Thomas H. Neary, 71

March 7, 1945 — Feb. 22, 2017

Tom passed away Feb. 22, 2017, quietly at home after a courageous battle with ALS.

Tom was born March 7, 1945, to Joseph Patrick Neary and Elizabeth Winifred Straw in Nampa, Idaho. He grew up on the family dairy farm near Greenleaf, Idaho, until attending college at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. While at school, he met his beloved wife, Barbara Joan Harrison of Moscow, and they were married shortly after his graduation in 1968.

Tom earned his master’s degree in statistical geography in 1969 and entered into the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. His career in the Air Force spanned more than 31 years and included assignments all over the U.S. and Europe. He achieved the rank of Major General in 1997 and was given command of 20th Air Force (our nation’s ICBM Force) at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. Tom retired from the Air Force in 2000 and began consulting for SAIC, a defense contractor in the Washington, D.C., area followed by employment at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Tom and Joan retired to Liberty Lake, Wash., in 2005 to spend time with their four kids and many grandchildren. He continued his life’s work on a more part-time basis in an advisory role for various government agencies. Throughout his life, he maintained a close connection with his family and friends. He loved spending time with them at the family cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Tom was a devout Catholic, and spent his free time volunteering for the Knights of Columbus and multiple other charitable organizations. His leadership in both his career and at home was characterized by always serving others first. He spent his life proudly serving his family and his country and always viewed this as a way of serving God.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father; and his brother, Patrick.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Tim (and wife Karin), Andrea (and husband Sean), Ryan and John. He has nine grandkids (Megan, Emma, Michaela, Will, Anna, Leah, Ellie, Luke and Lila). He is also survived by his sister, Nancy White and brother Mike Neary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Horizon Hospice (www.horizonhospice.com) and/or Mission of Charity at St. George’s Catholic Church in Post Falls, Idaho.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at St. George’s Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St., Post Falls. There will also be a vigil service at the same location at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017.