Richard M. “Rick” Tew

Richard M. “Rick” Tew, age 70, of Blackfoot, ID, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at his home in Moreland, following a 6-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Rick was born on October 7, 1954, in Lovell, Wyoming to Don & 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 1973-1975. 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 1981-1992. 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

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 over 30 years, enjoyed playing with 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 50’s-era musical group, the Bleach Boys, and enjoyed the friendships and memories made during those years.

Rick is survived by his sweetheart, Jane, a son, Ryan (No’el) Tew of Blackfoot, three daughters, Natalie (Spencer) Styer and Callie Beidler, both of Draper, Utah, Emily (Jeff) Harding, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and 13 grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Sylvia (Mike) Poague, Sydney (Terry) Brog, and sisters-in-law, Carrie Tew and Patty Barlow. Additional survivors include Jane’s siblings Karen Williams, Carolina Baldwin, Nick (Susan) Baldwin, Sue (Brett) Manwaring, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Randy, Russell, Shawna, Kevin, and Karen, father & mother in-law Hugh and Marie Baldwin, brothers-in-law Abe, Van, and Tim Baldwin, Byron Williams, and sister-in-law Sally Baldwin.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 11:00 a.m. at the Moreland LDS Church. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm 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.