Thomas Joseph Traeger

Thomas Joseph Traeger was born in 1936 one month after his parents moved with Tom's eight siblings from South Dakota to Oregon. After growing up in Mt. Angel, he attended college with scholarships at St. Martin's University, earning a degree in Industrial Relations. He later completed a master's degree from Seattle University in Education Administration. Tom taught and held various roles in the Shoreline School District for 30 years, where his last position was Assistant Superintendent.

Tom loved to travel, bicycle, attend plays, and garden with his wife Roberta (Bobbi), as well as golf with a group of friends. He was known for his quick wit, keeping people laughing with his jokes and keen responses. Tom lived every day to its fullest despite numerous health setbacks. He succumbed to cancer on March 4, 2016.

Tom thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing about his family's German and Irish roots. This love of history also extended to community. When his adopted city of Kenmore incorporated in 1998, Tom established the Kenmore Heritage Society and served as its president for five years. He was instrumental in the writing of the Kenmore History Book which won state and national awards. He also planted the seed for the idea of a History Path at Logboom Park, and worked with a team to bring this amazing project to fruition. Tom was a Kenmore resident for 50 years and belonged to several civic organizations.

In retirement Tom enjoyed watercolor and acrylic painting, as well as creating garden sculptures. His art decorates the walls of Alexa's cafe in Bothell, which he often recommended for "great food and OK art". He generously donated proceeds from his sales to Eastside Baby Corner. Tom was also a skilled craftsman with a flair for architectural design, building a large addition and completing several remodels to his home.

In addition to his loving wife of almost 39 years, Tom is survived by son Gavin (Rachel) and their children Thomas and Isabella of London, UK; son Jason of Portland, OR; and daughter Darcy (Kevin) Slater and their son Kellen of Snohomish; sisters Antoinette Traeger (OSB), Mary Schurr, Regina Schiedler, and Geraldine Beyer. Tom also left a multitude of loving nieces and nephews. He will be missed beyond belief.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastside Baby Corner or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Published in The Seattle Times on Mar. 13, 2016