Tom was born in Portland , Oregon and was raised in Nome , Alaska . He graduated from Nome High School in 1963.

He worked in Alaska as a mechanic and electrician, working at Usibelli Coal Mine. He went back to school at the University of Alaska , Fairbanks receiving a degree in Business/Accounting. He worked for the State of Alaska at the Department of Transportation.

He moved his family to Mount Vernon , WA to take a position as an accountant at Cascades Job Corp in Sedro Woolley. Close to retirement he worked for the Mount Vernon School District as a bus driver and later for Chandler Construction.

Tom was dedicated to his family enjoying gatherings and holidays. He also enjoyed following a firetruck to a fire.

Tom wanted to thank all of the staff at Skagit Valley Hospital ; the palliative care team, physicians, nurses, and CAN's for their kindness, compassion and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations go to Hospice of the Northwest.

The celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Vaux Center  at Bakerview Park on Sunday, February 21st from 11am to 3pm. 3011 East Fir Street, Mount Vernon.