Tom D. West died, unexpectedly, on May 4, 2011, at age 68. The oldest of four boys, Tom was born to Paul and Bernice West, in Sulpher, Okla., on June 2, 1942. He graduated from Del Valle High School in Austin, Texas, joining the Coast Guard immediately after. He then enlisted in the Air Force, and with his wife, Meri, whom he’d married in 1965, was stationed in Germany.

After the Air Force, Tom and Meri settled down in Spokane for many years, where he attended Gonzaga University. However, they both yearned to be closer to the water and made their way to Whidbey Island where they raised their children, and worked for some time before finally moving to Anacortes, their favorite place.

Tom was well known in Skagit and Island counties, having worked in the carpet business for most of his life, and spending the last many years employed at Great Floors, in Burlington.

He had a passion for sailing, golfing, cooking, gardening, and as he got older re-developed a passion for the ham radio. As well as being deeply spiritual, he was a published poet and a philosopher and artist, at heart, trying his hand at photography, writing and acting. Tom was heavily involved with the Anacortes Community Theatre, along with his wife and sons, for many years playing quite a range of characters on the stage.

He was extremely dedicated to his family and made sure they all knew just how much he loved them, especially his grandchildren, who loved to run in to him at the grocery store. He lived a full life up to the very end, putting in a full day of work, having a wonderful meal with his wife and getting in some time on the ham radio before he passed. We are all very thankful for the longevity of his marriage to his best friend and loving wife, and for the joy they got to experience with each other on a daily basis. Being together was the most important thing to both of them. To say he will be missed does not do justice to the loss we will feel for a very long time.

Tom is preceded in death by his father and mother, and his youngest brother, David.

He is survived by his wife and constant companion of 46 years, Meri West; his three children and their spouses, Mia (Duane) Troy, Tom (Chris) West and Benjamin West; his grandchildren, Elliot West, Gabriella Troy, Logan Troy, Sara Bews and Devin Bews; his two brothers, Noel and Neil West; and extended family.

There will be no memorial service at this time but one will be planned later in the summer. If you wish to be notified of the memorial date and location, please send an email with your contact information to tomwestmemorial.com. In lieu of flowers we ask that you send your memories. We’ve greatly enjoyed hearing from others their stories and memories of Tom. Cards, letters and condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 1537, Anacortes, WA 98221. An account, for donations “In Memory of Tom West,” is set up at Skagit State Bank, to assist his wife, Meri.