Thomas Gage Valentine, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, family man and friend passed away on April 14, 2011.

He was born October 1, 1935 in Mount Vernon, WA to Thomas G. and Violet (Hanstad) Valentine.

Tom grew up in Skykomish, Monroe and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1953. He then attended Skagit Valley College on a basketball scholarship. Tom enlisted in the US Navy in 1954.

Tom was married to Joanne Williamson on May 12, 1961 in Mount Vernon and they would have celebrated 50 years together this May.

He retired after 22 years in the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Tom was a long-time resident of Skagit County having settled in Burlington after retiring from the Navy in 1974. After his military career ended, Tom worked for a short time for the Mount Vernon School District, the Boeing Co., and also owned Jerry's Grocery in south Mount Vernon for 12 years.

In addition to being a loving family man; Tom was fiercely loyal and swelled with pride when speaking of his service to his country and those dear friends with whom he served.

Tom had a great love and deep respect for the outdoors, and enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends. His loss will be shared by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joanne; his daughters, Susan (Henry) Robicheau; Jeanne (Gary) Petershagen; Lynn (Doug) DenAdel; Michele (Erik) Hansen; and Cheryl Valentine; his sisters Helen (Frank) Etter, Rita (Jim) Burke; his brother, Jim (Marilyn) Valentine; and his grandchildren: Stephanie and Evan Robicheau; Christopher and Megan Petershagen; Alan and Hillary DenAdel; and Erika, Trevor and Makenna Hansen; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G. and Violet (Hanstad) Valentine; and his grandson, Justin Steele Robicheau.

Viewing will be held Friday, April 22, 2011 10:00am until 5:00pm and Saturday , April 23, 2011 10:00am until 11:00am at Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.

Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be Saturday, April 23, 2011, 11:00am at Hawthorne Memorial Park. The Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon with Pastor Kevin Forquer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Burlington Volunteer Firefighter's Association at 350 Sharon Avenue, Burlington, WA 98233 or Skagit Adult Day Care at 116 N. Skagit Street, Burlington, WA 98233 or to a favorite charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Apr. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS VALENTINE

14 Entries

Jeanne Petershagen

May 12, 2011

Just thinking about you Dad.

Terri Bookey (Anderson)

April 27, 2011

To the Valentine Family,

May the lifetime of memories bring you comfort in the days to come. I will long remember Tom's sense of humor, his love of family, and his patience when all of his girls and their friends descended on his house. I have many wonderful memories of times at the Valentine house. Wishing each of you strength, comfort and peace.

April 22, 2011

Joanne and Girls
A better Shipmate I have never had, Tom was true mentor for me. Seems like we were invincible and could do anything in the day. Lorna and I send our sincere and depest condolence. Jim &Lorna Black

Pastor Dick Grinstad

April 21, 2011

Joanne and family,
I was saddened to hear of Tom's death. I always enjoyed my talks with him. I often wished I had known him when he was younger, but I appreciated his sense of humor and wit. It was a priviledge to serve as his pastor for a time.

Pastor Dick Grinstad

April 21, 2011

Joanne and family, I was saddened to hear of Tom's death. I always found him to be a likeable person, and enjoyed my talks with him. I always regretted that I had not known him when he was younger and more vital, but it was a priviledge to serve as his pastor for a time.
Pastor Dick Grinstad

Will Haney

April 21, 2011

R.I.P. Shipmate. What fond memories I have of our friendship and the good times we enjoyed. You were a wonderful friend and a mentor for many. May you have fair winds and following seas.

Jim and Mary Hickman

April 20, 2011

Dear Joanne and girls.
It is with sadness that we learned of Tommy's passing. He would call our house every holiday and say, "Hello neighbor, I just wanted to wish you a happy ____________". Those thoughtful calls will be greatly missed.
Tom had a way of making one feel special and important. May the Lord bless you with His love as you say your goodbyes to your husband and father, until you see him again.
Love, Jim and Mary Hickman

Dick Arp

April 20, 2011

I remember several times many years ago when I spent the nights at Tom's home at Big Lake. He would make the BEST pancakes on the old wood stove in the kitchen. Before we ate the pancakes, we would peel off all the greasy crust around each one and eat that first. Those were the days.

Greg Troyer

April 20, 2011

Shipmate:
Your loyality to our great nation will live on through those of us that served with you. We have many fond memories of our friendship. God bless. Greg (& Darline) Troyer

April 20, 2011

I shall always remember the days when we were young when we rode the horses and bikes. I always had a good time with you and your family when we went swimming and picnicing at the different lakes around the county. You will be missed by all of us cousins. My love for you always. Donna L Buse (Carlson)

Doug Peterson

April 20, 2011

Joanne, I always enjoyed my friendship with Tom, even though it has been many years since I have seen him. He was a very decent, and honest individual. My prayers are with you and your family
(I was your cash register salesman when you had the grocery)

Michele Hansen

April 20, 2011

I have become the person that I am today because of you and for that I'm eternally grateful. You have instilled a strong sense of country in each and everyone one of us, including your grandchildren, you will live on in the memories that you have given us, we miss you so much, but take comfort that you no longer suffer. Until we see you again . . . I love you Dad.

#4

In his younger years.....

Jeanne Petershagen

April 20, 2011

Susan Robicheau

April 20, 2011

Dad,

Your legacy and spirit live on in each one of your daughters.....thank you for all of the life lessons you taught me - I am a better person because of you. I love you - and my tears are a mix of sorrow, joy, respect and admiration......god bless you and keep you.

All my love, #1

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