Tad Shawn Mutum

Tad Mutum of Bellevue, Idaho, passed away from complications of an illness on May 21, 2024, with family and loved ones close by his side.

This is unfortunately the second obituary that I've struggled to write in less than a year. The first almost a year ago being my Momma, Kris, the love of Tad's life. I want to do justice to the kind of man he was, but struggle to find the words. I know in my heart that he is happy and content with his new life with my Momma, Kris, in heaven.

Tad was born and raised in Wieppe, Idaho, by his grandparents, James and Lavelle Snyder, who he loved dearly. Tad was a kind, gentle soul that would tell you exactly how it was, but make you feel loved and accepted at the same time. He was the kind of man who would bring my mom home little presents every day, to the point that my mom would have to tell him to stop because there was no more room in their cozy little home. He was the kind of man who somehow found the time and way, being paralyzed to buy me a beautiful pendant for my Mom's ashes. He was always thinking of others.

Tad loved his little dog, Petey, who was a Jack Russell. He and Petey would go to work everyday together at Cemetery in Bellevue, where Petey would run and play while Tad worked. He and Petey went everywhere together. He was his little side kick. These were some of Tad's favorite memories of his little Petey. I love to think that he and Tad are up there playing an endless game of ball in a beautiful field.

Tad always seemed to know a little bit about everything. It was crazy how you could mention something and get the complete history on the item or subject. He loved to share his knowledge with his grandkids. He adored his grandkids and great grandkids, and loved spending time with them tinkering with tools, playing video games, walking the river, and teaching them how to drive. He loved taking the kids for 4-wheeler rides and picnics, discovering new places to go and new adventures. The grandkids always looked forward to the summers and spending time with their Papa Tad. He loved sharing new food combinations with them too, like Twinkies and squirt cheese, he loved his weird snacks! They will miss him dearly.

Tad was in an accident about a year and a half ago in Twin Falls while waiting for Mom to have her chemo, (he was on a Taco run), that left him paralyzed from the waist down. We moved he and Mom here to Idaho Falls after Mom's fight with cancer was done so they could live out her final days together. Tad stayed on at Cascadia/Tetonia Care Center here in Idaho Falls after Mom's passing where he made the most beautiful friends. He touched everyone's hearts that he got to know like Kelly “that rhymes with smelly,” (that was their little joke)...probably his favorite activities leader all around, haha. They had worm painting activities and so much more FUN stuff! It was always a good laugh to hear what they were doing week to week! He adored his roommate, Houston, that he loved to play Playstation with, eat pizza and drink soda. All the wonderful nurses that took care of him on a daily basis, that he would greet and ask how their day was going as we would travel down the hallways. Always telling me little stories about each one of them because all of them were his dear friends and he cared about their lives and struggles. I know he was deeply loved and admired by all.

Tad worked in construction most of his life. He had the pleasure of working for his best friend and boss, Scott, and his son, Colby, for about the last 20 years.  Scott and Colby were his dear friends that took care of him at times and kicked him in the rear at others times. We all need friends like that. I have enormous respect and gratitude for Scott and his family for supporting all of us through this most difficult time. Thank you for being there for all of us and being a great friend to Tad. Tad always said “those are good people, you don't find many like that anymore these days!” He had a very special place in his heart for Colby. Tad always talked about how he loved teaching and mentoring him and what a good kid he was.

Thank you to all of Tad's wonderful friends like Wayne who helped take care of my Mom, Kris, after Tad's accident. Wayne was always willing to pick up her groceries and prescriptions whenever needed and take her to her doctor appointments. And the neighbor across the street (I'm sorry I can't remember his name) would shovel her walk and take her garbage out. And Scott always checking up on Mom and making sure she had everything she needed. Whatever she needed they were all there to help. I hope you know how much this meant to Tad. Thank you all so much.

This last year has been terribly hard for Tad without my Mom and facing his decreasing health. May he rest in peace and enjoy his second chance at a new life in heaven. He will be deeply missed and loved by all of us.

He leaves behind his daughter, Sasha Mutum; step-daughter, Jenni Webster; grandchildren, Katelyn, Sage, Remy, Jagger, Krisha, Randee, Kirk, Devan, Markus, and M'Kayla; great grandchildren, Rohan, Knoxx, Aero, Archie, Zayne, Arayah, Haizlee, and Johana.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kris Mutum, and his grandparents, James and Lavelle Snyder.

Tad did not wish to have services. His wish was to be cremated and for us to celebrate his life in our own ways.