Thomas Arthur Atkinson, 65, a resident of Island Park passed on to the next life on September 9, 2020, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

He was born in Michigan and worked many years in the oil fields all over the United States. Tom, an old school mechanic moved to Island Park to live and work in the mountains near his sister Martha and his "brother" Dave Karling.  Tom loved fishing and Island Park gave him the opportunity to be on the water often.  He especially loved taking his Great-nephews, Drew and Dillon, out on his boat to catch "The BIG One." Tom referred to himself as an ornery guy but actually, his heart was larger than life and he did anything he could to help anyone.

He worked in several repair shops in West Yellowstone where he met and worked with Bobby Perez.  Tom referred to Bobby as the best friend he had in his whole life. Tom was Certified by The Wreck Master school and became a Tow/Recovery Operator for several years in the West Yellowstone area.  He loved to figure out how to get the Big Rigs back on their wheels and back on the road.

Tom met the love of his life, Julie Lindsey, about 5 years ago in Idaho Falls where he began spending most of his time.  Tom was especially close to Julie's son and daughter in law, Melissa and Nate Summers, and he became "Papa" to their daughter, Kinlee, "his little Princess."

He is survived by his 2 sons: Thomas William (T.W.) and Todd Michael Atkinson; 2 grandsons: Austin and Damien all of Michigan; brothers: Joseph (Lora) Atkinson of Colorado and Matthew Atkinson of Utah; sisters: Sarah Kielian, Martha (Dave) Karling both of Utah, and Lorraine (Jason) Atkinson Trevorrow of Michigan; his partner, Julie Lindsey of Idaho;  several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Atley Arthur and Dortha Lorraine (Swain) Atkinson.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com .