Thomas "Tom" W. Airhart, Jr.

Tom passed away January 12, 2021, in Edmonds, WA. He was born to Virginia “Red” and Thomas “Wes” Wesley Airhart Sr. on March 27, 1937, in Plains, MT. Tom’s early years were spent in Plains, MT, and ID. At the age of four Tom and his family moved to Seattle’s Capitol Hill district. In 1946, the Airhart family moved back to Plains, in a cabin that sat on acreage. In 1954 at the age of 17, Tom convinced his parents to let him join the U.S. Marine Corps. After boot camp, Tom was assigned to the Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Corps Artillery Center. His duty assignments saw him travel to Japan, British North Borneo, India, Pakistan, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Singapore. It was in Singapore where 18-year-old Tom was excited at the idea of drinking a Singapore Sling. After being honorably discharged in 1958, Tom worked as a correct¬ional officer with the California Department of Corrections in Tehachapi. He married his first wife, Shirley, in 1959. The couple welcomed their daughter, Catherine, in 1961. The young family moved to Seattle in 1962, settling on Vashon Island. Tom served with the reserve deputy unit on the Island until 1964, when he was assigned to the jail division. In 1965 Tom worked with the Island Sheriff’s patrol. During their years on Vashon, Tom and Shirley welcomed son, Timothy, in 1962. Daughter, Sandra, was born in 1963, and son, Scott, in 1966. Tom was with the King County Sheriff’s Department, patrolling by car and eventually by motorcycle, which he loved and was very proud of. He was also an expert marksman, and trained other personnel with distinction. He retired in 1976. After retirement, Tom stayed busy as a coordinator and trainer for law enforcement officers for several years. In addition, he also served at an inpatient substance abuse treatment center and other agencies that focused on individuals seeking treatment for alcohol and drug dependency. Tom finished out his 9-to-5 workdays in 1993 when he retired from the Seattle Times’ Circulation department. In 1993, during an adventure to Massachusetts to research family history, Tom was disenfranchised at the lack of what he deemed “a good cup of coffee.” He decided to open a coffee cart business at Methuen Mall with his son, Tim, calling it “Airhart’s Coffee and Espresso.” In 1997, Tom came back to Washington, living in Lynnwood where he remained until his passing. Tom enjoyed his later years attending granddaughters’ dance recitals, sporting events, graduations, weddings, and welcoming the births of more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed lunch get-togethers with fellow retired sheriff deputies, spending hours shooting the breeze about younger days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Thomas Wesley Sr. He is survived by children: Catherine (Bryan), Timothy, Sandra (David), Scott, and Shelby Lynne; 8 grandchildren: Jessica, Hayden, Ashlie (AJ), Tyler, Shaylon, Travis (Cassie), Lauren (Jordan), and Devin; and 3 great-grandchildren: Adalayne, Samuel, and Mia. Tom also leaves his siblings Martin (Geri), Michael, Gary, Karen (Larry), and Mary, as well as numerous extended family members. In addition, he leaves many friends including those at the Quail Park retirement community. As per Tom’s wishes, cremation took place and ashes will be spread at “the far end of the meadow,” near the old cabin in Plains. A Celebration of Life will be held on September 4, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church in Plains, Montana.