Richard M. Tew

Oct. 7, 1954 – May 19, 2025

Richard M. “Rick” Tew, 70, of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home in Moreland, Idaho, following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Rick was born on October 7, 1954, in Lovell to Don and Shirley Tew. He spent his childhood in Wyoming, Nephi, Utah, and Moab, Utah, before his family settled in Thomas, Idaho, in 1970. He graduated from Snake River High School in 1972, where he was active in Chamber Singers, band, football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. After attending Ricks College for a year, he was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Monterey, Mexico, from 1973 to 1975. 

He worked in a variety of jobs, including Spudnik Equipment, Nonpareil and the construction industry until 1981, when he began working at the Blackfoot Fire Department, where he worked as a fireman and advanced EMT from 1981 to 1992. Rick taught First Aid/CPR to many at Bingham Memorial Hospital and surrounding areas, often using the Spanish he learned on his mission. He began working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1992 as a facilities manager and retired from that career in 2019.

Rick married his first and only love, Jane Marie Baldwin, on February 28, 1976, in the Idaho Falls Temple, and together they shared 49 years of marriage. They were inseparable, best of friends, and known throughout the community for their musical talents and cheerful, generous hours of service. Rick and Jane were recognized as the Snake River Honorary Homecoming Royalty in 2022. 

They built a home on the hill where he moved pipe as a teenage boy, and there they raised their four children. Rick was blessed to remain in his home until his passing.

As an active member of his faith, Rick served in many capacities but particularly enjoyed the callings that afforded him the opportunity to serve alongside his wife, Jane. He enjoyed working with the youth of the church and dedicated numerous years to the Boy Scouts of America and the Wood Badge Program. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 1993 and was an example to young and old Scouters throughout his life. 

Music was an important part of Rick’s childhood, which continued throughout his entire life. He participated in Tuba Christmas for more than 30 years and enjoyed playing with the Snake River Community Orchestra and the Snake River High School Pep Band when they needed a fill-in tuba player. Rick was the piano player for the 50s-era musical group, the Bleach Boys, and enjoyed the friendships and memories made during those years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Randy, Russell, Shawna, Kevin and Karen; father-in-law and mother-in-law Hugh and Marie Baldwin; brothers-in-law Abe, Van and Tim Baldwin and Byron Williams; and sister-in-law Sally Baldwin.

Rick is survived by his sweetheart, Jane; son Ryan (No’el) Tew of Blackfoot; daughters Natalie (Spencer) Styer and Callie Beidler, both of Draper, Utah, and Emily (Jeff) Harding of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 13 grandchildren; sisters Sylvia (Mike) Poague and Sydney (Terry) Brog; sisters-in-law Carrie Tew and Patty Barlow; Jane’s siblings Karen Williams, Carolina Baldwin, Nick (Susan) Baldwin and Sue (Brett) Manwaring; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at the Moreland LDS Church, with a viewing Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawker Funeral Home and also Wednesday morning for one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Interment will be in the Moreland Cemetery.

The family expresses deep appreciation to Rick’s wonderful healthcare providers, especially Mission Home Health & Hospice, for the service they provided during the later stages of his illness.