Tom, 93, died November 29, 2023. He was born on August 6, 1929, on the family ranch near Pearrygin Lake, WA. Tom graduated from Winthrop H.S. as valedictorian and continued his education at Washington State University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Equine science. Tom was a natural horseman and ranch hand at an early age. He began breaking horses at the age of 14 and at the age of 16 worked as a local guide on a dude ranch. Tom served in the Army as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Tom was a horseman, wrangler, horse trader, guide, packer, smokejumper, rancher, soldier, wildland firefighter, logger, and owned several businesses in the valley including The Winthrop Feed Store. He was also a contract fire engine owner and operator. Tom was an active member of the American Legion. He was the founding member of the Washington Contract Firefighters in 1998 and a founding Member of the Washington Outfitters and Guides Association. Tom jumped at NCSB 1949, 50, and 1953.