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Thomas Tollefson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tollefson
Sponsored by cousin.
March 21, 2015
Not a day goes by without missing you,some days I'm sad others I just smile at the memories! Then I miss growing older with you! Love Danny & Alice
March 20, 2015
Your name comes up often in conversations. Court was just talking about you yesterday in Maui. You were a character. We miss your smile and laughter, and your whistle. Think of you often. Got home last night from Maui and looked out the window. The wood roses have bloomed. Always a reminder of your birthday, and the equinox. Still missing you.
Patsy
March 19, 2015
Happy birthday to you, dear brother. You left a big hole in our lives. Remembering the good times...
Steve Tollefson
March 19, 2015
So tomorrow, March 20, 2015, My brother Tom, would have been 61-years old...Happy Birthday Brother!
I can't believe that you have been gone almost nine-years.
I'm sure glad we both said: "love Ya' Brother" on that last birthday before you were gone.
No regrets, even after nine years, other than I wish we could have talked more...
Love Steve
rick hammer
December 13, 2013
i worked with tommy t as i use to call him in santacruz around 1979 -1983 with Davey tree.it was not to long back that i heard what happened to tommy and came across this guest book tommy was a great guy to work with and he had a big heart.i'm so sorry for your loss.blessings to the family
December 13, 2013
I worked with tommy back in late 1970s earli 80s at Davey tree in santacruz,and not long back I heard about tommy.tommy t as I called him was a great guy just full of life and and joy to be around.blessings to the family
May 1, 2013
Another year. So sad. Seems like the time is going so fast. Could it really be seven years? The Lilacs are just finishing, but the wood roses are still going. Trees up here could use your handy work. Sure would love to see you swinging from the trees. Won't happen, but at least we can keep your memory alive, when the world comes alive during the spring. Your birthday, your death. Always stop to think about you during March and April.
Love,
Patsy
April 28, 2013
Seven years and he still leaves a big hole. I miss Tom and I can only see him in my dreams. Thank you Danny and Alice for maintaining the guest book.
Steve Tollefson
April 28, 2013
I meant to say this yesterday, THANK YOU Dan and Alice (as cousins of Tommy) for permanently keeping this online book as a place to come back to and think of OR remember Tom Tollefson...
April 27, 2013
Tom has been gone seven years today, April 27, 2013 and still not forgotten...
Love Steve Tollefson
Tom and Herb Tollefson 2005 at the Tacoma Dome
April 27, 2013
Patsy Dodd
March 27, 2013
Thought of you on the Spring Equinox Tommy. Always do! Things are blooming here as a reminder. Your birthday was always such a beautiful time of the year up here.
Still miss you, always will!
Love,
your cousin Patsy
Jeana Crawford
July 17, 2012
Thank you Rick Hammer. I was just thinking of my brother that same day when a Bald Eagle flew over for the memorial of my ex husband Bob Wenger in Bend, Oregon last Saturday. I still miss my brother and it helps to read these memories .
rick hammer
July 14, 2012
i was just recently talking to a friend of mine and tommys that he heard that tom had a car wreck that took him home.iworked with tom at davey tree in the santacruz area until i left in 1983 and moved to oregon.i spent a night at his place up around santa rosa in the summer of 1985.that was the last time i seen or talked with tommy.t. as we called him at davey.anyways i was one of the fortuanate people to be blessed to have been able to spend time with tom andto work with him as big as he was he truly had a heart of gold,that was as big as him and he will be greatly missed.i'm sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers
Tom, Eve & Herb Tollefson, Christmas 2000
Steve Tollefson
March 22, 2012
I was thinking Tom & Mom during this time of so many March Birthdays (including Tom's, Jeana's my Mother-in-Law, Anne O'Reilly, my Brother-in-Law, John O'Reilly, Aunty Tarrant and our Maid-of Honor, Sheila Fitzsimons,(don't worry if you don't know some of these names, they are our Canadian family and friends) not to mention my birthday is a March one too! So, decided to share this photo from Christmas 2000...It brings back happy, family memories.
Happy Birthday Tom & to everybody else in the whole wide world that has a March Birthday as well...
Patsy Dodd
March 21, 2012
I've just added another photo I had with Tommy in it. Tommy is with Jesse, Daniel and Katie.
Always think of you when the daffodils start blooming, and I age another year. We both had March birthdays. Still missing you.
Patsy
Tommy with Jesse, Daniel and Katie around 1999
Patsy Dodd
March 21, 2012
March 20, 2012
Ah, March 20th once again. Jeana enjoyed some lovely flowers today in your honor, my brother. You're with us always. May you stay forever young.
~Sandy
Danny Weed
March 21, 2011
Every year you remain young in my eyes,I miss your wisdom "Get real" followed by a deep laugh! What a big hole you have left in my heart!! I miss you man........
Sandy
March 20, 2011
Tom's birthday. I'm always thinking of him, now more than ever with my mom's passing.
Thanks bro for helping her cross over. I know it was you.
Tom, Sandy, Eve, 1972, cross-country trip
March 20, 2011
Tom's cabin, April, 2006
March 20, 2011
Sequim, 2005
March 20, 2011
Tom, Steve, Otto at the bar, 1972
March 20, 2011
Susie and Tom, Nov, 2003
March 20, 2011
Jeana Crawford
March 20, 2011
Happy Birthday Little Brother. I guess you'll always be 52 and it's me getting older. We still miss you and keep you in our hearts. My birthday isn't the same without you sharing the days.
Doing what he loved
March 20, 2011
Patsy Dodd
April 28, 2010
A candle lit for four years gone. We think of you as another year passes.
Love and miss you.
Patsy and Court
Tommy, taken at one of our spring parties
Patsy Doss
April 28, 2010
Patsy Dodd
April 28, 2010
I'm trying to add a picture every birthday and day of his death. The sad part is that I will someday run out of pictures, since there are no new ones being taken. This one was at our spring party a few years ago. We'll be having another on May 1st. Wish he were here to join us, but hopefully he will be in spirit.
Sure miss him.
Patsy
Jeana Crawford
April 28, 2010
I am not sad for Tom. I know he is in a better place and will never have to grow old or get sick or suffer again. But, oh, I miss him in my life. That lingering sadness just won't go away. I loved the way he used to say "Sista!Sista!" I miss sharing our birthdays. I miss his big voice and big laugh. I miss hugging him. I miss his silly grin. I miss telling him I love him.
Danny
April 26, 2010
Drove by Hiway 1 yesterday 4 years later it still hurt's just like last year and the year before and the year before?? Love Ya Man!!!
Patsy Dodd
March 22, 2010
Tommy would have been another year older on the 20th. Every spring equinox is another passing year with out him growing older with us.
I've put up a picture of the Buddha he hid in the woods across the street. The neighbor kids call the rock Buddha Rock.
Someone has taken it so we are planning on replacing it for him. Maybe on the day he died. He love hiding gifts for people to find later on. The neighbor kids showed this Buddha to me after he had died. I'm glad I took a picture of it. I can't imagine someone stealing a Buddha.
Happy Birthday!
Buddha Rock
March 22, 2010
May 25, 2009
And I miss you this Memorial Day 2009.
Tommy shopping in Earthly Delights.
April 27, 2009
Tommy with Larry at Struggle Mt.
Patsy Dodd
April 27, 2009
I'm adding another photo. This one is Tommy hanging out with Larry here at Struggle Mt. in Calif.
Patsy
April 27, 2009
It's been three years today since Tommy's death. I waited on Eric this morning. He is the policeman that came to Bucks to let me know. They let me off work early that day so I could go let my mom know and not have to tell her with a phone call. Not an easy thing to have to do. Tommy was always such a help to her and checked on her regularly to see if she needed help with anything.
I will light candles in the garden tonight for him. Maybe three for the 3 years since his passing.
Miss you Tommy,
Love,
Cousin Patsy
Jeana Crawford
April 27, 2009
It has been 3 years to the day since you passed and we still miss you like it was yesterday. You left a big hole in our family but we still have our fond memories. You are in my dreams and very much alive. Love you, Little Brother.
Jeana Crawford
March 26, 2009
Today I visited our mom and dad. So, Dad asks me if there is a day that goes by that I don't shed a tear for Tom. No, not a day, I say and we all three cry just a little. Love you,Tom.
Sandy Tollefson
March 21, 2009
Well, another year. The little sister is actually older than her big brother now. Like Patsy said, Tom will always be forever young. I listen to lots of songs that make me think of him, and that is one of them.
Tom's three sisters were together for a little while on his birthday down at Herb and Eve's. Susan made a cake. Then we celebrated both Tom's and Jeana's birthdays. March 20th will always be a bittersweet date for me. Thanks for keepin this site going cousin.
Susan Tollefson
March 20, 2009
Happy birthday Tom with love from Susan, Jeana, Sandy, Mom & Dad. Today Mom & I baked & frosted a cake for you & Jeana. Jeana's long-time friend MaryJo had invited Sandy & Jeana to Tacoma to celebrate Jeana's birthday (March 21st)They chose to celebrate it today. We sat around Mom & Dad's kitchen table & talked about you. It is so wonderful that our cousin Danny has continued your Guest Book through these years. By the way, I found the feathers you left for me and I know it was you who moved the crystal you gave me. I found that again too. Lot's of memories, lots of love in this family. Happy birthday Tom.
Patsy Dodd
March 20, 2009
It's spring again. Tommy would have been a year older, but will be "forever young" as the rest of us age. I put up a few new pictures for his birthday. I always think of the Timothy Leary song lyrics "On the outside looking in" when I look at the one of him on the deck with the door open.
Happy Birthday - Cousin Patsy
2006 -Tommy's, his Aunt Alice and his mom and dad
March 20, 2009
On the boat, spreading Tommy's ashes
March 20, 2009
"On the outside, looking in"
March 20, 2009
D Weed
March 20, 2009
Well Tom another year,you would of been the big "55" this year almost catching up with me!! Man the years just keep flying by,almost 3 years now! They still aren't any easier.
CalTrans took your sign down saying it was a distraction,it took over a week to find out what happened to it,They though it in a dumpster!! I'll try again only alittle smaller. I miss you Buddy. I have a picture of you( the one where you are pointing) on my garage wall also the door locks to your truck I see you several times a day! Love Danny
Susan Tollefson
December 26, 2008
It's the day after Christmas and I am thinking back to the last Christmas Tom spent here in Tacoma with Mom & Dad. He built a small snowman with stick arms holding an American flag. He helped me hang the outdoor lights & garlands on the fence around their house. That December he helped me move from Mom & Dad's into my own apartment in Renton. His words of wisdom have helped me through some difficult times. I remember him saying that he would come up to Tacoma as often as possible because he didn't think he had much more time to spend with our aging parents. Little did I know that it would be Tom who would be leaving them and not the other way around. Tom knew. I have moved back in with Mom & Dad to give them a hand now that Dad is 90 & Mom 87. I appreciate all the help that my brother Tom gave to our parents. In his honor, I promise to help them and treat them with love & kindness for the rest of their lives. It's good to be home. Merry Christmas Tom. You are remembered with love now and always from your oldest sister Susan.
Danny Weed
March 22, 2008
I used to look forward to Spring,it would soon be time to go to Grandma Tollefson's for Summer vacation. I miss you Buddy Happy Birthday
Patsy Dodd
March 21, 2008
Tommy would have been 54 yesterday. We had birthday cake last night for Jim who is living in Tommy's old space. (Another Pisce) His birthday was the day before, but we celebrated last night on Tommy's day. Hard singing Happy Birthday last night without thinking about Tommy and the last birthday we celebrated with him two whole years ago.
Miss him,
Patsy
Sandy Tollefson
March 21, 2008
Yesterday was Tom's birthday. I made chocolate cupcakes in his honor. I think of my bro a lot at this time and throughout the year. April is the cruelest month. There isn't a day that goes by I don't think of him, actually. Happy birthday Tomaz from your little sista!
Sandy and Tom
March 21, 2008
Tom at his special place
March 21, 2008
Tom with Phil Edenfield at Pepple Beach
March 21, 2008
Tom and Otis
March 21, 2008
Dan, Sandy, Mike, Laurie
March 21, 2008
Sandy facing Canonball Island, where part of Tom resides
March 21, 2008
Susan with feathers
March 21, 2008
Dan on the rocks
March 21, 2008
Patsy Dodd
April 28, 2007
It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by without Tommy in it. I thought of him a lot yesterday. Court had surgery on Thursday and has been using the walking stick that Tommy made for him. I think it's the first time he's used it. It's lovely and works well. Tommy was very generous with his gift giving. If he made something nice he usually would give it away.
Jeana Crawford
April 27, 2007
It's been a year. I treasure my memories and keep believing that life is eternal, only our bodies aren't. Tom is still with us in Spirit. I still hear "Sista, Sista", but oh, that might be Sandy calling just to remind me of Tom again, and I love to remember even if it's bittersweet.
We love you, remember you, and miss you, Tom.
Alice Gustafson
March 22, 2007
I guess I haven't yet written in the guest book. I thought I had. Tom has talked to me in my dreams. He tells me that he isn't dead. He's just hiding out for awhile. It is his voice, his laugh and his image that I experience with such reality that when I wake, I wonder...
Tom & Elvis
March 22, 2007
Typical Tommy
March 22, 2007
Tom's Roadside sign 7M N Davenport Ca.
March 22, 2007
Patsy Dodd
March 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Tommy,
Thought about you a lot today. Just got back from Mommys where we all wished you a Happy Birthday at the dinner table. 3 year old Zoe was carring around a rose quartz you had left there. Little gifts you would leave for us, are now nice reminders of you.
Miss You,
Patsy
Danny
March 20, 2007
Well Tom another year; WOW they sure go by fast, it seems just like yesterday that we would be running the baby buggy down the hill above the swamp at Grandma T's House! Last week they tore it down and filled in the swamp, nothing stays the same except missing you and your silly whisling and saying WHAT?? Happy Birthday COUS
Steve Tollefson
March 19, 2007
Tuesday March 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Tom...I last talked to you on MY birthday a year ago. As always you were funny and joked about those things only you and I could joke about as brothers...The BEST thing about that conversation a year ago was that it left me with only good feelings and at peace with you. A year later, I miss you but have ALL those great memories making missing you that much easier to bear.
I love music just about as much as you did and tonight I'm listening to Jimmy Buffett and his "Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" to keep those good memories alive and well in my heart.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY little brother from a big brother who will never forget you...
Love Steve
Jeana Crawford
March 19, 2007
Tom's birthday is March 20th. Tom was born the day before my 2nd birthday, so I don't ever remember my birthday without Tom's being celebrated, too. Mom used to make a cake for Tom and the next day she'd make another one for me. Sometimes Tom's birthday would be the first day of spring and other years mine would be the first day. I really, really miss my little brother and I think about him alot. I still have him in my heart. I love reading about him in this guest book even though it usually brings tears. I appreciate all the tender things you all have said. I wish I could respond to each and every one, but it is too tough a thing to do. So, thank you, everyone who cares about Tom, for continuing to share your thoughts.
Pam Carlton
March 18, 2007
I never met Tom, but he has touched my life and that of my family. While hiking by our house in Los Altos, CA on New Years day of this year, we found a Buddha statue nestled into some rocks. We were deeply touched by this Buddha out there in the woods and by the fact that someone would think to leave it there for others to enjoy. Since then, we have gone back to visit the Buddha often to enjoy the peace and centering that it provides. Last night we went out to dinner and happened to meet out neighbor, Patsy. My 4-year-old son, Alex, told her about the Buddha that we visit in the woods. It was then that Patsy told us about her cousin Tom and that he had probably been the one to leave it there. Today, my son Alex, Patsy and I went to visit the Buddha together. We took a photo of the Buddha and will add it to the album soon.
Patsy Dodd
March 12, 2007
I went over to the coast on my birthday last week and stopped by the wooden memorial along the roadside that Alice and Danny put up for Tommy. It's really nice having a marker in the spot of the accident. It gives you a reason to stop and spend some time there. Tommy would have been having his own birthday two weeks from tomorrow. Pretty sure he was March 20th.
Another Pisces,
Cousin Patsy
Herb & Eve Tollefson
November 20, 2006
For all you good people who have sent messages in Tom’s name, a great big thank you! It has helped ease our heartache and helped us over many difficult days. We certainly miss our son, but know we must accept the fact that he lived his life his own way. We like to think God and his angels are making use of all Tom’s good traits.
Cindy Olson
October 25, 2006
Tommy was such a special cousin. His free spirit,contagious smile, and great bear hugs will be missed by us all. We have wonderful memories that will be in our thoughts and hearts forever.
Bill & Claire Weed
October 24, 2006
Tommy always had the gift of a beautiful heart, one that freely gave it's warmth & caring to all!
Sandy Tollefson
September 6, 2006
On September 2, 2006 the last of Tom's ashes were taken out to Cape Alava, a sacred place for him. Five of us (Dan Mitchell, Sandy, Susan, Susan's daughter Laurie and Laurie's husband Mike) hiked the 3-mile trail from Ozette Lake to the coast. We sprinkled his ashes into the ocean near where (Asia) his dog's ashes are buried. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot on Native-American land, surrounded by wildlife. You can see pictures by contacting me by email.
Patsy Dodd
September 2, 2006
Hi,
Just wondering how the hike in to lake Ozettte with Tommys ashes went. It was going to happen over Labor day weekend so hopefully all went well. My heart is with you all. Did you take pictures?
Love, Patsy
Patsy Dodd
August 4, 2006
Missing Tommy a lot today. Just took the last of his things out of his place today, and ate dinner where we did when the family was all down here. Still expect him to come popping in with a bowl of popcorn to watch a movie or just talk.
Still hard to believe he's gone.
Patsy
Jeana Crawford
July 16, 2006
Tom's ashes were buried at the old Valley View Cemetary in Silvana, Washington on July 15th in the Tollefson family plot. There is a small marker with his name and dates on it. So far, some of his ashes have been sprinkled at his favorite surfing spot off Santa Cruz. Some ashes were also saved to be spread at the coast in Washington near Lake Ozette over Labor Day Weekend.
Cousin
May 31, 2006
Well 'Cuz I hope everything is like we used to imagine,hope the surfin' is awesome and you've surfed afew blue moon'sKeep on keepin' on
Jeana Crawford
May 30, 2006
That's "Aloha" and I can't seem to type or spell.
We miss him.
Jeana Crawford
May 27, 2006
Thomas, it will take a long, long time to say goodbye to you so let's just say "Alohoa," Brother. R.I.P.
Love, Gloria-Jeana
Verlynn Davis-Keyser
May 22, 2006
There are no words to express the loss felt. Tom was very special & although we didn't see him very often, when we did, we had so much fun. Cuz...Will miss you so very much.
Sheila Fitzsimons
May 22, 2006
I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom's death. Tom and I stood up for Marg and Steve at their wedding, and I have not seen him since. In my mind he is forever young.
My sincere sympathies to you all.
Dennis O'Reilly & family
May 19, 2006
We were saddened to hear of Toms tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Toms close friends and family
Alison Beltran
May 19, 2006
Uncle Herb, Aunt Eve and family-
If we can't make it to the service, we wanted you to know that
we are thinking of you and were very sorry to hear about your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Joaquin, Alison, Violet and Amber Beltran
Debi Betschart
May 18, 2006
Tom - Thanks for always taking the time to stop and see Vicky and me. We had such a good time going to Olympia to see Steve, I'm so glad we did that trip. Rest in Peace brother, I love you, you were always the big brother I never had. Love, Debi
Marty Weed
May 17, 2006
Tom had such an infectous smile and the way his eyes would light up when he smiled you couldn't help but smile with him. Always so quick with the bear hugs too, he was a wonderful cousin who I didn't see nearly as often as I would have liked and I will miss him dearly.
Lori Davis Campbell
May 17, 2006
What a wonderful picture of Tom. That sweet smile brought back memories of all the cousins playing together at family reunions when we were little. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the celebration on Saturday, but I will be thinking of you all.
Bev Goebel
May 15, 2006
Mr. & Mrs. Tollefson and family - I am a patient of your son, Steve, and he is such a wonderful, caring person. My heart ached for you all when I learned of your loss of Tom and by reading his obituary it sounds as if he was just as wonderful as Steve. My prayer for you all is that you will find comfort and peace in God's love at this most difficult time of your life.
Jerry & Arlene Weed
May 14, 2006
Tom was such a loving cousin and will be dearly missed.
Northlake Sports Therapy
May 12, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Steve Tollefson
May 10, 2006
Tom; words can't come close to expressing my thoughts and feelings for you right now but Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" helps me tonight...God Bless your soul.
Love always, your brother Steve
Cindy Marjamaa
May 10, 2006
To Sandy and everyone who knew and loved Tom: I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.
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