Thomas L Harper Sr's Obituary
Thomas L. Harper Sr., 73, of Auburn, passed away on June 18th at Tacoma General with family nearby.
Tom was born in Tacoma, WA. The son of Edgar and Helen Harper, who both proceeded him in death. He was raised in Tacoma, having many wild adventures with his eight other siblings. He worked at Weyerhaeuser and, after marrying Marie Nelson in 1981, he worked at Fred Tebb and Sons, and ultimately Boeing. Retiring from Boeing in the early 2000s.
Tom and Marie lived in South Prairie, moving to Auburn in 1986. His proudest moments were becoming a dad to two sons, Thomas L. Harper Jr. (82) and Gary Harper (85). He loved taking them fishing, coaching their baseball teams and talking anything outdoors.
Tom was always active. He was a top ranked roller skater in Tacoma, doing many shows in the 70s. He and Gary did the STP bike ride. He did many walks including the 3 day breast cancer walk and MS walks. You could find Tom steelhead fishing on the banks of the Puyallup or Green River with his fish bell and thermos of coffee. Or on a dock trout fishing with his brother. Playing tennis at Boeing tennis club. Or hunting deer and turkey in Eastern WA.
To honor dad, take a day to go fishing, eat some sweets, drink a Pepsi and love your family totally unconditionally.
His wife, Marie, passed March 2021. He is survived by his two boys, Tom and Gary. His daughter in laws Ashli and Heidi. His three granddaughters Haleigh, Elli and Maddie. His brothers Jack and Bill, his sister Karen and many other family and friends. We will miss you dad.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?
