Thomas Henry First Raised Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Thomas Henry First Raised Jr., affectionately known as Shog or Shogee to those who knew and loved him. He passed away surrounded by his children at the age of 70, after battling cancer.

Thomas was born on February 20, 1956, in Poplar, Montana, and was an enrolled member of the Assiniboine Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. He was also part Sioux and leaves behind a legacy of family, laughter, cherished memories, and a spirit that will never be forgotten.

His journey brought him from Montana to Brigham City, Utah, when he was two years old and his parents started working at the Intermountain Indian Schools. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1974; where he played on the baseball team and served as seminary president in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting the role his faith played in his early life. After graduation he met our mom in Logan then the two began their life together and raised their three children in Brigham City. He spent some of his working years at Thiokol, working hard to provide for his family. He later moved to Salt Lake City where he worked at MBCI and eventually made his way to Woods Cross, Utah so that he could be close to family.

Those who knew Thomas knew that he was not one to complain. No matter what life brought his way, he kept a smile on his face and carried on with a sense of humor. He was always smiling, finding ways to make people laugh, and never taking life too seriously. Even through life's challenges, he had a way of keeping things lighthearted. His smile and his easygoing nature were part of what made him who he was. These are the memories we will hold close and the qualities that will forever bring a smile to our faces when we think of our dad.

Above all, Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a father of three and a grandfather of two, and the time he spent with his loved ones created memories that will last a lifetime. He especially treasured going on adventures with his grandchildren, sharing experiences, enjoying their company, and making memories they will carry with them long after his passing. Those adventures and moments together will always hold a special place in our hearts.

In his younger years, Thomas enjoyed playing golf, where he won a few local tournaments and added another piece to the story of a life filled with its own experiences and memories. He lived life in his own way, with humor, a smile, and a reminder not to take everything too seriously.

Although his marriage to our mom ended in divorce, the family he helped create remains an enduring part of his legacy and thankfully our mom and dad remained friends and we were able to spend time together as a family, including taking a big family trip to Island Park/Yellowstone together. His three children and two grandchildren will continue to carry his memory with them, remembering his smile, his jokes, his love of family, and the adventures they shared.

Losing a father is a pain that words can hardly describe. There will be days when his absence feels especially heavy, family gatherings when his laughter is missed, and moments when something reminds us of him and brings a smile through the tears. Those memories are precious reminders that, even though he is no longer physically here, the impact of his life will never disappear. He never complained and would hate for us to complain during this difficult time.

As we say goodbye to our dad and grandpa, we take comfort in remembering the man he was; someone who kept smiling, kept joking, and kept moving forward without making life's hardships the center of his world. His life reminds us to cherish our time with family, laugh whenever we can, and not take life too seriously.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his story will continue through his children, his grandchildren, and the memories of everyone who knew and loved him. He is survived by his three children, Thomas Henry First Raised III, Kory (Cory) Bouwhuis, and Kami First Raised; and his cherished grandchildren, Sadie and Daniel. He is also survived by his former wife, Kimberly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Thomas and Emma Jean; his younger sister, Kathleen; and his niece, Lari Ann, who passed before him.

Rest peacefully, Pops. Thank you for the smiles, the laughter, and the memories that will stay with us forever. We will miss you, your smile, and the way you could make life feel a little lighter. You fought your battle without complaint, and now you can rest. We wish we had more time with you, but we will carry you in our hearts every day.

May your spirit walk in beauty, may you find peace on your journey home, and may your laughter live on through all of us who love you.

Forever our dad. Forever our grandpa. Forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten. Until we meet again, Pops – We love you always.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Monument Health Bountiful for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to our dad– during his final months. We are deeply thankful for the support they gave him and our family during such a difficult time.