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Thomas Tuell Obituary
June 18, 1950 - December 6, 2020
Tacoma, Washington - A father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength, loved his neighbor as himself. South Sound native and "trainer" to local celebrity golf pro The Golfing Gorilla. Tom was a lifelong South Sound resident, attending Washington, Hunt, and Wilson High School. He went on to study and play golf at the University of Washington and then graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He loved to laugh and he loved people. Tom began "training" The Golfing Gorilla in the late 1970's and went on to speak, teach and entertain fans of golf at celebrity and high profile tournaments around the world. His talent for a long drive, included him in the the 350 Club for players that can drive the ball 350+ yards. Also a talented writer, Tom penned a column for the News Tribune for many years about the stories behind personalized license plates in the Puget Sound. A staple at Al Davies Boys & Girls Club and Stadium High basketball games, he loved watching his son play for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents David Sr. and Evelyn Tuell as well as his three brothers David Tuell Jr., Richard Tuell (Karen) Terry Tuell (Linda) and sister-in-law Bunny Tuell. Surviving him are his children Matthew Tuell (Lisette), and Sarah Stockstad (Scott), grandchildren Kian Coye-Tuell and Claire, Annie and Carr Stockstad. As well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Due to Covid regulations, a celebration of life will take place next year. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Al Davies Boys & Girls Club of Tacoma.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tuell
Deb Babbit
September 1, 2024
My heart broke to see that Tom passed on. I admired him very much. My husband Steve would play with Tom in elementary school, and in college both attended the same church and pursued Christ. Although they had lost contact, both men had degrees in education, were writers, loved sports, pushed their limits, and had funny and warm personalities. Some of it must have come from their childhoods, Steve died first and the two have had a great reunion. We miss them terribly but they do live eternally and thankfully their sufferings are over.
Renee Mitchell
January 19, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this. He(Tom) the Golfing Gorilla, came to Spanaway Golf course and entertained our Junior golfers! My boys were there and I worked there at the time. A very memorable experience!
He amazed everyone. What a genuinely nice and kind man!
He will be greatly missed!
John and Pat Harbottle
January 1, 2021
We have know this wonderful man for years. A gentle giant, so compassionate always with a smile. We express our deepest sympathy to his family.
Patty
December 20, 2020
I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He was a kind, friendly, gentle man; who had many great stories to tell and a wonderful sense of humor. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Susan Painter
December 13, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Thomas. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Family and friends are in my heart and prayers.
Joyce Walters
December 13, 2020
He, Ken Still, Jack Walters, and Jeanne Walters are playing golf in heaven now...from Joyce Walters Tukwila
Jackie
December 13, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together.
I'm blessed and honored to have known Tom this past year, to be a part of his life. I miss him dearly.
Bill Reilly
December 13, 2020
Loved watching Tom as the Golfing Gorilla at Seattle Golf events. Very entertaining act, he could hit the ball a long way. Fun to watch!
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