Thomas Wayne Bowhay

Thomas Wayne BOWHAY Thomas Wayne Bowhay, age 55, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 28th, 2011 at his home in Woodinville, Washington after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in June of 2009, and the courageous battle that followed. He was born the middle of five sons to Ronald and Winona Bowhay on December 10th 1955, in Bellingham, Washington. Tom and his brothers enjoyed an adventurous childhood, quickly learning the value of hard work and an appreciation for the outdoors while roaming the family's 40-acre property, working aboard their father's commercial fishing boat in Alaska over the summer, and logging North Cascade forests in the fall. Throughout his life he remained an avid outdoorsman, camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends. Tom attended Mount Baker High School, graduating in 1974. He played defensive end in football, competed in the pole vault and courted the love of his life, Janet Elaine Hoffman. In 1976, the two high school sweethearts were married in Bellingham, Washington and spent the next 35 years by each-others side. Tom was a perpetual entrepreneur, a tireless worker, an exceptional leader, a dedicated husband and father, a loyal friend, a doting uncle, and a loving son and brother who engaged the world in a constant state of amazement and wonder. He accomplished a great deal in his life but always seemed to derive more happiness and satisfaction sharing his good fortune with those around him. If Tom was enjoying something, chances were that those he loved were enjoying it with him. Tom's desire to see those around him happy inspired him to give a great deal of his heart to ensure it. He and Janet have always enjoyed a full house and frequently opened their doors to friends and family members needing a place to stay while attending college, starting a new job or just trying to figure out their next move in life. Tom began his own painting company before graduating from high school. At the age of 19, with years of experience fishing with his father and brothers, he moved to Alaska to captain a commercial fishing vessel. Not long after he became part owner of his own boat, "The Moondance", which Tom captained through several profitable, yet dangerous king crab, herring and salmon seasons in Kodiak, Alaska. After the birth of his two sons, Tom realized that it was time to find a safer career that was closer to home. Not long after a short term position at a Seattle-based seafood brokerage, Tom along with his eldest brother and a good friend, started their own seafood company, Odyssey Enterprises, in Ballard, Washington. True to its name, Odyssey took him to nearly every continent on the globe in search of opportunity. The company's long journey began as one man on the floor of an empty office, and continues as a respected company of 200 + employees. Tom was forced into early retirement in 1997 due to a crippling spinal cord injury suffered while skiing with his sons in 1996. His injury left him bed-ridden for more than a year, caused him constant pain, and required that he use a scooter for the majority of his remaining years. Despite this, Tom remained upbeat and continued to live life with a zeal that many without such a predicament would admire. Tom always had a knack for juggling several endeavors at a time and these projects helped him stay busy after retirement. He became an astute follower of the stock market, invested in real estate, continued to see the world including an African Safari and began new hobbies including wood carving, wine collecting, as well as furniture and porcelain repair. He also became a partner in an antique business with his wife and parents. The four of them travelled all across the country searching for hidden treasures at swap-meats and estate sales while enjoying each-others company. By sheer will and dedication to his rehabilitation, Tom was able to overcome his disability after many years, though he was never again able walk without some discomfort. Through it all, Tom never complained and made the most of every moment. Tom is preceded in death by his grandparents Victor and Grace Bowhay, Raymond and Orma Hammer, his father and mother in-law Everett and Mary Jane Hoffman, and his Nephew James Sanderson. He is no doubt happy to see them again. Tom is survived by his wife Janet; his son Adam along with wife Allison; his son Justin along with fiancée Amy Horsman; his granddaughter Sofia; his parents Ronald and Winona Bowhay; his brothers Ken, Dan along with wife Heather, David along with wife Sherry, and Steve along with wife Cindy; his brothers in-law Robert Hoffman, Ray Hoffman along with wife Patricia; his sisters in-law Linda Headlee along with husband Jack, Carol Sanderson along with husband Jerry, and Margaret Bruner; his nieces and nephews JenniferAh-nee, Spencer Bowhay, Jacob Headlee, Amy Bowhay, Alyssa Bowhay, Lindsey Hoffman, Nick Hoffman, Kinsey Moses, Bristol and Brielle Hoffman, Alex Bruner, Hilleary Bruner, Brandon Bowhay, Christopher Bowhay, Nicholas Bowhay, Sean Smith, Zack Bowhay, Melissa Bowhay, Dawson Bowhay, Laci Bowhay, Wesley Bowhay as well as countless friends and others whose lives he touched. A service celebrating Tom's life will be held Sunday, April 3rd at 3:00 pm at Moles Family Funeral Home Bayview Chapel in Bellingham, Washington 2465 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA, 98229. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Evergreen Chapter of the ALS Foundation at www.alsa-ec.org. You may share your thoughts and memories of Tom in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com. Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel, Bellingham.