has played a good part," Loucks said. "With banking, I have been involved in parish finances for probably over 40 years. Where I have lived in Idaho, the agricultural background has been very important to help me understand the small communities."
Loucks was ordained by Bishop Sylvester W. Treinen on June 14, 1977, in St. John Cathedral, Boise. Following ordination, he was an associate pastor at St. Pius X parish in Coeur d'Alene.
He also served as a chaplain at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, and at parishes in St. Anthony, Rexburg, Roberts, Kamiah, Pierce, St. Maries, Harrison, Twin Falls, Grangeville and Nezperce. He has served as pastor at the three Shoshone County parishes since 2003.
Loucks said he has seen the Silver Valley change, through his time here, in the way each individual community has come to realize they are neighbors. Old rivalries have died, allowing each community to become closer to one another.
Loucks said the biggest thing he will miss are the people.
"I have buried dear friends here, and I miss them on a weekly basis," Loucks said.
Loucks said the friends he has made have been a big part of his time here.
Another thing Loucks said he will miss is St. Alphonsus. He said he believes it is the most beautiful church in the Silver Valley, and that he has many fond memories in the building.
Loucks said he plans on having an active retirement. A fishing trip in Alaska with a friend of his is planned, and he has multiple other events on his schedule to keep him busy until October. After that, he said, he doesn't know what he plans to do, but does not intend to sit in a recliner all day.
Bishop Michael Driscoll has appointed Father Marcos Sanchez as administrator of St. Rita, St. Alphonsus and St. Michael parishes.
MORE IMPORTED STORIES
ARTICLES BY ERIK FINK/HAGADONE NEWS NETWORK
Pinehurst restaurant reopens
Thursday was the first day back for the Tall Pine restaurant in Pinehurst after a sewer line accident flooded the building in early November.

Sewer repairs start in Kellogg
The 700 block of Cameron Avenue in Kellogg has been closed for an emergency sewer project.

Stein's stores sold after 86 years of family ownership
Following more than a year of negotiations, the Stein's Family Foods grocery chain has been sold and is now under new ownership.