Thomas H. Sobottka's Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Herbert Sobottka was born in Seattle, Washington on June 21, 1939. He passed away October 1, 2018 in Tacoma, WA at the age of 79.
Tom graduated from Franklin High School. He earned his B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in German, from University of Puget Sound and his Masters of Education from University of Washington. He was a Beta Theta Pi fraternity brother. Tom served in the United States Air Force in Majorca, Spain as a radar officer and navigator in the RF-4 Phantom and C141 Airlifter aircraft. After leaving active duty, he served in the USAF Reserves, and was a liaison recruiter for the USAF Academy. During most of his professional career he worked in college administration at several Washington State community colleges, including Pierce College (Fort Steilacoom), Centralia College, and he retired from Grays Harbor College. Tom was the second president of the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of TwinStar (Twin County) Credit Union. He was active at Little Church on the Prairie and was a Stephen Minister.
Tom enjoyed fly fishing many rivers and lakes including the north fork of the Cispus River, Chimacum Creek, and Lake Wannacut. He spent much of his time around the waters of Anderson Island, Hood Canal, and the Pacific Coast. He loved listening to Husky football on his transistor radio. Tom was a hydroplane fanatic; his favorite boat was Slo-Mo-Shun IV. He also enjoyed Sunbeam Alpine and Tiger roadsters, jet fighters of the world, and a well-prepared lemon meringue pie…and whistling.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Mona Sobottka. Tom is survived by ex-wife and dear friend Judy Sobottka and their children, Jason (Jane) and Brandon (Brandy). He is blessed with three grandchildren, Courtney, Alaric, and Hazel. He is also survived by his brother, Hugh (Joan) and their children, Anne (Guy) Auld, Cathy, and Mary. His family is grateful to Santo Nino and Browns Point Adult Family Homes for their years of love, dignity, and care for Tom.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., at Little Church on the Prairie, 6310 Motor Ave. SW, Lakewood, WA. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that everyone visit their loved ones, especially those requiring 24-hour care, frequently and enthusiastically. As Tom was fond of saying, “Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are!”
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