Thomas Matthew McDonald's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Matthew McDonald, born in Seattle, WA to Lois and Matt McDonald on March 30, 1948, died on May 9, 2022 in Tacoma.
Raised in Rainier Valley where he played baseball, basketball and football across from his childhood home until it was dark each evening, Tom graduated from Franklin High School and served in the US Army for the Big Red One in Vietnam for three years as a door gunner. Until his death, in any public place Tom insisted on sitting in the “action seat” and would shoo anyone else from the seat facing the exits, ever on alert.
Having spent over 40 years working as a finance and insurance manager for nearly every car dealership on the I-5 corridor, Tom developed a reputation as fair and ethical in an industry where those traits were uncommon, earning him the trust and loyalty of customers and employers alike. He financed cars for local celebrities like Gary Larson and Sir Mix-a-Lot among many others.
Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margy McDonald (Margaret Meggett), daughter Kelly McDonald, granddaughter Maya McDonald, and granddog Chalupa who still wants to know “where’s Papa?” Tom was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Karen McDonald in 2002.
Known for wise-cracking, a penchant for bad puns, and a proclivity to fall through inanimate objects, Tom made us laugh as he scarred up his shins, fell into Commencement Bay fully dressed in a suit, and walked straight through a sliding glass door unscathed.
Right now, he is likely surrounded by the family dogs (Arnie, Rosie, Daisy, Holly, Ruby, Paco, Opie, Zoe, and Bea) sitting at his feet, some of whom are sipping drinks of beer he dribbles on the patio as he raises a glass with Don and Karen.
A funeral mass and celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 25th beginning at 10 am at St. Matthews Episcopal Church at 6800 East Side Dr NE, Tacoma, WA 98422. The celebration of life will begin around 12 pm – if you do not wish to attend the funeral, please join the party and send Tom off with a drink.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society (because Tom thought most dogs are kinder than people), the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (Tom’s church), or your local Planned Parenthood (because Tom was a feminist). Tom will be missed greatly, and your stories of his antics are welcome. Please bring your funny remembrances to his celebration of life, or email them to Tom’s daughter, Kelly so she can share them
that day.
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