Tommie Gitchel

Tommie Lee "Wubba" Gitchel passed away in the early hours of Saturday July 26th, surrounded by friends and family at Salem Hospital.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Christine (Zumwalt) of 37 years. He is survived by his wife Diana (Fisher), daughters Tina and Chrissie, grandchildren Jake, Marcus, Coty, Luke, Spencer, Axtin, and Taylor, and great grandchildren Carson, Synnova, and Zachary.
Born October 19, 1949, in San Joaquin County California, he grew up with numerous brothers and sisters and lived in various places along the west coast, including Salem Oregon.
Tommie enlisted in the US Navy October 10, 1969. He served four years as a baker on the USS enterprise before his honorable discharge on December 27, 1973.
He married his wife Christine in November of 1969. During their years together they had a profound love that was witnessed by all those around them, including their two daughters and grandchildren. The two were inseparable until Christine's untimely passing in 2006.
Affectionately known as "Wubba" by many, he spent much of his adult life in Arlington, WA. He worked at the Weyerhaeuser Mill in Arlington for more than 35 years before working for the City of Stanwood until his retirement.
A very intelligent and handy man, he enjoyed working on cars and tinkering in the shop. He accomplished many things including building a house and a shop, all while teaching his children and grandchildren along the way.
Tom married Diana in 2008. He and his wife Diana moved to Dallas, Oregon in 2018 where he spent the remainder of his life. During this period he enjoyed being close to his sisters, Sandy (1948-2003), Thelma, and Trish. He also cherished visits from family and friends, including Diana's brother, Bill Fisher and his wife, Sharon of New Mexico, as well as his dear friend of over 50 years, Danny Zumwalt and his wife, Frankie of Washington.
Between these visits he was grateful for the company of his neighbors including his friend, Ron. You could often find him throwing the ball for his beloved dog, Harley and spending quality time with his wife, Diana for whom he had a fervent love. Tom and Diana had a devoted relationship that was consistently demonstrated by their invincible bond. He would often reflect on how deeply he loved Diana and how lucky he had been to have her by his side.
Wubba was a kind-hearted and often ornery man, who loved those close to him fiercely. Those close to him loved him dearly and will continue to hold him and his memory close to their hearts. Bollman's Tribute Center is caring for the family. Bollman'sTributeCenter.com
The following was written by Tom's sister, Trish following his passing:
God looked around his garden and he found an empty place,
He looked down upon earth and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest,
God's garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb,
So, he closed your weary eyelids and said, "Peace be mine."
It broke my heart to lose you, but you did not go alone
For part of me went with you the day God called you home