Thomas Rybus

On September 2, 2025, Tom and Pam Rybus set out for their usual walk around Castle Rock, in Boise. Moments after saying he wanted to walk further, his heart stopped, and he collapsed on the trail. Friends gathered around him, and Pam was able to hold and love him for hours as he lay on the trail. The sky was clear and blue, and hawks flew overhead.

He died in the hills he loved, with the woman and dog he loved. He had been diagnosed with heart failure and Alzheimer’s Disease. He often spoke about how content and happy he was with his life. He was at peace with his diagnoses. He spoke openly about life and death and was guided through his illnesses by ethical and caring doctors, especially his palliative care doctor, Dr. Jessica Evert.

We can learn from Tom. He was content with his life and had no regrets. He had many adventures, many friends, and many memories of the past. Like us all, there were many aspects to Tom.

Young Tom: Tommy grew up in Washington State. His parents were Hank and Jane Rybus, and he has a brother Jim Rybus and sister Mary LeMaster. It was a bumpy time in the Rybus household and Tom really had to learn how to love and communicate (which he did). He attended Washington State University and was a loyal “Coug.”

Hippie Tom: Tom was also a field archeologist who did a stint in the fisheries of remote Alaska with his friend Scott Fothergill. He had many many many great memories of his time with his “mellow ranch” friends. He kept in touch with these friends for his entire life.

He married Pam Demo during that time and has remained friends despite their divorce. He was a pacifist that cared about contributing to a more just world. He was interested in Buddhism and Taosim and meditated daily.

Teacher Tom: after working at the Humanities Council in Boise he departed to live in The Netherlands with his new baby, Greta, and wife, Pam. He became the cross-country coach at AFCENT NATO base Dodds school and decided to become a teacher.

He taught for many years at North Junior High and was proud that he ushered in team learning. He rode his bike to school every day.

With his family, he moved to Japan and taught English at a Japanese elementary school. Then home to teach at Lake Hazel. Upon retirement from Meridian School District, he and Pam moved to Berlin where he taught at Berlin Metropolitan School. There, he took the train to school every morning.

Father Tom: Greta arrived in his and Pam’s life in 1986. When she was 9 months old, they moved to The Netherlands and Tom was a stay-at-home dad while Pam worked at a DODDS high school. He took her to the market over cobblestone streets and was the best dad you could ask for. He read to Greta every night until she was ready to read her own chapter books. But he always was a big part of her life and most recently proud of her accomplishments as a photojournalist. Like her dad, she loves dogs, reading, traveling, and laughing.

Husband Tom: He loved Pam, and she loved him. The best part of their life was all the adventures they took together. For ten years, they traveled together in their van. Their winters in Mexico were unforgettable. During his last years, their lives focused on simple joys: walking, reading, making meals, sitting in the backyard. He best expressed his love in his writing.

Friend Tom: Tom was a proud member of “the Never Fail Guide Service”, his group of adventurous pals. Telemarking, hiking, running, backpacking, and bicycle touring. By far his best pal was Joel Weinberg who visited him weekly and they talked about all their good ole adventures. The more arduous the adventure, the better.

Giving Tom: Tom gave us all so much. He was patient and kind. He has baked bread since the 60’s and shared his baking skills with many. He was involved in building schools in Guatemala using “eco bricks” made out of trash in plastic bottles. He and Pam went on six trips through the nonprofit Hug It Forward. He also gave to many other charitable groups. He loved his volunteer job at the Friends of the Library bookstore. He was an excellent listener.

His presence was a gift for us all.

And to all who loved him: May comfort make a space for you and may magic offer you breadcrumbs of what is still to come in your life. May goodness slowly separate herself from your pain and may hope be gentle and tender with you. Thank you for loving Tom, too.

Tom will be missed. But he will never be forgotten. May peace encircle you, dear Tommy.

A memorial will be held at 10:00 am, Sunday, September 28, 2028 at Bishop’s House in Boise, Idaho. 

A natural graveside service will be held, 4:20 pm, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Madison Valley Cemetery , Cemetery Loop Rd., Ennis, Montana. 

Arrangements in Idaho are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. 

Arrangements in Montana are under the direction of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, Bozeman, Montana.