Obituary: Theis, Thomas Lee
Age 65
THEIS,
Thomas Lee
September 23, 1950 -
April 21, 2016
At the age of 65, following a 16 year battle with cancer, Tom died on the morning of April 21st in the presence of family.
Despite the long battle, he maintained a positive spirit and a hopeful attitude.
Tom was born in Minot, ND on September 23, 1950.
He grew up in Lansford, ND with three siblings.
He began work early on the farms near his home.
While in college he worked alongside his father building homes and gained carpentry skills he used throughout his life.
He received a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of North Dakota.
His engineering career began at Atlantic Richfield Hanford in Richland, WA in 1972.
Two years later he began working with Dow Chemical Co. and continued to work for Dow through retirement in 2005.
He began in Pittsburg, CA starting in Ag research.
He then moved to various positions within latex production.
In 1989, he accepted a project management position which sent him overseas to Terneuzen, The Netherlands.
In 1991, he moved to Midland, MI for a position as a specialist in the latex technology center.
He completed his 32 year career at Dow as a senior technology specialist in foam products.
Tom met his wife Kay in Kennewick, WA.
They were married the next year in 1975.
They had two children.
Tom enjoyed camping trips, supporting his children’s activities, and many types of puzzles.
While the family lived in The Netherlands, they travelled throughout Europe.
He spent many hours woodworking on a variety of projects including furniture, the children’s playhouse, and decks.
He also worked on major home improvement and yard projects.
Tom and Kay moved to Spokane, WA in 2007.
After retirement Tom volunteered for AARP Tax Aide, the Ronald McDonald House, and ushered at the Spokane Civic Theatre.
He was also an active member of Assumption Parish in Spokane.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester Theis and Ethelina Harren Theis, a younger brother Curtis, and a nephew Mark Herrick.
Tom is survived by his wife, Kay; children Matt Theis (Erin) of Derwood, MD and Kristie Hills (Jeff) of Spokane, WA; two grandchildren, Owen and Olivia and one on the way; brothers, Jim Theis (Vickie) of Carmel, IN and Paul Theis (Alin) of Eden Prairie, MN; a sister, Sylvia Herrick (Michael) of Alameda, CA; and seven nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name to: Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery (vanessabehan.org) or Hospice of Spokane (HospiceofSpokane.org).
Please visit Tom’s page at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.