Tony Courchaine

The world’s light became a little dimmer on May 23, 2024 when the best Dad, Papa, and friend suddenly left us. Tony was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on September 3, 1947 to Evelyn and Al Courchaine. He was raised on the family ranch located on the Pine Creek Bench, north of Swan Valley, Idaho. He was the eldest of seven children and life on the Diamond H ranch was tough. His sisters, Trixie, Vicki, Cheri, Penny, Angie and brother Timmy were his work partners and playmates. There are many stories about their shenanigans while growing up on the ranch. Tony was sitting in the tractor seat by age 8 and working hard became second nature to him. The lessons he learned on the ranch became the backbone of his education. Praise for a job well done was high praise indeed from Al and Evelyn.

Tony attended school in Swan Valley and then Bonneville High School. He joined the Army in 1964 and was stationed in Germany. After coming back from the Army in 1967, Tony worked on the Diamond H again, then later retired from the Palisades Power Plant, where he was a mechanic.

Tony married his soul mate, Vicki Bagshaw, on June 16, 1971. They were the epitome of the perfect married couple and complimented the best parts of each other. Because having five sisters wasn’t enough estrogen, he and Vicki decided to have two daughters, Amy and Jessica. Tony loved his girls; their childhood was full of camping, car trips, and being cheered on in all their sporting events. Their favorite memories include dragging a pillow and blanket onto the deck of the combine and harvesting grain with their dad.

Tony had many hobbies, all involved working with his hands. He was an incredible woodworker, building and restoring furniture, cabinets, and even a house or two. He also had a great love for classic cars. His longest relationship was with an orange beauty. She was a little older than him, but that didn’t matter. His 1936 Ford pickup, affectionately known as the Hoopie, had been with him over 57 years. He bought it for $75 when he got out of the army and lovingly restored it multiple times over the years.

There wasn’t anything that Tony couldn’t fix. His family, friends and community members kept him quite busy with all of their requests over the years. He loved doing it and never said no. He and Vicki always had projects that they were working on. Many of these projects involved both of his daughters, who got the DIY gene from their parents. He fostered his love of woodworking and car mechanics in family and friends. Many a young man learned their way around a car engine under Tony’s guidance. They probably also learned some colorful language (cars brought out the sailor in him).

In his later years, Tony and Vicki’s three grandchildren were the light of his life. Amy’s daughter, Tristyn and Jessie’s boys, Zane and Wil had the best Papa a kid could have. He built them playhouses, super-duper swings, and watched their rodeos, shooting, and anything else they were interested in. He loved camping and hanging out with all three of them. About age 70, he decided that he had shoveled enough snow in his life and he and Vicki started spending winters in Arizona, where they met great friends and enjoyed riding “side by sides” in the desert.

Tony was a man of few words, but he was as genuine and honest as God made them. What he did say was always thoughtful. He showed his love through his actions. He was a man of his word, the first to volunteer to help, and the last one to leave a job. He has a left a hole in our hearts, our family, and our community.

Tony is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicki, his daughters Amy (husband Clint), Jessica (husband Jared), three grandchildren, Tristyn, Zane and Wil, five sisters, one brother and their families. Unfortunately, most of us never realize the impact that we have on other people’s lives while we are living. Tony’s friends and family have shown an incredible outpouring of love since his passing. We are grateful and proud that the impact that he has had on others is so strong and undiminished.

Some of Tony’s favorite times were early morning coffee with his friends. In lieu of flowers, please buy a cup of coffee for a friend and think of Tony. It is times like these that make us realize that life is so very short; please enjoy the time you still have with the people you love.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 2400 Old Irwin Road, Irwin, ID.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.