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##
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##Jerry and Dana Gasaway; Lieurance##imported-end##
NULL##imported-begin##Tweedy Family##imported-end##
My dearest Char,
Please know that all my love and prayers are with you. You know I have the greatest of memories of you and Tom, not only your courtship and eventual marriage and how your love for each other was amazing. But I will never forget the annual Cinco de Mayo parties we would have at my sisters house in Olympia..to this day I tell everyone about those fun and crazy times. You will be in my thoughts tomorrow and the difficult days to come. Love you, Connie##imported-begin##Connie Erickson##imported-end##
Tom and I went to CP together. very much enjoyed his frienship.##imported-begin##Jim and Judy Skinner##imported-end##
I read over what others have written and it really brings back memories, gives new insight and squeezes my heart. I have been best friends with Jane since junior high and so I have been lucky to know Tom for many years. Early on he was a "cool dad" and as we grew up, we all ended up having fun as friends. Boating, golfing and sharing his love of rocks and crystals are just a few of the things we enjoyed with Tom. Whenever he was around - big things were happening. You may not know what is going to happen next, but it was always a blast. If you needed anything - help, advise, money - anything - he was there. Can't believe he won't be around anymore, but he will always be there - in my heart and all the wonderful memories.
Take care Tom - enjoy it up there and say hi to dad.
Love, Molly and Art##imported-begin##Molly McCutcheon##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##
