Thomas 'Tom' O. Robideaux, 85

As a longtime Sandpoint resident and businessman, Tom Robideaux was in his element. A skier, golfer, wooden boat aficionado and avid wine taster, he joined family and friends to enjoy sports and camaraderie. Sandpoint — Lake Pend Oreille and Schweitzer — provided beauty and space for it all. And, after a fully-lived time on earth, and surrounded by family, Tom passed away at age 85 on May 9 (1940-2026), with Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” playing loudly in his hospital room. He was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Jack and Jeri Robideaux.

Tom was born Nov. 22, 1940, in Spokane. He graduated from North Central High School and later from Washington State University. There, he met his first wife, Ginny Aagard Jensen, and started a family in Coeur d’ Alene. They moved to Sandpoint in 1970 to open the Alpine Motors dealership. Throughout these years, he restored several wooden boats, focusing on craftsmanship and attention to detail, self-described as a labor of love, especially on his most recent boat, aptly named “Rob Your Dough.”

Later in life, he met his second wife, Betty Burton, adding fly fishing to his repertoire of outdoor activities.

Nearly every May, Tom tackled Bloomsday, the race that became the epitome of facing life’s challenges head-on and with zeal. In the end, he worked diligently on his golf game at local courses, heeding his mother's advice on how to sink a putt.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Robideaux and Julie Prince (Mark); grandchildren Tyler Prince (Lauren) and Sarah Clark (Andrew); brothers Bob Robideaux (Karen) and John Robideaux; and several nieces and nephews.

At Tom’s directive, no service will be held. Join together with your family and friends this summer and raise a glass to a life well lived. "Bye for now."

Please visit Tom’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.