Outboard Hydro Driver Tom Pringle Passes

SPOKANE VALLEY — A notable name in local outboard hydroplane racing, Tom Pringle, was remembered by friends and family in a Dec. 13 memorial service. Pringle passed away Nov. 16 at age 78 following a battle with cancer.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Tom competed in outboard hydroplane racing alongside his brothers Ronnie and Randy. He was a competitive and successful racer and a long-time member of the State Line Outboard Racing Association.

According to an obituary, Tom was born February 19, 1947 in Spokane WA. He was raised in Stateline, ID next to the family business-the First and Last Chance bar and restaurant. He graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and went on to an over 40-year career with EZ Loader Boat Trailers. Tom was a devoted father with a quick wit and never hesitated to speak his mind.

The Pringle boys had a penchant for fast cars and boats. Tom loved to hear the sound of a high-horsepower engine-especially the one in his Ford Lightning pickup truck. He was very mechanical and enjoyed the challenge of repairing discarded items, whether it be an old chainsaw or a four-wheeler he found at one of the hundreds of yard sales he visited over the years. He appreciated the unique “treasures” he would find at these sales and would often purchase an item just because he thought it would be an interesting conversation piece to share with friends and families.

Tom loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his father-in-law Wilbur Mead who he greatly admired. They spent many years hunting deer and elk and fishing for salmon and steelhead. One of Tom’s passions in retirement was traveling to Montana to shoot gophers, usually with a dog and four-wheeler in tow. He was a crack shot and enjoyed providing this “service” to local ranchers.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Sean); granddaughters: Emily (Scott), Allyson (Chris); great-grandchildren: Declan and Ezra; sister Nancy Bishop; sister-in-law Donna Pringle; former wife: Susie Williams; numerous nieces, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Eugene and Delores Pringle, brothers: Dick, Ronnie, and Randy; and niece Debbie Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.