Thomas Chivers

1921 - 2014

Tom Chivers, 93 of Challis, Idaho, died Nov. 23, 2014, in Boise.

Thomas W. Chivers was born in a cottonwood home next to the Salmon River on his Mom and Dad's cattle ranch on March 24, 1921. With the birth came his identical twin brother, John B., to proud parents William and Estelle Thatcher Chivers.

He grew up on the ranch, which was also owned by his maternal grandparents, with his siblings, Billie Burke Innes, John B. Chivers, Garth Thatcher Chivers and William Robert (Bill) Chivers. He attended the Challis schools, often riding his horse to school. He graduated from Challis High School in 1939. He attended the University of Idaho for 3 years and then volunteered for the Army Air Force on May 28, 1942. Tom served as a Lieutenant and was a navigator on a B-24 with the 450th Bombardment Group, 723rd Squadron, known as the Cottontails. He flew 50 missions, for which he received a commendation.

After his discharge from the Army Air Force on April 21, 1945, he came home and bought the family ranch with his brothers John and Garth. He and his wife, Aileen, resided there until they sold ranch in 1989.

On Nov. 14, 1946, he married Aileen Ennis and their union brought eight children, Thomas Ennis Chivers (Karen), Margaret Francis LaMunyan (Bill), Stephen Lane Chivers (Debie), Anne Marie Lane, Theresa Aileen Feusi (John), John Lauren Chivers (Judy), Mary Michelle Adcox (Mike) and Roy Edward Chivers (Suzy). The children worked alongside their parents from the time they were big enough to walk. "Ranching is a family business," Tom said. "A family can just about join in with you on about everything you do. It's a great place to teach your children how to work and how to have responsibility." Tom and Aileen celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary with their children just before Tom's death.

Tom served on many boards in the community. He was on the Custer Telephone Board for 41 years, Custer County ASCS 22 years, with 12 years as chairman. He served as president secretary and director of the Tri-County Cattlemen's Association. He was director and long standing member of the Idaho Cattlemen's Association and active member of its public land's committee for six years. He was an original director and weigh master for the Custer County Livestock Marketing Association. He served four years on the District and State Bureau of Land Management Advisory Boards and three years on the US Forest Service Advisory Board. He was involved in the establishment of the Challis Experimental Stewardship program. He also took time in his busy schedule to be a 4-H leader.

Tom was inducted into the Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1984 and named Idaho Cattleman of the year in 1992.

Tom and Aileen sold their ranch in 1989 and traveled to all 50 states and six countries after their retirement. They also enjoyed attending sporting events, graduations, weddings and all special events of their 26 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William and Estelle Chivers; brothers, John B. Chivers and Bill Chivers; a sister, Margaret Payne; and his youngest son, Roy Edward Chivers. He is survived by his wife, Aileen Chivers; seven children, 26 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; one sister, Billie Innes; one brother, Garth Chivers; and multiple nephews and nieces.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Living Waters Ranch Facility in Challis. Burial will be in Challis Cemetery with Military Honors. Arrangements are by Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Challis. www.jonesandcaseyfh.com

Memorial donations to Roy Chivers Scholarship, Challis School District, P.O. Box 304, Challis, ID 83226.