WAL Capt. Thomas F. Smith

 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.    

http://www.dignitymemorial.com/purdy-walters-at-floral-hills/en-us/directions.page 

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.com>    Date: Sat, Jan 28, 2017 at 6:20 PM

........... 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​