Thomas David Turkisher

Thomas David Turkisher, age 62, passed away in his home from multiple medical problems. He was born in Miami, Florida to Jean and Robert Turkisher on March 7, 1951. Thomas lived in many places over the course of his life, but one of the homes most dear to him was his home here in Pocatello, Idaho where he has lived for more than a decade.

Thomas was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, camping and biking, and he took pride in his rugged survival skills. In addition, Thomas was also blessed with other gifts: he was an accomplished chef, he had a flair for theater and drama, he nurtured the earth with planting and gardening, he wrote with feeling and eloquence, and he created sensitive works of art in watercolor.

Thomas is survived by his mother, Jean Trimble; his father, Robert Turkisher; his sisters, Bonnie, Linda, Teresa and Amy; and his brothers, Ed, Rob and Rich.

Thomas is also survived by friends in his Pocatello community. The family would like to extend a special and deeply heartfelt thanks to Thomas' best friend, Ben Babbs. Ben and his wife Michele were pillars of support and kindness in Thomas' life, and the family is extremely grateful for that gift.

In his passing, Thomas leaves a gift of opportunity - the opportunity to further develop the virtues of compassion, acceptance, and tolerance, and to expand our embrace of love with wide reaching arms.

Graveside services at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.