Thomas Allan FACKENTHALL

1938 - 2016

FACKENTHALL, Thomas Allan

Was born on October 21, 1938, in Spokane, WA, to Allan Fackenthall and Frances DeVoe Fackenthall. Tom died peacefully on June 1, 2016, at the age of 77, at his home in Seattle, WA, with his loved ones nearby.
Tom attended elementary school at Nine Mile Falls, St. Francis Assisi in Spokane and Deer Park Elementary, graduating from Deer Park High School in 1956. He received a bachelor's degree in Physics from Gonzaga University in 1960. After a few years as a Jesuit novice, he left and continued his studies at Seattle University earning a masters' degrees in mathematics and philosophy. Tom's career in education in the Seattle area spanned nearly 40 years. He was a favorite educator to school children of all ages. His inquiring spirit made him a leader in the field of technology, and in the early 70's, Tom was featured in Time magazine as a pioneer in the implementation of computers in the classroom.
After retirement, when Tom wasn't experimenting with boat building, gardening or hydroponics, he would escape to a nearby body of water where he canoed, kayaked, crabbed, and fished. He and Gina enjoyed traveling to many countries. Tom inspired his cousins to start compiling the family histories. From his childhood through adulthood, Tom's religious faith was central. Always grounded in his beliefs and values, he lived as a peaceful, kind, and gentle man.
Tom is survived by his beloved partner of 24 years, Gina Hamilton; his three children, Aleph (Joy) Fackenthall, Melaina Chambers, and Eratosthenes Fackenthall; his grandchildren, Zaid, Zia, Zac, and Zella Fackenthall, Candace and Danielle Chambers; his siblings, Dick (Starr) Fackenthall, Mallene (Johannes) Herzog, Patricia (Larry) Annis, and Terese (Robert) Schrom; the mother of his children, Ann Koch; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 26th, 2016, at 5:30pm at St. Mary Presentation Catholic Church, 602 E. 6th, Deer Park WA.