Thomas Edward Dougherty

(Age 84) Thomas passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017 at his home in Steilacoom, WA where he lived with his wife Margene.  For the last two years, his daughter-in-law, Nuan Dougherty, son Thomas James Dougherty and other caregivers have provided the special care Tom needed due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Tom was born in Rochester, NY on March 31, 1932. Tom spent his early years in New York in both Rochester and Brooklyn where he lived with his brother Edward, mother Laura and father Thomas. He was proud of his background and would often say “Not bad for a kid from Brooklyn” in regards to any of his accomplishments. As his friend for 75 years Tony said, “We were grocery boys, shoe shine boys, paper boys and got expelled from school at the same time and 100 other childhood capers that street kids could imagine.” Tom loved to tell stories of his childhood and we loved to hear them all. After graduating from high school, Tom entered the Air Force where he served from 1952 to 1956 in the 327th Bomb Squadron Fairchild AFB. At a military dance he met the love of his life Margene Lang. Tom and Margene were married in Spokane, WA on June 25, 1955. In 1971 Tom was hired as the manager of Telco Credit Union (now Prime Source Credit Union) in Spokane and retired as CEO in 2001. Tom was a member of the Spokane Chapter of Credit Unions and Northwest Credit Union Association. Under his leadership at a local and national level the credit unions’ membership and services increased significantly.  Tom was a pioneer in initiating many of the conveniences we take for granted today such as online personal banking, which was the first in Spokane. Tom also took advantage of the state regulations that allowed Telco Credit Union to open up membership from only telephone employees to anyone who lives, works or worships in the State of Washington. Tom was very progressive in new technology – he was an innovative thinker! He cultivated many friendships throughout the credit union industry and was known for being genuine and kind hearted. Tom was a father, husband, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, friend, mentor, boss, neighbor and much more. He loved being all of these and you knew it because he had a joy for life which we all experienced when we were with him. Whether it was dancing with one of his grandkids, riding an elephant in Nepal with his daughters, traveling to his ancestral home in Ireland with his wife and son, or acting as the manager of the credit union, Tom enjoyed it all. No matter where he went Tom seemed to know someone and if he didn’t, he made a friend immediately. Tom Dougherty was truly a nice guy and was always willing to put his family, friends and others first. Thomas Edward Dougherty was a gift to us and he has certainly left this world a better place. Tom is survived by his wife, Margene Lang Dougherty of Steilacoom, WA; son, Thomas James Dougherty (Nuan) of Steilacoom, WA; two daughters, Coleen Turner (Pat) of Fairbanks, AK; Linda Dougherty (Delyna) of Bremerton, WA; and daughters-in-law Keely Dougherty and Mary Deforrest.  In addition, his grandchildren include Zak Turner, Tekoa Turner, Sean Dougherty, Megan Nguyen, Tommy Dougherty, Aubrea Dougherty, Sean Koga, Gregg Koga, Cassandra Koga, plus seven great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura Rotando and Thomas Dougherty; brother, Edward Dougherty; and son Terry Louis Dougherty. Funeral service for Thomas Edward Dougherty will be on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 9:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 545 E Providence Ave, Spokane, WA 99207. Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at 11 am at Riverside Memorial Park, 211 Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224, Lot 1604. His family would like to invite relatives and friends to join them for food and fellowship at 12:00 in the Kalispell Room, A & C at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, WA 99001. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations are made in care of Margene Dougherty, 2312 Oak Drive, Steilacoom WA 98388.