Thomas "Blair" Sorensen

     Thomas Blair Sorensen, 73, of Richfield, passed away comfortably in his home on Saturday, April 8, 2023.  Surrounded by his loved ones, he went on his final and greatest walkabout.

     Blair was born January 25, 1950 in Gooding, Idaho, to Bruce Wyler Sorensen and Marguerite “Roxy” Roseberry Sorensen.  He was the oldest of their four children – Blaine “Curly” Sorensen, Becky (Fred) Rios and Shelly (Layne) Asay.

     Blair graduated from Richfield High School in 1968.  He then went to work for the Ketchum Railroad for a time before leaving for Basic Training in Fort Lewis, Washington.  Upon returning he married his high school sweetheart – Vickie Guenechea on April 25, 1970.  She was the love of his life for 53 years.  They were blessed with two children – Gregory James (Esmeralda) Sorensen and Tawnya Racquel Sorensen, and were later blessed again with four grandchildren – Julian Blair, Sydnee Ray, Drake Charles and Braxton Thomas.  They farmed with Blair’s father Bruce, later buying out the farm.  Blair continued to farm as well as run a dairy with his son Greg.  In 2006 they sold out and Blair headed north for work once again, this time for Joe’s Backhoe Service until he “soft” retired.  Even after retiring, he continued working by helping his son and grandson in their business – GJS Trucking.  He worked up until January 30, 2023 when he officially retired due to his sudden cancer diagnosis.  Blair always had true grit and carried his integrity in his value for hard work all the way to the end.

     At an early age he fell in love with his mountains where he frequented until the end – hunting, fishing, horseback riding and later ventured into bike riding.  However, his true passion (verging on obsession to his family) was cutting down trees and loading firewood.

     Blair was a modest man and would minimize his accomplishments, but was highly independent and self-taught.  He could take a book (way before the days of YouTube) and teach himself how to do just about anything, from rebuilding a tractor engine, staying up all night putting a 283 Chevy small block engine in his son’s ‘62 step-side for Outlaw Day, to building a beautiful sheep wagon and accompanying commissary wagon from the bottom up.  Not to mention every honey-do list that was given to him.  He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his contagious laugh and his brilliant smile.  His story telling was the best, his grandkids can testify to this for the many adventures with Bigfoot he took them on.

     Papa, you fill our life with love, adventure and the magic of being.  Because of you we see Bigfoot in the forest, find courage in the face of fear and can sing Johnny Horton songs.  We love you!  From a letter written by his grandchildren.

     Our family would like to give a special thanks to Home Health and Hospice, especially Amber.  Thank you for all the help and kindness you gave our Papa.  Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Donald Levin for making himself so available and guiding us through this process.

     A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel. 

     Burial will follow at the Richfield Cemetery following the service.

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