Thomas Lacey Calvin

Thomas Lacey Calvin

Tom Calvin of Fall City passed away on February 9, 2015.

Born May 8, 1930 in Chehalis he attended high school in Cathlamet. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Martin, on March 29, 1950.

Tom started his career in the logging industry along side his father W.L. Calvin. His first solo operation, while still in high school, was logging with his horse “Bess” in Wahkiakum County, Washington. Later work included logging redwoods in California, partnering with his dad on Niegi Island, British Columbia, and Glide, Oregon. In 1963 he went to work for Weyerhaeuser Company at Snoqualmie. Tom became sort yard supervisor at the White River and Snoqualmie plants. After retiring he ran a log yard for ITT Rayonier and later became a log buyer for Nielsen Bros.

He was a fisherman all his life and also enjoyed hunting and traveling. Europe, Canada, and Mexico were some of the destinations for Tom, Patsy and family. He served his community as Fall City Water Commissioner since its inception in 1980 for the rest of his life. He and Patsy were Grand Marshals of the 2013 Fall City Days parade.

Delving into the Calvin family genealogy, he traced family back through the Civil War, Indian attacks, the Revolutionary War and tales of relatives of dubious character. Tom Calvin however was a man of outstanding character. There is no adequate yardstick to measure his life and accomplishments. His love, humor and understanding will be missed by all who knew him.

In 1989 Tom was diagnosed with the genetic condition Alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency which causes emphysema without smoking. Due to excellent care, he lived to be one of the oldest people with this condition. He was an inspiration to Alphas all over the world and attended many national conferences. The newly diagnosed were encouraged by Tom’s good humor and attitude; he always encouraged them that “Alpha 1 is not a death sentence.”

He is survived by loving wife Patsy, daughters and son Connie Storey (Malcolm), Gay Norman (Dennis), Brian; grandchildren Milissa Ormiston, Alexandra Storey (David Pyle), Maija Turner, Erick Storey, Andrea Norman, Stephanie Fenley, seven great grandchildren, and his sister Adele Morgan. Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather and good friend to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to support research in to the treatment and cure of Alpha 1. Gifts should be made payable to the OHSU Foundation, 1121 SW Salmon S. Ste. 100, Portland, Or 97205; reference “Barker Pulmonary Research Program fund #23823” in the memo line or contact Sadie Williams at 503-552-0689 or willisad@ohsu.edu. Our thanks to Dr Alan Barker for his years of research and care for our family.