Thomas Harold Witcher

1945 - 2014

Soldotna resident Thomas Harold Witcher, 68, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 from lymphoma.
Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Soldotna Church of God. Pastor Alan Humphries will officiate.
Tom, born Nov. 22, 1945 in Long Beach, Calif., graduated from Grant's Pass High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964-68 on the USS Isle Royale. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in automotive technology.
Tom worked as a logger and long haul truck driver in Oregon then moved to Alaska in 1979 to King Salmon as an Airway Transportation Specialist and received multiple certificates and awards from the FAA. He retired in 1997.
Tom was a member of the Soldotna Church of God since 1991. He taught Sunday school and volunteered for maintenance in the church.
Tom had a passion to share Christ. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed snowmachines and motorcycles; was a master McGyver, survivalist, and family man.
His wife said, "He was the most caring, protective husband. He was my rock. He taught his family values, and to survive the harsh perils of Alaskan winters. They called him 'Safety Dad.' He was loved beyond measure."
Shane said, "Dad always put his family's needs above his own and made sure we never went without. Was a Godly man always helping others. He taught me most everything I know, helped me land my first fish, and he put me on my first moose. Hunting during his later years was just a ride in the truck down a gravel road with snacks, drinks, and conversation; but I wouldn't trade those moments for anything."
Todd said, "I know how strong the meaning of the word 'Dad' is. So simple, so powerful, strong. I could never conceive to compete with that."
Joni said, "Dad was simply who loved his family and friends with a pure love that will forever stand the test of time. This extraordinary man in this ordinary world made every day a blessing to those privileged enough to know him."
Tamara said, "My dad was a giant, the strongest toughest man I ever knew, always there for me. Dad was a proud patriot, teaching Shane, me, and our kids to shoot and gun safety of course! My dad always encouraged me to do and be my best, to do it right THE FIRST TIME! I see him in my brother, in my children. The legacy he leaves is massive, and so is the hole."
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Vivian Witcher, and father-in-law, Charles Scroggins.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dian Witcher; daughter, Tamara Quincy; son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Joni Witcher; grandchildren, Carissa, Kasey, and Brookelyn Lingle, Kyliera and Gabriel Quincy, Tyler, Chelsea and Alyssa Witcher; brother and sister-in-law, Virgil and Charlyn Witcher of Grants Pass, Ore.; and nieces, Tiffany Baskett of Salem, Ore. and Chantay Witcher of Beaverton, Ore.
Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai.