Thomas David Barker
Thomas David Barker
Thomas David Barker was born in Seattle, June 22, 1937 and passed away on August 14, 2022 surrounded by the family he deeply loved.
Tom grew up in Seattle’s Greenwood-St John’s Parish neighborhood. After attending O’Dea High School and UW, he spent 2 years in the Navy and later graduated from Portland St University. In 1959 he married Joanne Harriger, his life-long love, wife and partner. They had six children, Chris, Laura, Julia, John, Suzanne and Beth. In 1969, the family moved to Kirkland where he lived out his life with family and friends from the St John Vianney Parish and High Woodlands neighborhood.
Family was of the utmost importance to Tom. Everything he did in life was an expression of his belief in nurturing family. He provided for his large family, attended every event possible, guided us with his quiet wisdom and stood up for us when the going got rough. He created a successful family business, The Complete Line which has been serving the Architectural, Engineering and Arts community for decades.
Tom was a man of great integrity and service. He was his own man, an entrepreneur, self-determined, a learner and believer in hard work. He valued the friendships of his youth and continued to nurture them throughout his life. He drew strength from community and his faith in God.
His greatest pleasure in life was a good book. He loved movies, especially classics from the 50’s and 60’s. He took great pride in tending his home and garden. He was also a lifelong Mariners, Seahawks, Husky and Storm fan. In his younger years he loved swimming and playing sports and games with his kids. He also enjoyed his family and friend time at Lake Chelan and Port Townsend. He took great joy in the annual family tradition of camping at Deception Pass or other WA parks. He traveled extensively with Joanne and their community of friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, George and Rose Barker and his sister Beverly Cavanaugh.
He is survived by his children, Chris, Laura(Ben), Julia(Bob), John, Suzanne and Beth(Terry). Grandchildren, Logan, Joshua, Alyssa, Jason, Jennifer, Caitlin, Anna, Emily, Joseph, Anthony, Kelsey, Cassandra and Thomas. Great-Grandchildren, Carter, Makenzie, Jared and Steven.
May you be at peace Tom. We Love You!
Remembrances may be made in his honor to St Vincent DePaul or Kirkland Fire Dept. EMT’s.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 27, 2022 10:00AM.
St. John Vianney Catholic Church. 12600 NE 84th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98034
2 Responses to “Thomas David Barker”
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What a beautiful photo of Tom and Joanne. He was such a kind, intelligent, gentle, well-informed man who never lost his sharp mind. I’ve told my kids Tom had physical challenges, but his mental acuity was amazing! I’m so glad we re-connected in the past few years, and treasure our mealtime visits.
When I was growing up, you were both the hip younger relatives, as compared to our parents, aunts, and uncles.
I’ve always loved you both, and now that I’m a forgetful senior citizen myself, marvel at your ongoing involvement and awareness. Sending much love. Marcia
Tom was always a very gentle, gracious, and caring father figure to his entire family. We still remember the wonderful wedding shower that Tom and Joanne held for us, that was so kind of you both to go to that effort and it will never be forgotten. Thank you for being such a great example of what a loving marriage looks like. We pray that God will comfort the hearts of all of Tom’s family, especially for you Joanne and for your children. With love, Lance and Donna Succo