Thomas S. Rowlett Jr., 92, died December 22, 2016 in Spokane with family by his side.

Tom grew up near West Seattle’s Alki Beach and made frequent family visits to relatives in North Bend. His beach and mountain childhood gave him a lifelong love for Puget Sound and the outdoors. He worked in manufacturing, construction, and service industries. He found great satisfaction in his personal life organizing, tinkering, and finding the most efficient way to do things. He laughed often and told great stories.

He served in WWII in the South Pacific with the army. After the war, he returned to Seattle and earned a degree in Industrial Management from the UW. While at school, he met and married Mary Jean Schairer of Bremerton, WA. Together they raised two sons and a daughter.

Later in life, he met Betty J. Anderson of Portland who was his partner for his remaining years. They lived in Portland; Lopez Island; and Danville, CA. After Betty’s death in Danville in early 2016, Tom moved to Spokane to be close to his oldest son, Steve. In June 2016, Tom and Steve joined other WWII veterans in an Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials. This trip was a very meaningful and poignant experience for Tom.

Tom is survived by his three children: Steve (Sally) Rowlett of Spokane and their two children; Greg (Leann) Rowlett of Portland and their five children and two grandchildren; and Nancy (Wayne) Sencenbaugh of Edgewood, WA. Betty’s children also survive him: Rhonda (Jeff) Fazio of Danville, CA and their three children; Paula Anderson of Walnut Creek, CA; and Curtis Anderson (Mary) of Portland and their two children.

At age 92, Tom made the significant decision to give his life to Jesus Christ and felt an unprecedented personal peace with God. During his remaining months, his spiritual story touched others. To God be the glory for a life finished well. A private service will be held in Seattle at a later date.