Thomas Alexander Ryan, Jr., 55, of Idaho Falls, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after a short battle with colon cancer.

He was born February 22, 1968, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Carolin McCarthy and Thomas Ryan, Sr. He grew up in Massachusetts, where he loved exploring the woods near his home, blowing up tree stumps, and encouraging snapping turtles to break sticks at the nearby pond. He also enjoyed sledding and hockey in the winter months. He was an avid sports fan who was so thrilled to see the Patriots win the Super Bowl that he jumped up off the couch and hit the ceiling.

As a young man, Tom moved to California where he met and married his first wife, Marie. Together they had three children, who he adored. He had a wicked sense of humor, and he loved to make his friends and family laugh. He was generous to a fault and had a particularly soft heart for animals.

In October 2019, he married the love of his life, Kimber. Together they raised a herd of cats. Kimber had many health issues, and Tom lovingly cared for her until her death in August 2022.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Kimber Ryan, and his stepfather, Ray McCarthy. He is survived by his parents: Carolin McCarthy and Tom (Shirley) Ryan; his sisters: Diane Ryan and Dawn Ryan; his children: Thomas (Samantha) Ryan III, Lillian Ryan, and Erin Ryan; his granddaughter, Izzy; his grand dog, Daisy; and his grand cat, Felix.

A memorial will be held for family and friends on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., at The SnakeBite Restaurant, 401 Park Ave., Idaho Falls. Cremation was under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Snake River Animal Shelter in Idaho Falls online at https://www.snakeriveranimalshelter.org/make-a-donation .