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Tom Nielsen Obituary
Tom Nielsen of Mukilteo, WA passed away peacefully on August 9, 2021. He is survived by JoAnne, his wife of 50 years & son Mike. He graduated from Everett High & Western Washington University. Tom taught in the Edmonds School District for 32 years. He loved grilled salmon, Washington wines, concerts at the Gorge, the Seattle Sonics, traveling & spending time on Whidbey Island. He was an avid car collector, & a member of the Original Colby Cruisers. Tom served as Scholarship Chairman for the Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo. He will remembered for his generosity & kindness by all whose lives he touched. He will be missed.
April 4, 1944 - August 9, 2021To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Nielsen
Bill and Claudia Bowles
August 30, 2021
Tom and I go back to Everett Hi, ECC, and Western. I will miss attending class reunions, car shows, and breakfasts with my old college roomie. We went camping several times as young people, Clayton beach for bonfires, and other college antics. We enjoyed the easy way Tom had about himself. We are better people for having Tom in our lives.
Nancy Becker
August 26, 2021
I worked with Tom at Westgate Elementary. The most kind man. Always a smile for students and staff. He made everything more fun especially Outdoor Camp!
Kris & Mike Hansen
August 22, 2021
JoAnne and family,
The world lost one of the good guys. Tom was such a gentle, kind soul. Our hearts go out to you in your sorrow.
Suzannah Johnson
August 21, 2021
I taught with Tom at Seaview Elementary. As a new teacher, Tom would check in on me each morning to make sure I was okay and see if I needed anything. Staff and students looked forward to Tom leading the annual costume parade as Mike Mulligan with his steam shovel or The Man with the Yellow Hat carrying Curious George. Primary students loved going to library, especially when Tom was performing a puppet show. Older students asked to go the library during recess to see Mr. Nielsen- a place where they felt accepted and valued. A kind, gentle and loving human soul.
You will be missed.
Mitzi Fike
August 19, 2021
Tom was a gentleman in both sense of the word. He was kindly and well mannered. As our librarian at Seaview Elementary for many years, his door was always open for the "Lonely Hearts Club"-those who needed a place to go during recess. He would go to great lengths to make things fun for the kids and adults. He dressed up as Mike Mulligan with his trusty steam shovel, Marianne, or the Man with the Yellow Hat from Curious George-and led a school wide parade. His sense of humor and sense of kindness prevailed in every interaction. If Tom was present at a social event, everything would be ok. I cannot imagine the world without Tom in it. He was a very good human being.
Karen Rautenberg
August 19, 2021
I will never forget how Tom waited for all the female teachers to stop yammering when he "had the floor" at staff meetings. He was always smiling. He would come I to my classroom before I got there and write on my chalkboard "Help me. I´m stuck back here"backwards! We had so much fun at outdoor school together. He made me think being a librarian was cool. He was one cool cat. Such a good man.
Kathy Buzzard
August 16, 2021
JoAnne and Mike, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Tom was such a positive person who always found the good in everything and everyone. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at Seaview Elementary. I will always remember how he would portray book characters, especially Mike Mulligan´s steam shovel! He enjoyed his job as our librarian and the students loved him.
He was a friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
Tony Orthund
August 16, 2021
Tom and I go back to grade school ( Rosehill ), Jr high at (Olypic View ) and Everett High (Class of 62). We grew up in the same neighborhood ( What used to be called Edgewater ) A better friend and conciderate person you would be hard pressed to find. The memories are many and cherished. Although we drifted apart when I moved to E. Wa. we kept in touch often. I would always come over for the "Cruzin to Colby" car show and we would catch up. Tom will be sorely missed by all who knew him. God Bless.
Laura Anderson
August 15, 2021
I had Mr. Nielsen as my Librarian in Elementary school and he taught us Happy Birthday in Spanish. It has something I have always remembered and his love of teaching. I became a teacher myself because of great teachers like him.
Chuck Ridley
August 14, 2021
My condolences to Tom´s wife and son. I truly enjoyed working with Tom at Westgate. One of the kindest people I´ve ever known.
Al & Donna Heys
August 14, 2021
We are shocked by the loss of Tom. Al has wonderful memories of their friendship. JoAnne accept our deep sorrow for your loss. God is with you. Blessings, Al & Donna Heys
Lee A. Woodard
August 13, 2021
My condolences to Tom's family & friends. Tom and I were in the same graduating class at EHS. Although I did not know him in school, (our class numbered in the 700's) I recently became acquainted with him through the "Original Colby Cruisers" as well as the EHS reunions, of which I had a part. He even offered his thoughts on our upcoming 60th reunion next year and seemed to be looking forward to it. He was just a heck of a nice guy who apparently was needed by the good Lord elsewhere. I believe I qualify to call Tom my friend. RIP my friend.
Debbie Boseck Allen
August 13, 2021
My favorite teacher. He taught me 49 years ago at Brier. I am glad I got the chance to attend his retirement party and introduce him to my kids. Lovely man. He will be missed!
Sharon Dreimiller
August 13, 2021
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Tom at Westgate Elementary in Edmonds. He had a wonderful and creative rapport with students and staff. He also gave so much to the community he loved. My sincere condolences to all of Tom's family.
Judy McCoid
August 13, 2021
Tom and I worked together at Seaview Elementary in Edmonds. The students and staff loved Mr. Nielsen and his antics in the library. Always smiling, positive and energetic, Tom was the heart of our school,
Dr. Marci Larsen
August 13, 2021
I will remember Tom as being kind and generous. He so enjoyed handing out Kiwanis scholarships to students in the Mukilteo School District year after year. Tom always made others, including me, feel acknowledged and welcome at club meetings and in the community. His smile was like a warm hug!
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