T H O M A S F R A N C I S S M I T H
S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 1 9 2 8 - J A N U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 1
7
Tom was born on September 16, 1928 in Washington DC. He was the youngest
child of Ed and Sarah Smith. Tom grew up during the Great Depression and related
many stories of the austerity of those times.
He attended Catholic School in Washington, DC and then moved with his
family to Gallup, NM where his father was a government agent on the Navajo
reservation.
At the age of 17, he joined the Navy in San Diego and served out the two
years remaining in World War II on a Rendova. He then attended college majoring
in Aviation to become a pilot.
He joined Western Airlines in 1952 flying DC 3, DC 6, Electra, and 720 B.
He attained Captain and flew on 727s for the remainder of his 35-year career,
retiring in 1987.
Following this, he bought his beloved Twin Comanche and flew many trips to
Canada and across the US. He set a record for a non-stop long distance flight –
from Everett, Washington to Louisville, Kentucky in 1992.
Not only was Tom an avid pilot, he used his aviation engineering skills to
develop several FAA approved modifications for the Twin Comanche. He pursued his
passion for aviation his entire life.
Tom passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 15, 2017 in
Kirkland, WA in his 89th year. He was preceded in death by sister Mary and
brother Paul.
Tom is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Ruth (Ed), stepdaughter Karen
(Jerry), sons Paul (Sharon), Tom, Greg (Indira) and Stephen (Nicole) as well as
seven beloved grandchildren- Karen, Silas, Derek, Aidan, Brendan, Abby, and
Charlotte.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Tom's memory may do so to the Museum
of Flight, Restoration Project at Paine Field in Everett, WA;
~ IN MEMORY ~
WAL Capt. Thomas F. Smith
September 16, 1928 ~ January 15, 2017
News has reached us with the passing of Western Airlines pilot
Captain Thomas Francis Smith, age 88. Captain Smith joined Western Airlines
12-02-1952 and was based SEA. He is survived by his wife Helen. The Smiths
resided in Washington state. To the best of my knowledge personal condolences
may be sent to the family at
2200 196th St SE Unit 69 , Bothell WA 98012-7234 ... (425)
485-6226.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Purdy and Walters at
Floral Hills,
located at 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA 98036-4934 | (425)
672-1800.
To date I have not seen an online guestbook but I did contact
the funeral home to
verify that services for Captain Smith will be held Saturday
February 11th at 1:00PM with graveside services following at
2:00PM.
Should we receive further information we will be sure to pass
it along.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
----------
Forwarded message ----------
From: Helen <helensmith_ppdoula@hotmail.
From: Helen <helensmith_ppdoula@hotmail.
...........
my husband Tom Smith passed away peacefully on Jan 15th 2017.
For
anyone interested, there will be a Memorial Service at PURDY and WALTERS FUNERAL
HOME AT FLORAL HILLS on SATURDAY Feb 11th @1:00PM.
Address
is 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA
98036..............................
Sincerely,
Helen
Smith
Forward by Retired Ca
pt
CC (Bud)
Graham
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