Thomas Balman Hook of Murphy, Idaho was born on May 6, 1940 in Pueblo, Colorado to Leon C. and Evelyn Hook of Canon City, Colorado. Tom graduated from Canon City High School. He received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Colorado College and attended Denver University working towards his Masters degree.

Tom was a fourth generation rancher growing up on a ranch in the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado. That ranch had been in his family for four generations. Tom loved to explore new areas and while in high school and college traveled extensively with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Mountie throughout Canada and Alaska. He developed a love for this rugged, untamed, north country and eventually bought the Empire Valley Ranch in British Columbia, Canada, where he ranched and raised a family. He later returned to the U.S. and bought a ranch near Ashwood, Oregon. At the time of his death he was ranching near Murphy, Idaho. His sons are fifth generation ranchers carrying on with that ranch.

Tom was always involved in the local Cattlemans Associations wherever he ranched, serving on their boards. He also served on a missionary board for InterAct Ministries for over 30 years, a ministry of spreading the Gospel to the native people of Canada, Alaska and Russia. He also served as a pastor in the many little communities churches wherever he ranched.

Tom served in the Air Force National Guard for 6 years and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas and Denver, Colorado

Toms love of ranching was his hobby. He especially loved working with his registered Horned Hereford Cattle.

His is survived by his wife, Connie Longaker Hook; two sons, Theron Thomas Hook and his wife, Wendy Organ Hook and Tristan Kenneth Hook and his wife, Jolynn Cox Hook; three grandchildren, Thane, Chandra and Timothy, all of Murphy, Idaho; one brother, Douglas Hook of Denver, CO; and his mother in law, Mildred Longaker of Canon City, CO

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-mother Reta Allen Hook and father in law, Kenneth Longaker.

Toms love of his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, his many friends and his ranches and cattle was what made up his life. His positive attitude and encouraging ways will be missed.

Tom will be buried in the Melba Cemetery preceding a memorial service at the Vision Community Church, 221 W. Main St., Marsing, ID at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 18, 2011. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel.

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