Thomas Albert Hesketh

Thomas Hesketh of Eugene, Oregon passed away on October 16, 2023, at the age of 97. He was born in Cupar, Saskatchewan on October 7, 1926. Tom grew up and attended school in Cupar, where he and his family lived above the Hesketh Hardware Store. After high school graduation, Tom moved to the United States in order to enlist in the army and then have funding through the GI Bill to attend college. In 1948, after two years in the US Army, he enrolled at Oregon State in Corvallis, where he majored in business. Tom was grateful for the GI Bill and often said that he did not know how he could have attended college without it. After graduation, Tom was hired by the Goodyear Tire Company and sent to Spokane, Washington to work. A co-worker set Tom up on a blind date with Lillian and on June 4, 1955, Tom and Lillian were married.

Shortly after their marriage, Goodyear transferred Tom to Bellingham, Washington where he was manager of a store. After a year in Bellingham, Tom learned that the Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle was hiring. Tom interviewed and was asked if he could start the next day. Two weeks later, Tom, Lillian, and their infant son, Jim, moved to the Seattle area where Tom began his 30-year career with Boeing as a buyer. His work with Boeing included buying materials for the 707, 727, 737 and 747; buying for special order airplanes; and working in Research and Development. In 1987, Tom was awarded Employee of the Year for the Material Division of the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company.

Tom was a quiet, calm, problem solver. He enjoyed reading history, woodworking projects, and music. He could often be heard singing. After retirement, Tom volunteered at elementary schools in the Renton School District and in Eugene. He loved walks in the park for exercise and to look at nature. While living in Seattle, he and his youngest daughter, Carol, made nearly daily trips to the Renton parks. After moving to Eugene, Oregon in 2007, Tom continued to admire nature while he walked in the Eugene parks.

Tom is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Zaydée, of Miami, Florida; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Dan and granddaughters, Marika and Jennika, of Eugene, Oregon. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian and daughter, Carol. A private family interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, Washington. Memorials for Tom may be made to: Eugene Parks Foundation P.O. Box 11618 Eugene, Oregon 97440-3818 or a charity of your choice.