Thomas Pringle, 78

Thomas “Tom” John Pringle, 78, of Spokane Valley, passed away Nov. 16, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer, his daughter, Shelly, by his side. 

Tom was born Feb. 19, 1947, in Spokane, Wash. He was raised in Stateline, Idaho, next to the family business — the First and Last Chance bar and restaurant. He graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and went on to an over 40-year career with EZ Loader Boat Trailers. Tom was a devoted father with a quick wit and never hesitated to speak his mind.  

Following in his father’s footsteps, Tom competed in outboard hydroplane racing alongside his brothers, Ronnie and Randy. He was a competitive and successful racer and a longtime member of the State Line Outboard Racing Association. 

The Pringle boys had a penchant for fast cars and boats. Tom loved to hear the sound of a high-horsepower engine — especially the one in his Ford Lightning pickup truck. He was very mechanical and enjoyed the challenge of repairing discarded items, whether it be an old chain saw or a four-wheeler he found at one of the hundreds of yard sales he visited over the years. He appreciated the unique “treasures” he would find at these sales and would often purchase an item just because he thought it would be an interesting conversation piece to share with friends and family. 

Tom loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his father-in-law, Wilbur Mead, whom he greatly admired. They spent many years hunting deer and elk and fishing for salmon and steelhead. One of Tom’s passions in retirement was traveling to Montana to shoot gophers, usually with a dog and four-wheeler in tow. He was a crack shot and enjoyed providing this “service” to local ranchers.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Sean); granddaughters: Emily (Scott), Allyson (Chris); great-grandchildren: Declan and Ezra; sister Nancy Bishop; sister-in-law, Donna Pringle; former wife Susie Williams; numerous nieces; and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Delores Pringle, his brothers, Dick, Ronnie and Randy, and his niece, Debbie Edwards. 

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m., at Hennessy Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

To share memories of Tom or leave condolences for his family, please visit his obituary page at www.hennesseyfh.com.