Thomas Sprague Obituary

Thomas "Tiger" Sprague

Mere moments into August 13, 2019, Thomas Edwin "Tiger" Sprague left the living and joined his dearly departed wife, Beverley Travis Sprague for what would have been their 59th anniversary. Tiger, as he was known since grade school, died due to congestive heart failure at Overlake hospital.

Tom is survived by his beloved brother David (Ann Arness) of Washington DC, and his four children, David, Patrick, Mary (Pearse Edwards), and Ted (Kendra). He adored his grandchildren and they loved their "Tiger" who taught them to roar before they could speak words. His treasured grandkids are Ben (21), Thomas (19), Spencer (18), Kate (17), James (17), Ash (15), Kristina (15), Lizzy (13) and Ruby (13). We're all grateful for the time they had with him. His wife Beverley passed away in 2017.

On February 20, 1933, Tiger was born as the fourth of six children to Severn and Estelle Sprague in depression-era Spokane. He attended Gonzaga elementary and high schools where he excelled in both football and baseball leading him to be recruited by the University of Washington. He was a member of the SAE fraternity and played football for the Huskies with his older brother Dick Sprague. Tiger was a life-long Husky fan, taking his letter blanket to the field for Homecoming every year.

He graduated from UW in 1954, then served in the Army in Korea for two years. The fighting had mostly ended and he served as coach to an in-country Army football team. He returned to the States and entered law school at the UW. After graduating, Tom soon started work at a small law firm where he remained his entire career. Tom and Beverley married in 1960 and moved to Mercer Island in 1966 where they were active members of St. Monica's parish and MICC.

Tom stayed active playing handball at the WAC for decades, even after two heart attacks and a triple bypass in his forties. He loved following the Huskies and playing tennis and golf; he was a long-time member of both Overlake and Snoqualmie Ridge golf clubs. He was a competitive guy who loved to play cards and make them "more interesting" with a well-placed bet. Whether Yahtzee, Boggle, Bridge or Kings Corners-Tiger was in it to win it (and usually did). He loved Maui and Palm Desert and spent many winters in both places after retiring at 58.

Tom placed a high value on friendship and had many close lifelong friends. Having a great nickname himself, he was the master of giving nicknames-coming up with the perfect monikers for his friends, kids, grandkids, and even his kids' friends. A few include Tickity Tock, Teddy Reddy Freddy, the Force, Ash the Smash, the Lefthander, and Lolly among many others (y'all know who you are). Tiger had a great mind and a sly sense of humor. He was a voracious reader with curiosity about people, mythology, and history. In the Irish custom, he found humor in the chaos and absurdity of life.

Suffering from Alzheimer's, Tiger

spent his last few years with a contented, loving demeanor. This was a gift to him and his loved ones as his memory faded. He lived at Evergreen Court for his last three years and made many friends there, sitting at the "guy's table" for each meal. He left us all with wonderful memories of his humor, friendship, and of course, that irrepressible twinkle in his eye.

The Spragues invite friends and family to join us for a memorial at 1:00pm on Saturday,

October 5th, at the Bellevue Christian Reformed Church, 1221 148th Ave. NE.

If you are so moved, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Published by The Seattle Times on Aug. 18, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Sprague

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

a loved one

September 18, 2019

To David, Patrick, Mary & Ted and Tom's Grandchildren:
Cheryl and I are so sorry for your loss. We will be attending a family wedding in California on the day of his Memorial Service and will not be able to attend.
I had the honor of knowing Tom as a friend and law partner since the 1970's. I worked with Tom for many years and besides him being an excellent attorney and well respected by his fellow attorneys, he was also a great mentor to me when I was a young attorney. His friendship and guidance helped make me the attorney I became.
I was able to visit with Tom at the memorial service of his wife, your mother and grandmother and even though Tom had begun to fade, there was still plenty of the old Tiger in him to make it a truly enjoyable visit.
Tom will remain in Cheryl's and my prayers always. All of you are blessed with such a great Father & Grandfather and will be left with many many fond memories of a truly great man.

Patrick & Cheryl Layman

Patrick Layman

Friend

August 26, 2019

To David, Patrick, Mary and Ted:
Cheryl and I will be in California for a Family Wedding on the day of your Father's Memorial Service and will not be able to attend.
Each of you and your children were blessed with a wonderful Father and Grandfather.
I had the pleasure of working with and practicing law with Tom for many years. He was an excellent attorney and a good friend and mentor and my law partner. His guidance helped make me a good attorney and a better person.
Although he had begun to fade when I saw him at your Mother's memorial service, there was still enough of the "Tiger" to make it a truly enjoyable visit.
Your Father and Grandfather will always remain in Cheryl's and my prayers. We all lost a great man with his death.

Patrick & Cheryl Layman

Patrick Layman

August 26, 2019

Pat and family,
I was lucky enough to play 18 with your Dad a few times. Great guy who made me feel at ease during my crazy golf round. Always looked forward to seeing him. Rest well my friend. You've earned it.

Tom Sulock

August 18, 2019

My sincerest condolences. What a beautiful family he helped create.

Lori Hardman

August 18, 2019

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Sprague's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Thomas Sprague

Oct

5

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Bellevue Christian Reformed Church

1221 148th Ave. NE, WA

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Sprague's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more