Stevensville – On July 24th, 2022, Thomas Lyle Chidwick, Sr., age 90, passed into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tom was born in Covina, CA on July 23rd, 1932. He was the son of the late Aubrey W. and Helen M. (Mickens) Chidwick. At age 6 he was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic but was determined to not let that incurable condition stop him from leading a normal life. Tom graduated from Covina High School with top honors in 1951. After earning his AA from Mt. San Antonio Junior College, he then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Santa Barbara in Economics and Accounting.
After college, Tom put his education to good use, managing and then purchasing the business franchise and property of the Foster’s Old Fashion Freeze located on De La Vina St. in Santa Barbara. While working there, he met Judith Chandler, a young dental hygienist originally from Santa Maria, CA and they fell in love and married in 1963. They raised three children and remained active in the Santa Barbara community for many years.
When not working at his successful business, Tom was very involved in youth sports, coaching his own kids in basketball and baseball as well as umpiring. He also helped start and was the president of the local Pony League Baseball organization for many years.
After 32 years as owner, he sold his restaurant in the late 80’s and pursued two other short careers as facilities supervisors at Westmont College, in Montecito, CA as well as Valle Verde Retirement Home in Santa Barbara before he retired.
After selling his store, Tom also served in various volunteer roles, serving as Awana Commander as well as serving together alongside his dear wife Judy as deacons at Trinity Baptist Church. In 1999 they moved to Nipomo, CA, built a new home, and were very active in serving as deacons at Grace Bible Church in nearby Arroyo Grande.
They dreamed of travelling and exploring during their retirement years. They took memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii and Israel. In the summer of 2007, they made a big decision to move to Stevensville, Montana to be closer to family. Sadly however, Judy passed away from a rare form of cancer only a few months after their move to Montana. Tom remained active at Lone Rock Bible Church in Stevensville until 2021. He was particularly fond of his Tuesday morning “Band of Brothers” Bible study there.
As a Type 1 diabetic who managed to live a full life to the age of 90, Tom was an inspiration for many who are also battling this horrible disease. Tom is survived by his son Tom, Jr. and his wife Karen, his son Andy and his wife Sherry, and his daughter Ruth and her husband Benny, along with his four wonderful grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Children’s Diabetes Foundation – https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/donate
Voice of the Martyrs – https://www.persecution.com/donate
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.