Tom was raised in Boise, the son of Howard Michael (Mike) Chaloupka M.D. and Grace Howard Chaloupka. Tom had the run of the East End as a child, attending Roosevelt, East Junior High, and Boise High.
He was fortunate to experience one of the highlights of his life early as a river guide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. He started work at Sulphur Creek at the young age of 14 as a ranch hand and wrangler and eventually guided guests. down the river for fishing, hunting and recreation.
His fondest memories were of his good times and life-long friendships made during those Middle Fork years. He worked on the river
until he started his studies at Boise Junior College.
He began his career in the grocery/retail business working for Sundries Centers in Boise. Over the years, he lived in Boise and
McCall where he worked for Paul’s and Shaver’s.
In 1994, he returned to McCall as the store manager for Ridley’s. He was active in the McCall community, serving on the McCall Volunteer Fire Department, enjoying snowmobiling, powder days at Brundage and boating on Payette Lake with friends.
He worked at Zamzow’s in Boise as a manager until his retirement. He became known as “Zamzow Tom” to his loyal customers who
came back for his high level of customer service. Tom’s greatest joy was exceeding his customers’ expectations and providing memorable customer service and bringing his customers back even if it was just to say hello.
Tom never met a stranger and was known for his friendliness and ready smile. He still had a posse of friends going back to grade school, the Middle Fork of the Salmon, and from his work in the grocery/retail business.
Tom is survived by his sisters, Gail Chaloupka and Susan Chaloupka; his children Julie Chaloupka, Tony Chaloupka, Brenna
Chaloupka and Dannyel Chaloupka; his grandchildren Nathan DeRider, Elle DeRider, Kendra Chaloupka, Karli Chaloupka, Alax Ojeda
and Chelcey Huber.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. at Beside Bardenay, 610 W. Grove St. in Boise. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society in honor of Tom’s love for his four-legged creatures.
