Tom Dunlap Obituary (1949-2021) – Mount Vernon, WA
Mount Vernon – Tom died at Skagit Valley Hospital on October 4, 2021 after a tough battle with cancer, aged 72.
Tom was born on September 4, 1949 to Claude and Betty Dunlap in Mount Vernon, where Tom lived all his life.
Tom graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1967, attended Skagit Valley College, and then Western Washington University.
Tom married Debi Nemo on November 24, 1973. Starting life holding hands, 48 years later saying goodbye holding hands.
Tom never forgot his childhood: mowing the lawn, throwing newspapers, walking to the river via I-5 to fish, raising his chickens (which drove the neighbors crazy). He spent summers working in the hay and driving pea growers – every job he could get to make money.
In 1976 Tom started working as a delivery driver for a bread company. Although the company name changed a few times, Tom retired at the time of the Franz Baking Company.
He enjoyed Little League, Babe Ruth, basketball at the “Y”, high school baseball, and basketball; he enjoyed sharing the stories and had all of the Skagit Valley Herald sport clippings to back them up.
Tom’s life changed forever on December 2, 1978 when his daughter Mindy was born. She needs special attention and boy, did she get it from her dad! Tom loved, protected and entertained her until his last breath. Whether flying to Maui or taking the RV to Chelan, they were a team.
Tom was known for just being “friendly”.
He leaves behind his wife Debi, daughter Mindy Dunlap, son Mike Dunlap and grandson Brayden; Granddaughter Abby Sayles (who put a twinkle in Grandpa’s eyes); Sisters; Linda Krumins from Mount Vernon and Susan Widen from Burlington (their bond and love as siblings were unbreakable). Tom is also survived by his brother, Marlin Dunlap, of Vancouver, Washington, and sister, Sharon Clark, of Houston, Texas, and brother-in-law, Nick Nemo.
“You can’t change yesterday
It is very clear
Or start tomorrow
Until it is ready
So everything remains
For you and for me
Can be done today
The best it can be! “
-Love you dad
Special thanks go to all employees at Skagit Regional Health Oncology and the Skagit Valley Hospital. Your hugs, concern, flowers, cards, food and friendship have been a blessing to our neighbors. Greetings to all.
You can share your stories and condolences on kernfuneralhome.com. A private funeral will be held at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery under the care of Kern Funeral Home to honor Tom’s last wishes. In his words: “No fanfare.”
Published by the Skagit Valley Herald October 13-14, 2021.