Mark Allen Thomas, Coeur d'Alene passed away October 27, 2014 in Coeur d'Alene at Hospice House. He was born to Ron and Clareann (Rodgers) Thomas in Wallace on July 2, 1958. Mark grew up in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School in 1977. On August 19, 1978 he and Laurie (Svee) Thomas were married in Coeur d'Alene, where they have made their home. From the marriage they have two wonderful daughters that were his center, Amanda at the family home and Tara, married to John Arts and residing in Hayden. When John and Tara married, in 2012 he felt he "finally" had a son! He felt very fortunate to have children that loved spending time with the parents, whether it was for a family dinner or vacation.

Mark worked for the State of Idaho Transportation Department, Bunker Hill and Galena mines, but then found his true love of driving big trucks. He started work for Tidyman's in the meat plant, but transferred to become a grocery/meat driver. He was their senior driver when Tidyman's sold their trucking department to SuperValu. Mark continued to deliver grocery products, but to a larger service area. He most recently was a delivery driver for City Service ValCon -- a job and company he loved. He delivered diesel and propane to homes and construction sites in the northern Idaho and eastern Washington area.

Mark was a true fisherman at heart -- he would be up and out the door while it was still dark to be on the lake at the break of dawn -- because everyone knew that was the best time to fish. He enjoyed it when his family and friends would join him for that quality time. Mark recently took up golf again. He would spend hours at the driving range perfecting that swing or putt -- and many more watching the golf channel for hints. He was fortunate to have a son-in-law and friends who enjoyed golfing together. He grew up spending a lot of time camping with his family on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. Mark also loved walking and hiking. Fall was a special time watching football with Amanda.

Mark is survived by his wife Laurie and daughter Amanda at the family home, and daughter Tara Arts with husband John Arts of Hayden. He is also survived by his father, Ron Thomas of Post Falls, Charlie and Judy Cannon, mother and father-in-law, Uncles Don (Connie) of Spokane and Richard (Sharron) of Yukiah, California and Aunt JoAnne Rodgers of Post Falls. Mark is also survived by three brothers, Steven (Shelley) of Page, Kevin (Teresa) of Seattle and Michael (Gina) of Twin Falls and brother-in-law Dave Svee of Tacoma. There are eight nieces and nephews, two great nieces and several cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Clareann Thomas, grandparents Math and Hilde Thomas, William and MaryAnn Rodgers. Also preceding him in death were his father-in-law Jerry Svee and sister-in law, Kim Svee.

Donations may be made in Mark's memory to the Kim Svee Scholarship fund at Kootenai Health, 2003 Kootenai Health Way, Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814 or to Hospice House c/o Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Yates Funeral Home - Coeur d' Alene Chapel, 744 N. 4th Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. Please visit Mark's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.