Thomas Vincent Oatman

Thomas Vincent Oatman of Olympia, Washington, took his final flight to heaven on June 5, 2024, at the age of 67.

Tom was born on January 10, 1957, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to parents Helen and Marshall Oatman. As the youngest of five children, he grew up in Washington state and graduated from Olympia High School in 1975. One decade later, he married Sandra Self and pursued his dream of graduating from The University of Washington in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to complete a fulfilling 20+ year career as a well-respected and commendable professional engineer. 

In 1988, Tom and Sandy welcomed their first child, Derek, followed by daughter, Kelli, in 1991. Tom was a unique, talented, and knowledgeable father. He instilled a sense of adventure; restoring a pair of Honda C90s to get them on a motorcycle at the earliest legal age is just one example. Tom encouraged his children to persevere through life’s challenges, become life-long learners, and maintain a sense of light-heartedness through the strides.

Tom never missed an opportunity to experience life through both familiar and uncharted territory. He loved taking risks, as long as they were personally and meticulously calculated, and he had the spreadsheets to show. His vessel of choice fluctuated throughout his life, but he loved all things with an engine: boats, motorcycles and, most importantly, airplanes. 

After retiring from his career at Boeing, he returned to his roots in Olympia. There, he purchased and remodeled the home of his dreams on an airstrip which became his oasis. Over the ensuing years, he regained his passion for private flying, traveling the world, spending time with family and friends, and spontaneously reciting movie quotes. 

Tom is survived by his father, Marshall Z. Oatman; his two children, Kelli Oatman and Derek Oatman; his two brothers, Marty and Marshall Oatman; his one sister, Tori Garcia; and his former spouse, Sandy Oatman. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Oatman; his sister, Mary “Patty” Wolf; his mother, Helen Brady Oatman; and his grandmother, Helene Walsh. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and countless life-long friends who are heartbroken to lose a man of such generosity, wit, and charm.

Information regarding his celebration of life will be provided at a future date.  

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