Thomas J. HEDEMARK

HEDEMARK, Thomas J. (Age 72) Entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 22nd, 2015 in Spokane, WA. Embraced in his final hours of this life by family, friends and the stellar staff at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Tom has gone to his "happy hunting ground." He was born in Sioux City, IA on June 11, 1942 to Peter Hedemark and Mary (Lindstrom) Hedemark. Following friends in 1954, his large mid-west family made a new home in Spokane, and Tom attended St. Joseph and Havermale schools. Always a sports standout, he graduated North Central High School in 1961 as a football city-champion and celebrated basketball player. Higher education studies began at Columbia Basin Junior College, where he was a starting player on the 1962 Jr. Rose Bowl football team as a place-kicker and, according to The Spokesman-Review, a "rugged corner linebacker." At Washington State College, Tom studied education and history and not only survived but thrived during the demanding Bert Clark era of Cougar football. He stayed on as a student-coach and enjoyed being a part of the 1965 "Cardiac Kids" team. He would later play against former teammates as a member of the Spokane Shockers semi-pro football team and was voted "Fan Favorite." Working his way through college and early career, he labored on the Little Goose Dam construction project as well as in carpentry, a trade that he would practice throughout his life. Tom taught history for 30 years and was very popular with students and faculty alike due to his strict but fair classroom and sly sense of humor. He had a deep dedication and love for the Joel E. Ferris High School family. He coached football for over two decades, won city titles and, in a tough-love manner, made every young man feel like a champion. As he embarked on his teaching career, he also began his treasured relationship with Marilee McGill, who was his wife and steadfast partner of 47 years. Always together, Tom and Marilee, along with family and friends, loved to travel, laugh at and with each other. Wine was often welcome. Tom cherished the Pacific Northwest for its fishing, hunting, and affordable golf. He was a die-hard Coug and enjoyed rooting for the Zags. Above all, he was a family man who would do -and did - anything and everything for his mom, wife, children, grandsons, extended family and friends. If you call Tom Hedemark a friend, you know his loyalty, love and the well-intentioned teasing that was his trademark. He is grateful for the many wonderful friends and family who have generously provided love and support to his family over the years. He is preceded in death by his parents Peter L. and Mary (Lindstrom) Hedemark, his brothers Tim, Bill and George Hedemark; and sisters, Mary Lou (Beals), and Carolyn (Hoffman). He is survived by his loving wife Marilee (McGill) Hedemark; brother Peter J. Hedemark, sister Judy (Barker), son Jim Hedemark and daughter Julie Brockus, grandsons Dillon and Parker Toews and great-grand- daughter, Sophia Toews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, WA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes ministries for the poor would be in keeping with family intentions. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.