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Thomas Eugene Ransford

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Thomas Ransford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 12, 2018.

Tom was born on May 6, 1939 in Humboldt, Iowa, son of Lawrence and Thelma Ransford. He passed away from complications of Alzheimer's disease at t the Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, Washington, on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Tom had been a resident of Gig Harbor, WA for nearly twenty-five years. Tom attended school in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was a track athlete. In 1957 he sat a new state record for the half mile which was not broken until 1964. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America when he earned his Eagle Scout award. After high school graduation in 1957, he attended Iowa State University, earning a master's degree in education in 1961. He then taught industrial arts at the high school level for many years. He also taught electronics at several community colleges ending his teaching career in Green River, WA. Tom was given the Oregon Electronics Teacher of the Year Award in 1973-74. Tom also worked in vocational rehabilitation, tax consulting, but the job he loved the most was being the marina manager at the Harborview Marina in Gig Harbor, WA. Tom was an avid boater and highly skilled navigator, who enjoyed both sailing and power boating. He made numerous long, open-water sailing voyages, including a voyage from San Francisco to Hawaii and an Atlantic Ocean crossing from England to Florida. He and Nancy were active in the Gig Harbor Yacht Club after joining in 1995 and he served as commodore for the club in 2003/2004. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his sister, Joyce Martin of Iowa; his three daughters, Shelley Des Jardines of Georgia, Cynthia Adamson of California, Lezlie Cowart of Oregon, stepson Steven Arnold of California, stepdaughter Carol Arnold of Florida, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. "To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die". Thomas Campbell A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club, 8209 Stinson Avenue, Gig Harbor, Washington 98335 at 2:00 PM A donation to the Alzheimer's Association would be greatly appreciated.

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Recent Activity

May 17, 2018

Bryce Redington posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2018

David Parks posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2018

Brenda's Duffy posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Bryce Redington

May 17, 2018

Tom and I considered ourselves as "twins" since we were both born on May 6, 1939. Having different parents was to us a minor detail. We both attended school in Spirit Lake from K through 12th grade and frequently rode on the same bus route including Francis Sites on the west side of East Okoboji. Because Tom and I lived only a mile or so apart (I was a farm kid south of town), we spent many memorable times together. We built snow forts behind our snow fences near our farm house. Occasionally, Tom would visit us with his Shetland pony and tie it to a tree in our yard where it would denude all grass within reach and leave its calling cards in return. Following graduation from high school, we both attended and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. For many subsequent years, however, we seldom met until I began working with a military hospital at Ft. Lewis Washington from 1995 to 2009. Many times, Tom and I arranged for me to visit him and Nancy in his Gig Harbor home or go out to eat. On one particular visit, Tom invited me to join him on his boat for an overnight stay. Fourteen years ago, we celebrated a particularly notable milestone event called "Geezer Night" when Tom and I and our wives ate out to celebrate our joint 65th birthdays. I miss you Tom and wish you smooth sailing.

David Parks

May 16, 2018

Tom was always gentle in spirit with me and my loving wife Mary. He treated us with a storm above the decent. When he became sick. He became a best friend. Each time we spent visiting. He gave me his trust. Though he was sick. He continued to have memories . I must have been one that he knew that would show him kindness.. I did.. I loved the man Tom became........... A loving spirit... Please keep him in your prayers.........

Brenda's Duffy

May 16, 2018

What a wonderful tribute that was for him. What a happy and blessed life you've shared.

Jake and Terri Thompson

May 16, 2018

Nancy, we were so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. You were a wonderful partner, wife and helpmate to Tom, particularly though his final days. He knew, deep inside himself, that you were by his side. As God granted him a restful passing, may He also grant you comfort and peace.