Thomas M. Zabala
February 7, 1946 - May 5, 2023
Boise, Idaho - Thomas Michael Zabala 77, passed away on May 5, 2023 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Boise, Idaho.
Tom was born in Boise, on February 7, 1946, to Thomas F. and Conchita J. (Arostegui) Zabala, the eldest of two children and a second generation Basque. Growing up in Boise, he attended St. Joseph's Elementary, St. Teresa's, and Boise High Schools, graduating in 1963. Following his freshman year at Boise Junior College, he went on to the University of Oregon and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. It was during these years that Tom befriended many lifelong Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers who he would go on to have an annual get together for decades to come.
He married Jayne McMillen in 1971 and they divorced in 2000. His son, best buddy, and light of his life, Jeffrey Mark Zabala, was born in 1978.
Tom began his architectural career working as an intern for Hamill Shaw Associates in the summer of 1968, in Boise. In 1969, Tom joined the US Army Reserve and served as a member of the 321st Engineering Battalion in Boise for seven years before being honorably discharged in 1975. Upon graduating from college, he worked for Cline Smull Hamill Shaw for three years prior to joining with R. Alan Giltzow to form their own firm in 1973. In 1976, they were joined by Arthur M. Albanese and the firm ZGA Architects and Planners was born. The firm continues to this day. Tom retired at the end of 2012, with many accolades and the respect of the architectural community.
During his career and his retirement, Tom was active and highly regarded in the Boise community as a member of many professional and civic organizations, along with volunteering, and offering pro bono services for several nonprofit entities. The word "NO" never entered his mind.
Tom was fortunate enough to earn a living doing what he loved, with people he respected. What really mattered to him was how he treated others, along with setting the right example and making things better for everyone he met. Tom treated everyone the way he'd like to be treated. He was a lucky man in many ways.
He is survived by his sister, Linda Zabala of Eagle; nephew, Christian (Sheila) Cummins of Eagle; niece, Tiffany Larson of Bellevue, Idaho; great niece, Emma Cummins of Eagle; great nephews, Johnathan Reddy of Ketchum, Idaho and Sawyer Cummins of Portland, Oregon; several cousins and their families; and, dear friend and confidant, Valerie Crowe of Boise. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas F. Zabala, mother Conchita J. (Arostegui) Zabala and son, Jeffrey M. Zabala.
At Tom's request, a private inurnment will take place at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise. Arrangements are being provided by Cloverdale Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to Tom's niece's 501c3 nonprofit Unega Mountain Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 2134, Ketchum, Idaho. 83340 (www.unegamountaindogrescue.org)
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Luke's Medical Center for their heartfelt kindness and efforts on Tom's behalf.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on May 21, 2023.

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Rob Perez

May 25, 2023

I met Tom when I was a senior in college (a long, long time ago). Since then I have had the priviledge of serving on several committees with Tom and working together on real estate projects. My experience over all these years is that Tom was the epitome of class. The way he communicated reflected his sensitivity to others, and his deep knowledge of architecture and business in general. Tom defines the phrase "a life well lived." The world has lost a true gentleman, a wonderful human being, an amazing architect and for some, a true friend. I loved him; everyone him because he showed all of us the better part of ourselves.

ESI Construction

Sent Flowers

Lee Kornfield

May 24, 2023

A rare, true gentleman.

Tim Wilcomb

May 23, 2023

I first met Tom through my grandfather, Cecil Jordan. The respect and admiration that my grandfather had for Tom was immense. Later my father, Dick Wilcomb, impressed upon me that Tom was one of the preeminent Architects in our community, not only because of his talent but also because of his passion and kindness. I introduced my son, T.J. to Tom shortly after T.J. began working with me. Tom was a tremendous influence in four generations of my family ... his smile, laughter and friendship will be cherished by many and missed by all, especially me.
Tim Wilcomb

Penny Dennis

May 23, 2023

The world is just a bit duller now, without Tom in it. RIP to "The Z."

Steven C. Turney

May 23, 2023

There are only a handful of people that come into our lives and impact us in such a positive way. Tom was one of those people for all of us that have had to pleasure to work at ZGA Architects for the last 50 years both past and current staff.

Tom has been a mentor, business partner, confidant, and dear friend for 32 years. He was always there when I needed help or encouragement. He taught me the value of integrity, honesty, compassion, friendships, community service, relationships and helping others. Let us all think back and remember how Tom touched our lives. I strive to continue living the rest of my life in ways that will bring honor to Tom, who spent his life showing us all how to give our best to others. I shall never forget the lessons and values I learned from him which have enriched my life in countless ways. - Thank you, Tom and May God bless.

Steven Craig Turney
Friend, Mentor, Business Partner
I miss you, my friend.

Steven Turney

Planted Trees

Joseph Peavey

May 22, 2023

Although I never worked at ZGA I remember interviewing there for my first job in 1999...Tom himself gave me a tour and introduced me to everyone in the office. I was impressed with his knowledge of his people and how they seemed to like him. I knew then I'd picked the right profession. Hats off to a great man.

Patricia Spence

May 21, 2023

I met Tom about 5 years ago. He volunteered at St. Luke´s, where I worked. He was always charming. We all felt Tom was a classy gentleman who had great integrity. He was always pleasant, polite, really. A class act. He was always interested in other people´s lives, and issues. I always felt so sad he had lost his son already, his only child.

The world shines a little less brightly now that we have lost Tom.

Patricia Spence

Carol McDonald

May 21, 2023

I went to school with Tom in the second grade at St. Joseph's and then again at Boise High School. Years later, he helped me with our Gift Shop update at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology Museum. Throughout the many years I knew him, he was always a wonderful friend and very caring man. My prayers are with his family and with Tom.

Dave Kerns

May 21, 2023

I knew Tom as a 12 year old kid when he would come by Idaho First National where my mom worked. He and I had a great relationship over the years and he was always so great to me. I loved his orange 240Z.
RIP my friend it was a pleasure to know you!!
Dave Kerns

Ruth Keeth

May 19, 2023

I am going to relate to the lighter side of this wonderful man. We went in conferences all over the US for many years, and our favorite fun was shopping together. He loved really nice clothes and loved to shop in new cities and different shops. Such a wonderful person and friend.

Sara Richards Moroney

May 19, 2023

I interviewed for a job in 2008 at ZGA with Tom and was offered a position. At the time, however, I ended up going out on a limb and took a job a a different firm and had to turn him down. 3 months later that job went bye bye as the recession was starting to take effect. Tom was called on my behalf from my current boss (friends in the architecture community) who couldn´t keep me on anymore and Tom agreed to hire me. I then went to work for ZGA for 7 years and worked with Tom for the first portion. He gave me a job at the start of a national recession and saved me from being a freshly graduated architect with no job! So many others of my generation were not as blessed. He retired in 2012, but we still saw each other and occasionally had lunch (in the Basque district of course). He was a wonderful mentor and even more so a wonderful and caring person. I never heard a negative thing come out of his mouth. He will be missed and I´m deeply saddened by the loss of such an astounding person.

BJ Swanson

May 19, 2023

I had the pleasure of serving with Tom on Idaho Health Facilities Authority. Tom was always the voice of reason and calming influence in the room. I so enjoyed our conversations and bantering about the Huskies vs. the Ducks. His kindness and empathy will be missed by all. Tom was a truly great person.

Alan Giltzow

May 19, 2023

Tom was the best man I have ever been privileged to know! We met at Boise Junior College in 1963. We wanted to become architects. He attended the University of Oregon and I went to the University of Idaho. After graduation, we went to work at the same architectural firm in Boise. After completing internship and passing the Idaho State examination we decided to open our own design firm. In December of 1973 we each put $1,000 in our firm´s account, we didn´t really know how we were going to make it work, but we survived. In 1976 we asked Art Albanese to join us in the firm that became ZGA Architects. That firm still exists.
I am thankful for these two business partners, who were my best friends that kept me in line most of the time, I love you guys! Alan

Alan Giltzow

May 19, 2023

One of the nicest men I have ever known! We were young architects and decided to start our own firm, put $1,000 each in the bank in 1973 and the rest is history! In 1976 we added Art Albanese to the firm. Both of these guys were and still are my idols! I´m sure they are both in heaven, I can only hope I will get there when I pass. Love and miss you both! alan

Bob Reid

May 18, 2023

Tommy was a lifelong friend and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brother at the University of Oregon. The last ten years plus he was especially close to a small group of Phi Psi's. I loved Tommy and will dearly miss him. The annual Summer gathering at Eugene. Left to right: Tom Zabala, Mike Kuratli, Joe Bilanko, Deron Edmeades, Dick Hammond, Ward Beck and Bob Reid.

Stephanie Huffman

May 18, 2023

As Tom's hairdresser for over a decade, I can say with great PRIVILEGE that he was a man of wisdom, empathy and leadership. I Kindly regard Tom and one of my "lost Uncles". I am blessed and honored to have had Tom by my side through many of our life paths.

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