Thomas Simon Galbraith's Obituary
Thomas Simon GalbraithThomas Simon Galbraith, a 5th generation Pierce County resident, was Born on October 19, 1943 in Oceanside, CA. to Margaret Corbett and Thomas Galbraith (deceased). He died on March 3, 2003 at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood, WA. Tom grew up in Lakewood, graduated with honors from Clover Park High School and earned a competitive appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduation, he entered Naval Flight School at Pensacola, FL and flew in C-130's in Vietnam, P-2 search & rescue in Adak, Alaska, and P-3's at Whidby Island, WA. He finished active duty as a flight instructor at Corpus Christi. He joined a reserve patrol squadron at Whidby, retiring in 1989. Tom began his banking career with Puget Sound Bank in 1970. He joined Governor Dixy Ray's staff as Assistant Chief of Staff/Special Assistant from 1978 - 1981. Elected a Freeholder in 1980, he helped draft the new charter for Pierce County receiving a Municipal League "Outstanding CitizenÂ" award in 1981. In 1982 he ran for the new position of County Assessor-Treasurer. He then helped start FirsT Security Bank in Lakewood as a Vice-President. In 1984, he returned to state service in what is now the Department of Financial Institutions, as a senior analyst and trainer. He also acted as Asst. Director, Administration for the WA Military Dept.at Camp Murray from 1990- 1996 where he enjoyed working with "military guys." Past offices included Director, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce;Trustee, Lakewood Library, NRA member, and American Philatelic Association. He crafted many beautiful gun stocks and knives and looked forward to elk-hunting each season. Tom enjoyed a reputation as a Master Stamp collector of North American issues, for which he created extensively researched albums. His favorite spot was the family cabin on Johnson's Point where he spent many happy hours "projecting", boating and feeding campfires. Tom is survived by his wife of 20 years, Judith, sons Matthew of Bellingham, and John (Shelley) of Rainier, his mother, Margaret, Tacoma, brothers Robert (Jan) of Simpsonville, S.C., and David (Sally) of Tucson, AZ. Also step-sons, Christopher Hubert(Judy), Guy Hubert(Dana), & Dean Hubert of Tacoma, Blair Hubert of Maui, HI, and step-daughter, Angela (Ray) Keating of Glen Carbon, IL. Also very dear friends, John Lindstrom and Laura Urlin, and Col. Robert & Gwin Gideon and ten grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by co-workers and friends who valued his intellect, problem-solving skills and zest for life, good cigars and creative cooking. It took a terrible cancer demon to finish off a life well-spent. Memorial service to celebrate Tom's life at Mountain View Chapel on Thursday, March 6 at 11am. Donations to the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation or St. JudeÂ's Children Hospital. Fly High, Tom.
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?