Thomas Elder's Obituary
Thomas Ramsey Elder, MD, passed away surrounded by family members at his home in Parkland/Tacoma, Washington on October 13, 2022 at the age of 93. Thomas was born in the small town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, England on June 22, 1929 to Jake Young Elder and Elizabeth Storey Elder (Turnbull).
Dr. Elder completed his undergraduate studies and medical degree at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Apparently he developed an aptitude for medicine at a young age. According to Thomas' sister, Joyce, as a young teenager he “operated” on the family chicken to relieve a digestive obstruction and saved it's life. Food was scarce during World War II, and Thomas rose to the occasion by ensuring a continued supply of eggs for his family!
After graduating from medical school in the early 1950's, Thomas served in the British Army, stationed primarily on the island of Cypress and in Egypt. Perhaps it was there that he developed a lifelong interest in tropical medicine. After completing his military service, Thomas emigrated to Canada and practiced primary care medicine in Victoria, BC. About a year later he decided to specialize in pathology and moved to Flint, Michigan for residency training. Upon completion, Thomas returned to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Tacoma where he practiced pathology at several city hospitals over a career spanning thirty years. Dr. Elder's practice included forensic pathology, back in the days before the county had a full time medical examiner. His meticulous work resulted in a murder conviction decades after the crime was committed, and after Thomas had long since retired. Thomas retired from the pathology group at Tacoma General Hospital, where he spent the majority of his professional career. He certainly cherished the friendships he developed with colleagues and coworkers during his medical career.
Thomas was an avid gardener and landscaper, which he loved doing while accompanied by his children. He also demonstrated skills as an amateur carpenter, doing home renovation projects which included room additions and installing hardwood floors. During Thomas's younger years he learned to ski with his sons, often making day trips to local ski areas during the winter months.
Many of Thomas's relatives resided in the United Kingdom and he had close friends in France, so it was not surprising that he relished international travel. He made regular trips overseas, taking his family to the UK and Europe, with an occasional visit to the Caribbean islands as well. Thomas also developed friendships during travels to the Philippines, where he met his wife, Merlie.
Thomas is predeceased by his parents and his brother, William Elder, and sister, Joyce Ross. He is survived by his dear wife, Merlie, sons James and John, and daughter Jacqueline. Thomas has four sons from his first marriage to Elena Paolella Comfort, who survive him: Stephen (Cathy), Colin (Julie), Charles (Abby), and Paul (Tim). He was proud of his nine grandchildren: Gavin, Jacob, Gianna, Alex, Jack, Emma, Mark, Craig and Sarah. Eight nieces and nephews who reside in England and Scotland also survive him.
Thomas was guided throughout his life by his Catholic faith. We are comforted in the knowledge that he is finally at rest with our Lord and Savior. Funeral services will be held in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Cemetery on November 5th, 2022 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Thomas's parish church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 14601 A Street South, Tacoma, WA.
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