HUGH THOMAS WYNN

1926 - 2020

Hugh Thomas "Tom" Wynn was born on November 17, 1926 to parents George and Agnes Wynn in Detroit, Michigan and died at his home surrounded by his loving family on December 29, 2020. He was 94 years old.

Tom spent his youth in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan before his family relocated to Long Beach, California in 1942. At the age of 14, he began his career in the newspaper business as a paper carrier for the Long Beach Press Telegram.

This was followed by an illustrious newspaper career that spanned nearly four decades. During that period of time, Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

In 1956, Tom met a beautiful woman who would prove to be the love of his life, Sylvia Handy. In that same year, they wed and made their home in Santa Monica, California where both of their children were born and raised: son, Kelly Thomas, and daughter, Laura Kathleen.

Upon completion of his Army service, Tom went back to newspapers, working his way up the corporate ladder over the years.

His innate leadership abilities, understanding of human relations, natural charisma, and business acumen quickly propelled him into management positions whereby he was trusted, admired, and respected by all with whom he encountered either professionally or personally.

In 1980, Tom left his position from the Evening Outlook newspaper after spending 23 years as its National Advertising Director.

Following his departure from the Evening Outlook, the Wynn family relocated north to Anacortes, Washington where Tom became the Harbormaster of Cap Sante Marina for five years before his retirement.

Those closest to Tom would say that he was one of the sweetest, most thoughtful, and giving of men. He was a good neighbor, always willing to help others in need; he was a man of service and regularly contributed to his community.

For example, Tom was a volunteer at the Friends of the Library Bookshop at the Anacortes Library for 20 years. He loved learning, contributing, and being with people; the library provided all of these things for him.

In his free-time, Tom enjoyed many hobbies and had a wide variety of unique interests. He loved watching old Western movies and going to the movie theater with his grandchildren; he loved everything about the ocean, collecting seashells and sailing whenever possible; and he enjoyed relaxing at home and listening to his records.

His family and all who knew him would describe him as a true gentleman; loyal, generous, appreciative, strong, disciplined, authentic, a role model, and devoted to his family.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a trusted friend who was dearly loved by many. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

Tom is survived by his wife Sylvia, of 64 years; their children, Kelly and Laura; his younger brother, Robert; his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, and Reilly; his great-grandchildren, Morgan, Jackson, Griffin, Hayden, and Easton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all individually and dearly.

The family will hold a private celebration to honor their beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather.