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Thomas KANE Obituary
Born March 20, 1927 in Seattle; died September 15, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Survived by Elsa, his loving wife of 59 years; his children Tim (Janet), Tina Jacobs (John), Matt, Susan Barrett (Kevin), Michael (Ashley); and his grandchildren Andrew, Pia, Juliet, Giancarlo, Tom and Jack who affectionately called him Whitey. Preceded in death by his parents Arthur Kane (Monica Kaufer) and his sister Betti Norton. Tom graduated from Seattle Prep High School and earned a BSCE at St. Martin's University. He enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific Theater in WWII. He was a founding partner and CEO of the civil/structural design firm Andersen, Bjornstad, Kane and Jacobs (ABKJ) where he directed design of structures, bridges and heavy construction works. Tom was project manager of the West Seattle Replacement Bridge which received national and international awards for the innovative design of the low level concrete swing bridge. He was named Engineer of the Year in 1984 by the Consulting Engineers Council of Washington. Tom served as a board member for Great Western Bank and St. Martin's University for many years.
Good night, sweet prince,
and flights of angels
sing thee to thy rest!
Private family Rosary will be held. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 24 at St. Anne's Church, 101 West Lee St. Seattle. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Tom's name to St. Martin's University, Office of the President, 500 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503 or Seattle Preparatory School, 2400 11th East Seattle, 98102.
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas KANE
Jim Sinclair
November 7, 2012
Dear Kane Family, Uncle Tom was one of Seattle's finest; a "Classic" in the truest sense of the word. My heart goes out to you Elsa, and to all my cousins, in your time of sorrow. I can't help but smile though when I think of all the Kanes, Kaufer's & Sinclairs, reunited in the loving arms of Jesus. May God bless you all.
Aaron Easter
October 10, 2012
It was a pleasure to know you Mr. Kane. I saw a gentle and strong leader, someone who was compassionate and led a great family. My condolences to Elsa and the rest of the family.
September 27, 2012
I worked in Mr. Kane's office many years ago. He had so much warmth and cared about other's, he didn't put himself first. I especially loved the holiday time,there was such excitement and anticipation. You could tell how much he and his wonderful family loved each other. There was such warmth and love in this family. Such a special memory for me.
My sincere condolences to all of you,
Mary Webb
Annie Gleason
September 21, 2012
I was honored to grow up across the street from Tom and his family. He and his entire family are such gracious, generous, fun people--they don't make them like that anymore. Rest in Peace Tom, you will missed by so many.
Annie Gleason (and John & Helen Hilton)
Paul Devine
September 21, 2012
I will always remember the style and class of Tom Kane. He and Elsa were great friends of my parents, Joe and Josephine Devine. They were frequent guests at our Capital Hill home and Mr. Kane was always very nice to us as children and then later as adults. When I was 5 or 6 years old he and Elsa attended a dinner party at our home. I did not know who Mr. Kane was at the time. At that same time, Robert Kennedy was in the neighborhood visiting Jim Whittaker. I mistakenly thought that Robert was the US President. When the stately Mr. Kane arrived, I thought he was the President of the United States. He was what I thought the President should look like and the elegant Mrs. Kane could have easily been the First Lady.
When I later asked my father if this was true he said, "He is not, Tom Kane is too smart to be President."
He was a hard working and fun loving man. A hard loss for the whole Seattle community and especially Queen Ann Hill. Mr. Kane lived a rich full life and leaves a wonderful legacy.
May a great Seattleite rest is peace.
michael grow
September 21, 2012
Sailor, rest your oar. Respectfully, Mike Grow
September 21, 2012
Elsa, even though I don't live in the neighborhood I still think of you and your family every time I look over Quinn and Debi's deck. I offer my prayers to you in this time of need. Fondly, Jo Ferguson
Bob Flajole
September 20, 2012
To the family that loved you so much,
Whenever one of us Panthers moves on, we all wish him and his family our heartfelt condolences. Our Blue and White family will miss you, Whitey!
Prep '61
John Sauvage
September 20, 2012
Dear Kane Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just know that he is now without pain and in a better place. He was a great man who will be deeply missed.
Mary Borders
September 20, 2012
Sending love and prayers for Elsa and the family. Tom and Cork are surely reunited today!
Yangchen Dolkar
September 20, 2012
Prayers for you and condolence for your family. May your soul rest in peace. You will be always remembered by the people with ABKJ. From All of us - ABKJ team in India.
September 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Elsa and her children at this time of profound loss. We hope this finds you surrounded by the love and comfort of friends and family.
Sincerely,
Th Ursino Family
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
September 19, 2012
Dear Elsa and Family,
We Sisters sen you our prayerful support at this time when Thomas begins a new life in God's Presence. May you know his loving nearness often.
September 19, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family, Liz Davis
Lisa Call
September 18, 2012
Our loved ones now know a joyful existence - free from all the ailments and strife that once burdened them.
Lisa Call
September 18, 2012
The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God.
Matt has shared many stories with me about his dad. I regret I never had the opportunity to meet him. My prayers continue to be with your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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