Thomas Joseph Orrell

Thomas J. Orrell, 87, passed away on May 27, 2024 at Warm Beach Senior Community. Born June 17, 1936 to Thomas B. and Lucille Orrell, Tom was the oldest of five children (Russ, Sally, Ken, and Steve) raised in Seattle. Tom graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955, Central Washington University in 1959, then served in the US Army from 1959-1961. In 1963, he married Carol Sue (Susie) Peterson, and a year later they had one daughter, Holly Orrell Van Eaton.

Tom developed a love for hunting and fishing at an early age. It was on a Cub Scout trip in the 1940's that Tom's den mother, Kappy Lindquist, first introduced his family to Spee-bi-dah. Shortly thereafter, his parents bought a cabin, and the family began spending summers at the beach. Tom also loved boating and camping. Many vacations were spent at Pillar Point, Lopez Island, San Juan Islands, and the Canadian Gulf Islands.

In 1974, Tom left his job with Weatherhead and moved from Vancouver, WA to Spee-bi-dah. He owned Lee Myles Transmissions in Everett and became involved in Ducks Unlimited eventually becoming president of the Marysville chapter. Through DU he made a network of friends that led to many trips to South Dakota and a closet full of handmade flannel shirts.

Tom had several interests over the years: flying, scuba diving, building and flying RC planes, and gardening, but his greatest passion was woodworking. Many people are the recipients of this talent: clocks, birdhouses, boats, baby cradles, folding chairs, and more.

Most of Tom's later years were spent caring for his wife, Susie. While working for Riverside Beverage and Whyte's Storage, Tom coordinated doctor's appointments, managed medications, and spent hours by her side during kidney dialysis.

Tom spent the last five years at Warm Beach Senior Community. He was well cared for and made several friends. Although baptized as an infant, in 2019 he reaffirmed his faith by being baptized in the WB community pool. Tom was proud of his two grandchildren and thrilled to be a great-grandfather. He always had a picture to share and a story to tell.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Holly (Jim) Van Eaton, grandchildren John (Cierra) Van Eaton and Tiffany (Matt) Watson, and great-grandson James Van Eaton.

Please join us in celebrating Tom's life, his legacy, and his favorite desserts at Spee-bi-dah beach on September 7, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 PM. There will be a table to display some of the items Tom crafted from wood. If you have something you can bring, please do.

*Memorial gifts can be made to Warm Beach Senior Community or Ducks Unlimited.