HARRY M. TOBIN

1927 - 2008

Harry M. Tobin, 80, of Mount Vernon, Washington, died Thursday, February 28, 2008 at his home, after a brief illness.

He was born on August 7, 1927 in St. Paul, MN to George and Marie (Ruehl) Tobin. Harry attended schools in St. Paul and in 1949 earned a Bachelor's Degree from the College of St. Thomas – now St. Thomas University in St. Paul.

While working in the business field, Harry returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Arts teaching degree from the University of Minnesota.

For fifteen years, Harry was a transportation agent for Northwest Airlines at Minneapolis-St. Paul.

In 1965 Harry moved his family to Mount Vernon where he began his career as a Business Management Instructor at Skagit Valley College. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching until his retirement in 1993. Harry was a pioneer in the work/study program at the college. He worked closely with the local business people to establish 'On the Job' training sites for his students.

With Wally Riggs, Harry developed the "Accura-Touch" system of supermarket cashiering. This system was the forerunner of the current computerized cash register system.
At one time Harry acted as a consultant to the Washington State Department of Occupational Education, developing the basic framework of the statewide Mid-Management Training Program.

Harry also served in the United States Naval Reserve. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and taught high school students in the Religious Education program at Immaculate Conception School. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Mount Vernon and at St. Mary Catholic Church in Anacortes. He was an active supporter of Human Life and St. Vincent de Paul.

Harry married Dolphine Boxleitner on May 1, 1954 in St. Paul. She preceded him in death in 1963.

He married Mary Janette Heisler on June 6, 1964 at St. Peter Church in Richfield, MN.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dolphine; and his older brother, George P. Tobin who was killed in action in 1944 while serving with the United States Army in France.

He is survived by his wife, Jan at the family home in Mount Vernon; daughter, Kathy Tobin of Mount Vernon; son and daughter-in-law, John and Cindy Tobin and their children, Matt and Megan of Mount Vernon; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kathleen Tobin and their daughter, Colleen of Longbranch, WA; sister-in-law, Charlotte Bushnell of Spokane, brother-in-law, Monsignor J. Jerome Boxleitner of Minneapolis, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Anacortes. Rosary will also be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Vu Tran and Father Martin Bourke officiating. A luncheon will be held immediately following the Mass. Interment will follow the luncheon at 3:00 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Cemetery on East Fir Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or to the HUMAN LIFE of Mount Vernon. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA.

To share memories of Harry, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.