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Donald Gordon Tock

1939 - 2015

Donald Gordon Tock obituary, 1939-2015, Seattle, WA

Donald Tock Obituary

Donald Gordon Tock

Donald Gordon Tock passed away on Feb 19, 2015 from complications of leukemia.

Don was born on November 30, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN to Gordon and Mermon Tock. He graduated from the University of MN in 1962 and later received A Master's Degree from USC and a PhD from Purdue University. As an undergraduate, Don joined the ROTC Air Force and left for active duty following graduation, serving for 19 years and eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his service he and his young family lived all over the US and spent eight years in Europe, travelling to many countries in Europe and North Africa. The family returned home in 1985 and settled in Seattle. Following his service, Don worked at Boeing, Mitre Corporation, and Napma (NATO) until his retirement in 2003. Don and Paquita, his wife and partner of 27 years, resided in Tacoma, WA and, besides spending time with family, travelled extensively, visiting Thailand, China, South America, Africa, and Antarctica.

Don will be remembered for his boundless enthusiasm for life and an enduring curiosity about the world and everything and everyone in it. He enjoyed a good debate, but always respected differing viewpoints and never let things get personal. Although he was known to be frugal, he was generous with his love for his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren. A cheerful, gregarious and charming man, Don's appreciation for his friends and the best that life had to offer meant that he often found himself the life of the party. This talent should serve him well in the afterlife.

Don is survived by his wife, Paquita Calva; sons Warren (Lauri) of Seattle and Theron (Kalee) of Mountain View, CA; grandchildren Eli, Nina, Ezra, Ryan, and Willow; siblings Gary Tock of St Louis Park, MN and Joan Wright of Chanhassen, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends from all over the world.

Remembrances may be sent to the Salvation Army, 1110 S. Puget Sound Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405-2253 or via their website www.salvationarmyusa.org

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

Published by The Seattle Times from Mar. 1 to Mar. 3, 2015.

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March 27, 2015

Don was once of the most sincere individuals I have ever met. He touched my life for over 30 years. I will miss him terribly. Deepest sympathy to Paquita and his Family.
Colleen Kruchem

Gordon Parkhill

March 9, 2015

I had the priviledge of working with, and being a friend of, Don both at Boeing and when we both worked in Europe with NATO. A rare guy full of life and good humor. He and his smile will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to Paquita and Don's entire family. Gordy and Anita

Keith Baker

March 8, 2015

It was an honor and privilege to know and work with Don during our years serving in the NATO On-Site Team at Boeing. Our condolences for you loss.

Keith and Lonnie

Lisa

March 3, 2015

Dearest Paquita, my heart aches. We followed in your footsteps this weekend. I knew Don was there. It truly is the gift your give your beloved. Love to you always.

Lisa

March 3, 2015

My condolences to the family. May you find much comfort in God's word at Matt. 5:4

March 2, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Don while he was at Boeing and at MITRE...always enthusiastic/passionate about his work and topics, consistently upbeat, and btw what a great host when I had a work trip to Netherlands (fond memories of a castle/restaurant in Maastricht to this day). Anyway, a great person to know and work with! I am sad that the world has lost such a fine spirit, and am sending my very sincere condolences to Don's family...

Steve Boheim

Dean Dubofksly

March 2, 2015

I worked with Don when he was at at MITRE. Great guy who always had a positive attitude

David Sparks

March 1, 2015

I knew Don from working with him when I was at Boeing and he was with NAPMA. He was always wonderful to talk with and will be missed.

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