Obituary: Pope, Thomas Alan
He was born in 1953 to Donald and Donna Pope in Falmouth, MA.
He was big brother to siblings Jane, Sue, Mike and Sharon Pope.
He is survived by his wife, Lorrie; his children, Tom Pope (spouse Chrissy) and Jennifer Harrison (spouse Tim), both of Spokane; stepchildren Nathan Donnelly of Arcata, CA, Bobbi Jean Wood (spouse Michael) and Melinda Sue Donnelly (spouse Rob Hlookoff) of Spokane; along with five grandsons, Ethan, Isaiah, Trenton, Monroe and Remington.
Tom was a graduate of West Valley High School, served in the US Army and later graduated from Spokane Community College.
As a journeyman electrician he spent 20 years in the HVAC industry.
A master of his trade, Tom was sought out as a Compliance Inspector for the state department of LNI where he worked throughout the remainder of his life.
Tom loved ham radio, and was very involved in the amateur radio community whom he considered his second family.
He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the craft while making gifts for others.
Tom resembled Santa Claus with his white curly hair and fluffy beard, paired with his twinkling blue eyes and warm embrace.
Children were always the first to notice and he would often carry candy canes in his pockets to give to them.
Tom lived a lifetime of vacations in the last few years.
He loved Mexico and visited there often as well as frequent trips to Vegas and Reno, where luck was usually on his side.
He was a caring man who was always willing to give of himself to help anyone in need.
His example of love and compassion for others has left a legacy that will live on.
All of those who have known and loved him are better for it, and he will be greatly missed.
There will be a celebration of his life from 1:00-3:00 PM on December 7, 2013, at Eastpoint Church in the Spokane Valley.
Tom’s family has asked that you honor his life not with flowers, but with a donation to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery on his behalf.