Obituary: Som, Anthony Walter “Tony”
Age 89
He was born to George and Cora Som on January 10, 1926 in Williston, North Dakota.
He graduated from Williston High in 1944, joined the Navy and served in the Pacific in World War II.
In 1947, he moved to Spokane where he attended Kinman Business School from 1947-1949.
He was married to Clarice Stevens from 1950 to 1984.
Tony was hired by the Great Northern Railroad as a telegrapher in 1949 and worked in several towns on the Cascade and Columbia Short Line.
He worked out of depots in Kettle Falls, Spokane, Longview, WA, Klamath Falls, OR.
and Denver, CO as Supervisor Agent.
He retired in Denver in 1981.
In 1972 he was awarded Burlington Northern Employee of the year.
Tony married Ruggie Indahl on September 12, 1987 and they lived at the home on 19th street that Ruggie’s father had built.
They moved to Riverview Retirement Home in 2009.
Tony was very active in the community.
He was a leader in Boy Scouts, coached Little League Baseball, and also refereed football and basketball.
He was the first Chairman for Kettle Falls Town and Country Days.
He joined the Lions Club in 1959 and enjoyed this association for the rest of his life, serving as District Governor from 1999-2000.
He was honored with the Lions Melvin Jones Fellowship.
He was Chairman of the Board for Salvation Army in both Klamath Falls, OR and Longview, WA.
He also enjoyed serving with Kiwanis and United Way.
He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church.
Tony enjoyed traveling — whether in his motorhome touring the US or visiting family overseas in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Malaysia and Greece.
Tony loved spending time with his family, and especially enjoyed the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His family includes Thomas Som (Connie) of North Bend, WA; David Som of White City, OR; Dennis Som (Lisa) of Longview, WA; Berne Indahl (Pam) Spokane; Clarke Indahl (Margie) Spokane; Heidi Malthaner (Phil) Spokane; Peter Indahl (Kelly) Gig Harbor, WA.
There are 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Clarice and second wife Ruggie, and also brothers Glenn and John and sister Marie.
Visitation for Tony will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
A memorial service honoring his life will be held at Central Lutheran Church on 5th and Browne on Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM.
Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to Lions Club Int’l.
Foundation SightFirst Program.