THOMAS METSKER

Thomas Charles Metsker May 24, 1927 - Oct. 4, 2010 "And surely I am with you always, until the end of time." Matthew 28:20 Tom passed peacefully on to eternal life on Monday, October 4 at Cottesmore Nursing Home, surrounded by loving family. A life-long resident of Tacoma and Gig Harbor, Tom graduated from Stadium High School in 1947. He and his high school sweetheart, Patty, were married for 57 years. Tom and Patty spent many summers on the Puget Sound waters on the "Taiwan On" and many winters skiing at their White Pass cabin, always in the company of family and friends. Quick to smile, with a clever sense of humor, Tom always had a kind word for everyone. He will be sorely missed. Tom served with honor as the ship's electrician on the U.S.S. Wildcat in the South Pacific theatre during World War II. After fulfilling his naval service, he returned to work at Metsker Map Company, where he was the third generation of his family in the business. A skilled cartographer, Tom loved the business, and retired after over 50 years of map-making. He truly was "Metsker, the Map Man." Tom leaves behind sons Mark Metsker (Ellen), Thad Metsker (Sandi), and Ty Metsker, daughter Kimberly Whitney, grandchildren Matthew, Marcail, Ky, and Amanda, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, parents Charles Metsker and Emily Metsker Larsen, step-father Harold Larsen, sister Diane Turlis, and son-in-law Walter Whitney. At Tom's request, interment will be private, with Navy personnel presenting the colors to the immediate family. Your memorials and stories will be welcomed by the family on www.havenrest.com . Arrangements by Haven of Rest, Gig Harbor.