THOMAS HUFF

Thomas Gregory Huff Thomas Gregory Huff, 80, born on September 27, 1932, passed away April 14, 2013 in Gig Harbor, surrounded by his loving family. The youngest of six children, Tom was raised on a farm near Mandan, North Dakota and later moved to the Tacoma area, where he attended Sumner High School and married his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Mary Ann Reding, whom he met on a very successful blind date. Tom's 40-year career at Sears included executive positions at the local, regional, and headquarters levels, and brought him full circle from Tacoma to Riverside, Santa Rosa, Salt Lake City, Eureka, Sacramento, Chicago, and back to the Northwest. Tom was a respected professional and civic leader, serving 6 years in the WA State Legislature and having key roles on several committees, including over 5 years as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Most recently, Tom served as a commissioner for the WA State Redistricting Commission. He also chaired many boards for numerous business, education, historical, and faith-based organizations, including the WA Retail Assoc., St. Martin's University, Independent Colleges of WA, WA State Historical Society, St. Nicholas and St. Madeleine's Pastoral Councils, Knights of Columbus, Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and numerous others. Tom was awarded several leadership honors, including Legislator of the Year by various groups and Citizen of the Year by the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Tom enjoyed a large network of friends, and considered family and faith to be paramount. He was known, loved, and admired for his hearty sense of humor, determination, and strength of character. He was a loving man of principled action, strong-held philosophies, honesty, and integrity who achieved success and happiness through hard work. His accomplishments and service to his fellow human beings will be difficult to rival. Tom taught others by example and influenced many. The world, especially his family, will miss him. Tom is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, their four children, Greg (Jeanne) of Anchorage, Sue (Keith) of Sacramento, Don (Lori) of Kirkland, and Joel (Deanne) of Bellevue, and nine grandchildren. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Nicholas Catholic Church 3510 Rosedale St., Gig Harbor, Sat. April 20 at 11am, with Rosary preceding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony's Hospital, Gig Harbor, or St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus.