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THOMAS "TOM" DALTON LATHROP
January 8, 1940 ~ May 14, 2013
Thomas "Tom" Dalton Lathrop, 73, of Washougal, WA, passed away suddenly on May 14, 2013. He was born on Jan. 8, 1940 to Thomas Hiram and Patricia Ann (Dalton) Lathrop in Jackson, MS.
Tom joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 before graduating from high school at age 17. He was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team and was wounded during the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, which earned him the distinguished Navy & Marine Expeditionary Medal. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam.
Tom's last assignment was to run the Fire Fighting School at Treasure Island, San Francisco and retired from there as Master Chief in 1977. He received the Navy Achievement Medal for leadership and outstanding performance.
He was a pipe fitter for 18 years at the Vancouver Veterans Administration Medical Center, and retired from the Portland VAMC as foreman.
Tom loved restoring anything with a John Deere brand, which included 3 antique John Deere tractors. He was a member of the John Deere 2-Cycle Club and the Oregon GEARS Club. Tom was multi-talented, crafting many fine "works of art" in wood and metal.
Tom is survived by his wife of 28 years, Beth; their daughter, Amanda "Kate" in Washougal; his children, Lee (Bonnie) Lathrop in Des Moines, IA, Kathy (Tom) Allen in Elgin, TX and Russel (Rosalyn) Lathrop in Tyler, TX; several grandchildren; brothers, Larry (Linda) Lathrop in Kernersville, NC and Mike (Patricia) Lathrop in Cranston, RI.
Family will have a gathering at the Lathrop home on June 15th from 1 to 5 p.m. for a celebration of Tom's life.
A friend wrote: He was strong, yet gentle, discerning,
yet understanding and compassionate. He was a man of truth, yet not judgmental. He was highly intelligent, incredibly creative and innovative, yet always seeking knowledge and a better way. His spirit touched so many and profoundly uplifted those
who were able to spend time with him.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom, what a good solid man.Yes, he will be missed.
Linda Dietzman
May 28, 2013
Some of the best memory's I have are of Beth & Tom. I believe that all of us that had the privilege of having Tom in our lives are better people because of Tom. Tom's gentle strength was a thing of ah and worthy of trying to copy. I love you and I miss you – Rest In Peace
Tom Allen
May 25, 2013
Dad you will be missed and loved by me until the time I go to be with you. You were the best father anyone could ever wish for. I miss you! Beth and Kate, I hope each day brings you closer being able to enjoy all the wonderful memories that you have stored in your heart. Love Kathy
May 23, 2013
Good Bye Dad. You will be missed and loved by me until I go to meet you. You were the best father that anyone could ever hope for. Beth and Kate. I hope each day brings you closer to being able to enjoy the wonderful memories you have in your heart. Love Kathy
May 23, 2013
Dear Beth and Katie,
I remember Tom fondly when he would pick up Katie from Aquinas Montessori School. He was a big, gentle man with a kind heart. Katie- you were a bundle of cuteness! It was obvious how much he cared for her!
My sincerest condolences to you and the rest of the Lathrop family.
Donna Hargrave
May 23, 2013
Tom was always intertaining when he visited LJC. His curiosity always intrigued me. I can still hear him say "oh, really?","really"! We are still in disbelief and miss him very much.
Gordon & Patty French
May 22, 2013
Beth and Family, My SIL, Linda Dietzman, told me about your husband, Tom. I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. Terri Dietzman Gerlach
Terri Gerlach
May 20, 2013
A beautiful tribute to an amazing man and special friend. Tom left his imprint on so many lives, including ours. He will be forever in our hearts. Love to you, Beth and Kate
May 20, 2013
Beth,
My heart hurts for you and your daughter but my memories of Tom make me smile. I am honored to have known Tom; such a big personality and even bigger heart!
Thinking of you,
Erin (Johnson) Williams
Erin Williams
May 20, 2013
Tom, we cry because you're gone, but smile because you were here. You will forever be in our hearts and our prayers.
With all our love, Brother Mike and Pat
Michael Lathrop
May 19, 2013
Tom, Tom, Tom, so many good memories & laughs over the years! When I think of you I see that crooked grin of yours. You lived a good life and will be fondly thought of forever. Rest in peace my friend.
May 19, 2013
Beth and Katie, I am thinking of you every day and every night, because I know what it is like being in your shoes. I hate that you have to be there. Tom was so special to so many of us, and I will never forget how you were both there for me. He is going to be watching over you, but he will be so terribly missed on this earth. Prayers and Love for you (and anything else you need), Jan
Janis Woodman
May 19, 2013
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