Thomas Michael Polumsky passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
Tom was born March 8, 1951, to Raymond and Dolores Polumsky of Peola. He graduated from Kendrick High School in 1970. He then went on to become a mechanic, commecial fisherman and logger after his service in Vietnam. Tom had enormous talent as a mechanic. There wasn’t much Tom couldn’t fix when he put his mind to it. Whether it was a diesel engine or Fran’s four-wheeler, Tom’s mechanical aptitude was something you couldn’t teach. He worked in numerous places including Alaska during his career changes through life. He lived in Juneau, Alaska, for several years but later returned to his old stomping grounds in Idaho, around the Juliaetta-Kendrick area.
If you knew Tom, he was always the center of attention wherever he was. It wasn’t because he wanted to be, it was because that was just Tom. Usually everyone around him got enlightened, a few chuckles and some great or not so great stories he had to tell. His infamous one-liners that came out of his mouth on a regular basis are worth their weight in gold on a comical level, but not to be repeated in formal settings. Tom had a huge heart and compassion, but seemed to be reluctant to show that throughout times in life.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Sherry Polumsky; son, Harvey Polumsky and stepson, John Summers all of Juneau; daughter, Trina Swenson of Lewiston; sister, Frances Polumsky, of Juneau; nephews, Craig and Steve Conger and Matthew Polumsky; nieces, Angela Holsgrove and Jen Cunningham.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry Polumsky.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, May 18, in Juliaetta with details to be determined.
