Birth date: Jan 20, 1939 Death date: Jun 3, 2006
Born January 20, 1939, passed away June 3, 2006 in Lakewood, WA after a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer. Tom cherished his family and friends and was a friend to all and a mentor to many.Tom is survived by his belove Read Obituary
We were all good friends - a long time ago.##imported-begin##Virginia (Sneed) Crawford##imported-end##
I've known you since we were 5 when I sat behind you in Mrs. Gerla's 1st grade class. You were my first friend there. As kids, we did it all together, growing up at the lake, fishing, hunting, sports, cars, marriage, having kids...We were best buddies, almost like brothers and it's extremely hard to say goodbye.
You lived your life well being blessed with a huge heart and a kind generosity to all you touched. No challenge was ever too much for you...the consumate entrepreneur who turned every venture into a success and did it all with style and humor.
It's been over two years since that great fishing trip we shared with Dick Roberts at his place in New Mexico...Swapping life experiences and war stories...My sides ached from laughing but it was a good ache. I'll cherish that time since it was that last time I saw you.
So now ol' Buddy it's time to say "Goodbye" for a while...I know you fought the good fight but God had other plans for you. You leave a huge void that can only be partially filled with the thousands of memories of good times we shared. You said it best yourself when we last talked… “IÂ’ve had a good run with good friends, great family and good timesÂâ€. That you did - And we are all richer to have experienced it with you. Go in peace Man.
Dick Perkins##imported-begin##Richard Perkins##imported-end##
Dear Charlene, although I have never met you I have heard nice things about you from others. I have known Tommy for about 60 years. His Dad was one of my teachers. His Dad would take candy from me in class and pass it on to Tom and Don. As if that wasn't bad enough it got so Tom would tell me he liked milk duds the best and to please donate morre of them. What a kid. I am so happy to hear all the wonderful things he has done with his life. I am happy to make a donation in his name to the animal rescue in Yelm. My best to you. Donna Hatfield Ross. Class of "55"##imported-begin##Donna Hatfield Ross##imported-end##
NULL##imported-begin##Jerry and Dana Gasaway; Lieurance##imported-end##
Dearest Charlene:
I so appreciate being able to spend time with Tommy the past couple of weeks. He was everything the writers before me say he was, right to the end. He never lost his sense of humor, his concern for others, his smile, or the sparkle in his eyes. He was truly an inspiration!
You have so many wonderful memories of your years together and I know they will help as time goes on. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Donna##imported-begin##Donna Crabbe##imported-end##
NULL##imported-begin##Tweedy Family##imported-end##
We are all going to miss the fun times with Tom##imported-begin##Art Hudtloff##imported-end##
My Dear Charlene,
Like your family and friends, I am so sorry for the loss of your Tom. I loved being part of the courtship, engagement and marriage. You radiated your happiness and contentment with Tom in your life.
I remember having to change all the records at the college to reflect your new name - I mean like immediately!! What a special relationship. You were so lucky to have found each other, may this bring you peace in the future.
I am sorry I have to miss being with you on Thursday but know you will be with me in my thoughts and in my heart. Joan##imported-begin##Joan Wiggins##imported-end##
Tommy was like the older brother to all of us. He always had an answer for everything and seldom would think of burdening us with his own problems. I will never forget his generous smile, great sense of humor, and big hugs, whenever I returned to Lakewood.
One of the most unforgettable people I have had the pleasure to be around.##imported-begin##John Karnos##imported-end##
I've known Tommy for many years. He was a caring gentle man with a big heart. I pray for you, Charlene, that these difficult days ahead will pass and a part of your heart will heal. I wonder if it would help any to know that Tommy & George were together like ole times?
God Bless, Gail##imported-begin##Gail Kieffer##imported-end##
