Thomas Edward Hope
May 17, 1926 - October 15, 2008
Obituary
Thomas Edward Hope, age 82, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side, in his home on
October 15, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Arlene; daughters, Christine Mudie and Lori Scott Whiting; son, Jeffrey Kristi Hope; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Ryan, Tyson, Jordan, Miranda, Kaylyn, Seth and Bryce; one great-grandchild, AJ; sister, Marlynn Molnar and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Tom was born on Monday, May 17th 1926 in Roslyn WA to James Hope and Anna Farrington Hope. Tom had three brothers, Bill, Jack and Norman; four sisters, Margie, Gloria, Marlynn and Joan. They lived in Roslyn WA while he was a young boy. The family moved to Black Diamond WA where he attended School thru the eleventh grade, graduating from Enumclaw High School in 1944.
In August of 1944 he was drafted into the United States Army until the end of August 1946. After he got out of the Army he was employed with the Boeing Co.
In 1947 His sister Joan introduced Tom to Arlene at Long Beach Washington while attending a razor clam festival. Tom and Arlene dated until September 2nd 1949 when they were married in Seattle Washington. They purchased their first and only Home in Boulevard Park WA in October 1949.
In February 1953 they had their first daughter Christine followed by their only son Jeffrey in September 1954 and their third child Lora in June of 1957. As the children grew Tom and his brothers added two bedrooms onto the house to accommodate his growing family.
As an avid sports fan Tom played Baseball as a catcher for the Boeing Company, he then went onto referee and umpire on the field and from the sidelines and his easy chair.
In 1975 Tom went to work for the Olympic National Parks, where his love for the outdoors grew. Camping, hiking, fishing, clam digging, picking mushrooms and blue huckleberries became a way of life with his family and many friends.
Tom was blessed with eight grand children starting in February 1977 and the last one born in May of 1995. Aaron, Ryan, Kaylyn, Tyson, Seth, Bryce, Jordan and Miranda. He was blessed one more time with A.J. his only great grandson on New Year’s Eve 2004. These grand children put a sparkle in his eye. Tom cherished every moment with them.
Retiring from the Boeing Company in 1988, Tom and Arlene enjoyed time on the road with their friends and family in their RV. While at home he loved working in the yard with his berry gardens, picking cherries, tending to his lawn sculptures, baking bread, making fudge and knitting.
His family was always first priority whether a family gathering for a holiday, family camp outs on the Green River, or family reunions at the beach he was always anxious to go, he loved being with his family.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008 at 3:00 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA. 206 242-1787.
Dear Arlene and family,
We are sad to hear of the loss of Tom. We enjoyed the times we were able to visit with you both. One of our greatest memories is camping with you and Tom at Iron Creek. We enjoyed getting to experience the “chicken of the woods” dish.It was so good. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Love. Tim, Stephanie, Sarah and Tyler Klein
Dear Arlene,
So many wonderful memories of the times we were with you and Tom. Most of them were camping, until the last few years. Just wish we had know you many years before. Tom had that special smile that we’ll always remember. He will always be know as the “rootbeer float” man by our children. Arlene just know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you very much and we’re here for you.
Love n Hugs, June n Roy
Dearest Arlene and Family,
Eric and I would like to share with you our love and sadness upon learning about Tom’s passing and gracing heaven with his presence. What happy memories we have of our visits with you two, even though the US Navy has not had us home enough to visit very often, those we had were always full of fun and laughter! We have wonderful pictures of you, Tom, and Grandma June visiting at Dick and Kathy’s house!! This will not be an easy time, but please know we send love and prayers to help you move forward at this time and ease the great sadness you feel.
Love always, Eric, Annette, Anna, Tyler & her girls; Justine and Karin & Allia, Colby & their son Lucas, Andrew, and Austin Hansen
Auntie Arlene and family,
So many memories;Christmas’ at your house as youngsters, Uncle Tom letting me attempt to drive his old 46′ before I could even see over the steering wheel, going to soccer games with him and always getting an orange at halftime, he followed my little league and babe ruth baseball just as if he were my father. Come to think of it, the last time Dave and I left your house to come home he said “Good bye son” and we both said good bye Dad” That’s the memory I treasure most. Love to all.
Did not really know Uncle Tom, however he loved his family very much not with things he said but by the way he gave them hugs, his laugh and excitement in his voice when telling a story, growth wall. Tom and Arlene set an example for me on how to greet your mate each day. Thank you and hope to see you again one day my friend.
He was the BEST DAD ever!!! Most loving and caring person you will ever meet. They just don’t make them like that anymore. I will always keep you in my heart Dad, I love you.!!! Your number one Daughter Lori
I guess we’ve waited to sign the guest book because Grady and I don’t want Tom to be gone! Arlene, we both love you so very much. You and Tom welcomed us to the neighborhood with open arms. You two have been such an inspiration to us.
I am heartsick that Tom won’t be here to teach me plant sculpturing. Cripes–what will I do with those bushes now!
How we will miss seeing Tom in the yard working on his new flop eared bunny You did a great job on the eyes, Arlene!
We will sorely miss Tom and our “attempts” at hearing each other! I guess I am glad he couldn’t hear me sing!
Arlene, Grady and I love you so much. Our deepest sorrow at Tom’s passing. Come over for coffee or maybe Grady can pull me over!
Our love to all the family.
Our hearts are with you
Tim and Grady
from all the beautiful condolences it appears that A,J has inherited his g-granddad’s gregarious nature!
Uncle Hopie,
Did you know that the only puzzle I have ever finished in my entire life was with you. I will always remember how you treated my sister and I. We always felt welcome in your home. Aunt Arlene my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. With Love, Julie
Tom you and Arlene have always welcomed me into your arms and family. We may not be family still by marriage but we will always be family in our hearts.. I will dearly miss my clamming visitors who just happen to be driving by.. Will miss you and love you forever.
Tom, will miss your big smile and ready laugh. I have such good memories of camping, picking huckleberries, visiting at Jose’s campground, AZ and lunches with you and Arlene. Take care dear friend and be sure to look up Bob!
Tom had an amazing smile and a wonderful laugh! He was a nice man and we will miss him.
I always felt loved by Tom And Arlene, no mater what the situation. Grandpa Tom and grandma Arlene, for many years, were our standby taxi service – whenever anyone needed a ride. As our kids grew older we were so lucky to have them live so close by. Many times the kids would have rather been with them, than us. Their love for our family was nonstop and all that love was a priceless gift. Tom you will be missed but not forgotten. I loved you and I will be their for Arlene.
Kevin Mudie
We will so miss Uncle Tom’s smile, his laugh, his jokes, his kidding…but most of all his wonderful, all encompassing hugs! Our hearts go out to all of the family as they work through their grief, we are grieving with you, as well.
God Bless you all and may He hold you in the palm of His hand to comfort, guide, and care for you during this extremely trying period.
We love you All! Rick, Judi, Dan & Katie, & Katelyn Kirsch
Uncle Tom, Your laughter and crinkly smile will be sorely missed. We love you! See you all on the 24th.
Uncle Hopie was always a part of our lives and he will be missed SOOOOO much! What a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle he was! His smile and special laugh will always be remembered!
WE TA DID, He was Sofa King we ta did. haha That was one of many great memmories I had laughing with Hope- I’ll miss you, you prankster
It was a honor to know Tom, I always enjoyed visiting with him and his wife at Ryans home in Tacoma. I will remember the big smile he had, and how much he enjoyed visiting with his family. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arlene, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was saddened to hear of Grandpas passing. I will miss him and his fun loving personality, He always made laugh and smile.
Grandma Arlene, I always loved stopping bye your home with Ryan for a good joke from “gramps” and a warm hug from you. Gramps love, laughter, and humor has touched us all and continues to live within each of us. Love, Brock
I am very sorry to hear about Uncle Tom. I wish I could be at the ceremony, but he will be in my thoughts and prayers.He was a great man, who loved his family very much. His funny jokes and goofy smile were sure to bring a smile to everyone around him. I was blessed to know him. I send my love to Arlene and the family.
I loved Hopie Tom. Besides all the fun times at family gatherings the greatest things I will remember and cherish most is his contagious, joyful laugh, his warm, welcoming hugs and the way he said my name. He was full of love and life. He was a wonderful man. I will miss him.
Dear Arlene,
I am sad to hear about Uncle Tom. There are only so many people you can say you’ve known all you life and you and Hopie are two of them. All the 4th of July parties, Thanksgivings, birthdays, anniversaries, or just having Sunday dinner with you guys are memories I cherish.
Love,
Kathy & family
We only knew you guys for about a month but have fond memories of fun times. I’m still using my hand made dish cloths and will cherish them a little more now.
You are in our thought and prayers.
Aloha
How blessed I have been to have known such a special man. Always full of love and laughter and acceptance of others. Always enjoying life and living it to it’s fullest, and always his family first. All the family gatherings were so full of his laughter and the twinkle that was always in his eyes. Those are times I have never fogotten, and will always hold dear. Wish there could have been more… so many things change thru life and take us away for awhile, but I know one day I will see him again.
Arlene, Chris, Jeff and Lori…
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arlene and family…Our prayers and condolences are with all of you. I count it a privilege to be a part of the services for Thomas.
Chaplain wilby casey..TFD
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We think of you often.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Tom or Gramps as Ryan called him one time when he visited Ryan at our station in Poulsbo years ago. I knew how much he meant to Ryan since he talked about him all the time.
We send our condolences to the family. We won’t forget that smile of his whenever we were around because it always lighted up the room. He was always telling jokes and kidding around. He will be greatly missed.
I just wanted to say it was a pleasure knowing Tom. He was a fun and entertaining person. Thanks Chris, and Jeff and Lori and Arlene if you need anything let me know and I will do what I can. I hope I can see you all Friday. Remember the fun times…and there were plenty. Love Randy
Dear Family,
Oh, how I wish we could be there to celebrate the life of Uncle Hopie. Who else could do ‘The Preacher and The Bear, the ‘Possum Song’ and the Baseball Story’???
We’ll miss his waffles they were a team effort the pink dish cloths and booties..But, most of all, we’ll miss his love and great big bear hugs!!!
I never got to meet Tom but I am friends with his daughter Chris and I know he was loved very much by her and was always in her thoughts. Her dad and mine had a lot in common. So I am very saddened by his leaving as it has left a hole in all his familys heart which will heal with time.
Arlene, Chris, Lori and Jeff,
My heart is so sad to hear about the loss of your prcious Dad and Husband.
You have all been so much a part of my life. So many happy memories of us kids playing together and how much fun we had. Your Dad was a huge part of my life and happiness as a child growing up in Boulavard Park.
I can see him always smiling and laughing when ever I was near him.
I loved your Dad very much. He holds a big part of my heart.
No matter how times were I could go to your house and feel happy!
I love you Arlene and I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I am here for you always.
God Bless you all and my heart is with all of My Hope Family.
Love,
Pamie
I remember the day when Chris, Jeff and Laurie had a visit with their Aunty Mary. I was probably staying the night. It was a nice day and three of us went down to the beach. Only two returned! Jeff and Laurie took me to the beach. They dug a hole large enough to fit a boy of about 6 years of age. Once the hole was dug, the two invited me in and covered me to my neck. As they turned to walk off the beach they commented,†look, the tide is coming inâ€. I am writing this today because I survived that day. I’m pretty sure that they got that from their beloved Dad.
We too love him and will miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Aunty and our cousins.
So sorry for your loss wish we could be there.
The greates memory was from Matt reception and getting money from Tom and Arlene for dancing on the bar.
Tom and Arlene were always parents and grandparents to all.
May the Lord be with you and God bless.
Arlene, Chris, & Family,
I was so sorry to read about Tom’s passing. We had so much fun camping & digging clams with you. But the special times were following Ryan & Justin in the years they played baseball. I know Tom & Del thought their grandson’s were the very best. I’ll never forget when we went for a walk in the woods & Tom took off for the shower & then told us later what happened. I hope & pray that maybe he & Del are up in heaven bragging about their grandson’s. Ryan you were one of my favorite boys & thank you so much for coming to Grandpa Del’s funeral. Love from all of our family.
Joanne
Dear Arlene,
Just heard this afternoon of Hopies passing. I have so many fond memories of the Maks?Hope families. Our delightful “dip” At Deep Lake with you, me & Lorraine!! Also the wonderful Thanksgiving’s at “uncle Jack’s hall.”
I lost my husband nearly 14 yrs ago–in the same way. The shock’s over-whelming but even after all this time it’s still NOT okay! Better but never oaky.
My love to you & children.
Jayne
Dear Arlene,
Don’t know if you remember the Straus name, but we were your next-door neighbors at 2026 S. 126th back in early 1957. You helped me find a pediatrian as well as my way around the area; and our kids played in the sandbox, watched over by our Dalmatian.
The parallels in our lives: you are atill living in your original home, and so are we. Rather “I”. Rome passed away September 4th, just ll days after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Sometimes it doesn’t seem real, other times too real.
Your family will be a big support to you in the next trying weeks. I know our 4 “kids” are: Joe, now 52, is a lawyer downtown; Gail, 50, is a school administrator in Shelton; Jon, 46, is a police lieutenant in Kent; and Jamie, 44, is a metallurgical engineer at Boeing. Can’t match you in grandkids though! We have 3 grandsons: Justin, 21, a Navy Corpsman, who has served 7 months in Iraq with the Marines; Jacob, 13, and Luke, 12, both in jr. high.
It is never easy regardless of how the passing has occured, but with so many wonderful memories, and the support of your family, the good things you both shared will overcome the sadness of today. My sincere sympathies to you and your family. Blessings to you all.
Ruth Straus
Dear Arlene,
We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. We loved being with both of you the few times we were camping or socializing together. We were blessed to know you both
Love and Prayers
Larry and Diane
PS. We found out about Tom. through Ealane, and we are on the road heading South. We left two weeks ago and are enjoying slow trip South. We are presently in Seaside Oregon, and this is our 4th stop,This is a real slow trip south.
Oh Tom ; What can’t be said about him – Warm,Wonderful,Funny,-open for all to love and we did! We met the Hopes thru Jim’s folks.We have camped with them,they stayed at Jose’s campground and our boy’s called him uncle Tom.Loved the berry berry too! The world has lost a super person but what a angel they got. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Arlene and your family. Love Jim,Jaylynn,James,Kenneth,& Paul Sloan
Uncle Tom… No matter the occasion, you gave the best hugs. I will miss you, those hugs and your wonderful big smile and laugh.
Uncle Tom would never let me pass by him without some kind of smart remark and a big hug and kiss. In turn I would pinch his cheeks and tell him he was always my favorite, of course with the most sarcastic tone I could.
He lite up the room with just a smile. It won’t be the same without him.
We feel so very blessed to have been able to share our lives with Uncle Tom. He always had a kind word and big smile. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Aunt Arlene and family.
We love you.
David, Jenn Cameron & Gabriel Carlton
Oh how I loved that man! He loved me too! I’ll miss him greatly. I’ll alway’s remember he was my “SPECIAL SURPRISE” at my 50th birthday! Our Walter! Pat & I alway’s fought over him! I think I won! What would Pat say?!!!!!!
I’m so sorry for your loss,as time goes by the sorrow will go away, and be replaced by the great memories you all shared.
Lori take care are thoughts are with you!
Hi Arlene,
So sorry to hear about Tom passing. He was truly one of a kind and there’s nobody else like him. Everyone will miss him so much.
What a nut he was and always had a big smile and a joke when we came over. We will try to attend on Friday and give you a big hug.
Love you
Dan and Val
I was fortunate to get to know Tom through his daughter Lori. I was able to share in many of Tom’s celebrations through the years as well he shared in my families.
Ellen and I were always “fighting” over who got to be Tom’s “best girl” at these function’s. Of course Arlene was his favorite but Ellen and I always hoped we were at the top of his list of “girlfriends”. I will miss you and always hold that special place in my heart for you!
I love you!
Pat
I really thought Hopie would keep on going, his poor heart just had enough. I don’t think he did, though! He was always ready for action, at least that is my impression. Things I learned about Hopie Tom – that his real name wasn’t “Hopie”, I was probably a teenager when I realized this and it caused me great confusion for a long time, who would name their kid Hopie Hope? *My uncle knits! And he knits well! He would be in his chair knitting away – I was amazed! One more observation – Hopie had a unique report` with each of his grandchildren. Each one was special and he brought out their individual best. It was impressive and I silently admired this quality; he was a committed, loyal, loving grandfather…as well as father & husband. I think what I’ve learned from him, to sum it up: keep it simple, and laugh a lot! Love to all the family. His obituary is wonderful I didn’t know my mom introduced him to Arlene!! another lesson…!
Chris,
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. That this would be a time of drawing closer together as a family as you share all the memories of your dad.
We will be there. Such a loss. I’m sad for us all. So hard to let go of the ones we love so much.
Love and well wishes,
Emily Elliott