Walter Thomas Bartholomew

Walter “Tom” Bartholomew, 75, met his heavenly family April 13, 2024, after a long illness. He was born November 4, 1948, in Spokane, WA.

While Tom was in high school in Plains Montana, he started his career with Burlington Northern Railroad. He retired after 53 years with Burlington Northern Santa Fe RR, where he made many great friends & co-workers.

One of Tom’s greatest joys was that he owned and operated a large ranch in Paradise, MT.  He was told that he raised the best alfalfa in the county.  His property ran about a mile along the beautiful Clark Fork River. After retirement Tom and Cindy sold their Spokane home where he was raised and they moved to Liberty Lake, WA.  For over 22 years, they have owned a piece of paradise at Priest Lake, ID, where he enjoyed their boat, snowmobiles and UTV.  He was thrilled when he was able to spend time with his granddaughter Peyton.  Tom’s hobby was to get out the smoker, cook up some of his legendary brisket/ribs and enjoy the company of friends. He built the shop of his dreams where he and Cindy spent many nights entertaining. He was a wealth of knowledge and advice which will be greatly missed by many. Tom was known for working on many projects either in Spokane or at the lake.  He was the king of Projects!

Tom is survived by his wife and co-pilot, Cindy of 35 years; his two sons Brian and Mark; granddaughter Peyton; brother Jim, sisters Lori and Peggy.  He was preceded in death by his parents Walter E. and Virginia Bartholomew.

No services will be held per Tom’s wishes.  He would rather you spend time enjoying the beauty of Priest Lake remembering him at the place he loved.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Walter Thomas Bartholomew, please visit our Tree Store.