Thomas Micheal Gabriel Samuels “Tommy,” was born June 3, 2007, to Amanda and Thomas Samuels in Moscow. He was the second-eldest of their four children. Tommy loved spending summers camping with his cousins and playing in the Clearwater River. He was known for his smart antics during the sometimes aggressive family holiday competitions. Tommy was a loving and caring son, little brother, big brother, cousin, nephew and friend. Despite his caring nature he was also known for cracking jokes at the most unexpected but opportune times.
Tommy was an AP math and science student who also excelled on the wrestling mat. Encouraged and supported by family and friends, Tommy was a fierce wrestler. Decorated with many medals, he most recently placed second at both district and regional. Yet, his hardest practice partner to beat was always his big sister Makenna.
A descendant of the Nez Perce Tribe, Tommy was raised in a hunting and fishing family. He was 5 years old when he caught his first salmon at Imnaha. And last spring he traveled with his parents to Yellowstone, where at the age of 15 he harvested his first two buffalo. His archery skills were not too bad either, as he earned fourth at state when he was in the fifth grade.
Tommy liked rap music and video games. With an Ice Spice flag waving in his room, he would spend late nights playing Fortnite and UFC with his siblings and cousins online. He frequently rattled the house with Comethazine and J. Cole. Often rattling his sister’s perfume off the shelves in her room. When he was around 9 to about 12 years old he had a Pokémon card phase.
Tommy was known by many nicknames: “Tommy Two Toes,” “Pinhead Larry,” “Tumblina,” “Tomthebomb.com.” Despite having no job, he always had a stash of cash. Tommy always had an appetite for some good lasagna and crab legs. He enjoyed watching Wild Kratts as a kid and had an overall love for animals.
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Tommy began his journey home to be with the creator. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Maria “Renee” Samuels and Eugene Arnold Samuels “Butch.” Tommy is survived by his parents Amanda and Tom Samuels; his three siblings Makenna Renee Samuels, Silas Cane Samuels, Amar’e Lewis Samuels; paternal grandparents, Brenda and Steve Corder; cousins: Jordan, Aurelio, Maria, Juan, Andrea, Marcella, Amiah, Giovanni, Fabiola, River, Cavelle, Miehla, Caige, Avery, Mya and Shyne, Renley.
A dressing took place Friday, April 19, at Corbeill Funeral Home in Pullman. A procession to the North Fork Presbyterian Church in Ahsahka followed where a memorial for close family and friends will took place.
The funeral service will take place also at the North Fork Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20. The service will be followed by a graveside burial at the Ahsahka Tribal Cemetery, dinner to follow at Teweepuu Center in Orofino.
