Thomas Crook fought a valiant fight with cancer, Parkinson's, and heart failure until his heart finally gave out. Tom was respected and liked by everyone who knew him. Qualities he possessed "intelligent, capable, hardworking, honest, intrepid, inventive, skilled, woodworker, worldly, family man, fighter, no nonsense, humorous, lover of life, loud, born leader."
Tom was born in Rossland, BC in 1947 but his family lived in Northport, WA. After his father passed away, Tom, his mother Babe, brother Randy, and sister Shary moved to Garfield, WA. He began his college studies at Gonzaga University to continue his journey to the Seminary.
However, Tom decided the celibate life of a priest was not for him, so he transferred to Eastern Washington University where he met Patty, who became his best friend and love of his life, marrying in 1969.
Upon graduation from Eastern, Tom began his distinguished officer career in the US Air Force achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. After 22 years and 14 moves, in 1992, Patty and Tom decided it was time to stop, retire and move back home near family in WA. They chose Camano Island as their new home.
That move was the start of Tom's second life career as a high school teacher at Edmonds Woodway High School and then Burlington-Edison High School.
By this time, Tom's heart issues were limiting his stamina, so after 18 years, he decided to retire for the 2nd time in 2010. He had developed a wander lust with the military life, so he and Patty began fulfilling their travel dreams. "On the Road Again" became Tom's signature song.
With all the places they visited and people they met, there was no greater joy in Tom's life than, Patty, their children Mike and Renee, and their grandchildren Taylor and Casey. They have brought immense pride and great joy to his life.
Memorial service will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.
In memory of Tom, please consider donations in his honor to Parkinson's Foundation, Heart Rhythm Society or Prostate Cancer Foundation.
September 29, 1947 - November 13, 2018

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

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Crook

6 Entries

Jim Jarocki

December 9, 2021

I worked with Tom at Zweibrucken and remember him as a steadfast, solid and professional man. Godspeed.

Rob Blinzler

Planted Trees

MARY LAMBERT

November 24, 2021

Tom was a kind, interesting, intelligent man with a great sense of humor. Pat and I have been very close friends since we were teenagers. Both of us were very happy that our husbands enjoyed each other so much. I am so glad we had some great times together and were able to go to their wonderful 50th Wedding Anniversary two years ago. He was taken to soon and surely will be missed by all who had the honor and pleasure to know him. Love and prayers are being sent to you Pat, Mike, Renee and family.

Kathy Cooley

November 21, 2021

Tom was so large in life; so large in our family that it is very difficult to put feelings into words. He was so capable; so humorous; so vibrant; so unafraid to show emotion to me, and family members. I agree with my sister, Jackie, the best “bear hugger”.

Tom was such an important part of the Mulvaney family it is hard to come to terms that he is gone. I’m not really sure he knew how much he meant to all of us. His boisterous voice and frequent “Ho Ho Ho” will be forever heard in my head.

Beware, Thomas Crook! Kathy will be looking for you one day!

We love you dearly. You will always be in our hearts.

Kathy and Jerry Cooley

Rich & Mary Miller

November 20, 2021

Tom was an amazing person. We know of no one who could keep up with him. He certainly excelled at whatever he did. The only thing that could have slowed him was the horrible health issues he and Pat faced together. He will be missed greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jackie Russell

November 19, 2021

I had nothing but the deepest admiration and love for Tom. He exuded goodness, his soul's light filled a room. There was nothing Tom wouldn't do for his family. He coped with life with humor, very LOUD humor. I've never met a better hugger. Our family will not be the same without Tom. My heart aches.
Rest in peace, Tom.

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