Thomas Milton Mast
October 17, 1958 – March 28, 2023
Thomas Milton Mast
Thomas was born October 17, 1958, in Butte Montana. He entered the Kingdom of Heaven peacefully but unexpectedly on March 28, 2023, in Woodinville, WA from heart related complications. We weren’t ready to lose Thomas but know that he is in a much better place. He was a young 64 years old.
Thomas spent his youth in Great Falls, Montana. He also spent many summers in Twin Bridges with his uncles and aunts where he loved fishing, riding motorcycles, helping in the hay fields, and seeking out ample adventure with his cousins. In 1977 he graduated from Great Falls High then continued his education at Butte Tech before graduating from Montana State with a degree in mechanical engineering technology.
Thomas married Yvonne Howard in 2003 in Maui, Hawaii. They were soulmates from the beginning and affectionately teased each other to no end. Yvonne provided Thomas with nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Buck.”
Thomas spent most of his career working for the Boeing Company in the Seattle, WA area. He loved his work and rose to become a level six Senior Principal Project Engineer. Through his work at Boeing he lived in places such as; Russia, Italy, Belgium, and in later years with Yvonne in Alice Springs, in the outback of Australia, and Hawaii. Despite his world travels, he always considered Montana his home above all others.
He was an avid adventurer. Some of his exploits included scuba & sky diving, water and snow skiing, bungee jumping, and bike racing. He was also gifted with the “knack” – he could take apart and fix almost anything he put his mind to.
Many of his friends and family have noted how helpful and generous he was with his time. If you needed assistance with a project or advice, he was there for you.
Thomas is survived by his wife Yvonne of Woodinville, WA; brother John Mast (Fiancé Dana Cameron) of Nampa, Idaho; mother-in-law Noreen Howard of Salem, OR; brother-in-law Tom Howard (Lisa) of Keizer, OR; brother-in-law Bruce Howard (Karen) of Gresham, OR; Aunt Elaine Boken of Sheridan, MT; Cousin Michelle (Jim) VanDyke Sheridan, MT; Cousin Sandra Hill (Ron) of Chalis ID; Cousin Dennis Naranche of San Rafael, CA; Cousin Alexandra (Tom) Bobo of Boise, ID; Cousin Kathleen Wilson of Denver, Colorado; Cousin Jamie Van Dyke of Bozeman, Montana and nieces and nephews Kaitlin, Trevor, Samantha, Rachel, and Drake. Thomas was predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) Martilo Mast & Angela Bokun Mast.
Thomas was loved and we will miss him dearly. A service will be held on May 20 at 3:00 at Advent Anglican, 17110 140th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Willows Lodge, 14580 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072.
Contributions in memory of Thomas may be made to Nine Pipes Museum of Early Montana. NinepipesMuseum.org
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Exodus 23:20
18 Responses to “Thomas Milton Mast”
Leave a Reply
Please be respectful. Disrespectful comments will not be published
When you have successfully submitted a comment, look in the space above to see your comment.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
If you do not see your comment, click HERE
Thomas will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him!
Thomas will be missed by so many who enjoyed his incredibly infectious spirit!
Uncle Buck will be greatly missed and has left all his nieces and nephews with many fond memories.
Thomas was a wonderful husband to Yvonne and a great addition to the Howard family. We all loved him and he will be missed.
Thomas was a friend, a mentor and a great guy to just strike up a conversation. He helped me along the way, and I tried to return the kindness every chance I could. One day we’ll meet again and I suspect we’ll still find ways to beat the other to the tab over a nice Chinese lunch! Miss you my friend…
Thomas was our next door neighbor for 12 years. Always available to lend a hand or converse in our yards, we miss his presence outside tending to his home and landscape. He made many contributions to our community, repairing and bettering common properties wherever he saw the need. Thomas was always willing to teach us something new about home repair. Our Montana connection was always strong. Go Bobcats! He is greatly missed. We love you, Yvonne!
I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas from the beginning of his and Yvonne’s love story and watching it grow. And although both of them so different, they fit together so perfectly.
The growth, love, & support they provided for each other was unmeasurable.
Thomas will be greatly missed, with that twinkling sense of humor, generous and kind spirit, and massive organizational skills (a little Thomas humor).
He touched so many lives, and left far too soon.
My heart breaks for Yvonne, but I know he is still watching over her, as he always did.
My great friend from High School on .. he would always begin our phone calls with Steeeeeve – I knew it was Tom. He was my groomsman at my wedding and I was there when he and Yvonne tied the knot. He loved my kids and was just the best friend in the world. Of course I will miss Thomas – he led a very loving and giving life. I’ll be at the memorial in Montana – I promise!!
I remember back in October of 1989 when Tommy and I were test driving a tournament ski boat on lake Sammamish when he accidently flew out of the back of the boat when I took a quick turn. I told him to hold on (just like he told me earlier) but for some reason he had to tie his show. Almost every time we got together my son John Joseph wanted to hear that story. God love Tom.
I remember back in October of 1989 when Tommy and I were test driving a tournament ski boat on lake Sammamish when he accidently flew out of the back of the boat when I took a quick turn. I told him to hold on (just like he told me earlier) but for some reason he had to tie his show. Almost every time we got together my son John Joseph wanted to hear that story. God love ya Tom.
So sad to hear of Tommy’s unexpected passing – I’m still in shock! He was a great bud, from our years at MSU to shredding Crystal Mtn in the winter, waterskiing the buoys at sunrise on Lake Sammamish, scuba diving in the Caymans to more recently an occasional Sushi chow down at our favorite haunts in Tacoma. I deeply miss our frequent texts and calls 😢 can’t believe you “got out of here” without having to deal with the joys of old age! He was a kind soul with good intentions “sea ya down the road Smo” love ya bro!
Masmo’s family, long ago, was gifted a spectacular eagle feather head dress by the Flathead Tribe in appreciation for their past help and support of the Tribe. Tom ended up as the keeper of the head dress. In a testament to his character he brought the head dress home to the Tribal Elders, who now hold it as the sacred artifact that it is. Most people would have sold it for a pile of cash or kept it for themselves. I’m guessing it is now kept at the Nine Pipes Museum.
I’m immensely proud to say I rode the trail with you Masmo. Via Con Dios my friend.
I worked with Thomas on the Tanker program, and we crossed paths several times after. I am very saddened to hear of his sudden passing. He was always kind and insightful, and the world was better with him in it.
My condolences to all of his family and friends.
-Erek
So very sad to hear of Thomas’ passing. I did experience everything everyone has been saying about him…his generosity, support, sense of humor and sharp mind for troubleshooting issues and concerns with ease. He had a calming, soothing voice and a kind demeanor which offset any angst in our work environment. Sending Peace to his family during this time. I know the angels are giving him a big hug right now.
Tom was one of the first people I met when I transferred to Boeing Everett over 30 years ago where we worked side by side. After we transitioned to different groups, it was always nice seeing Tom over a cup of coffee now and then. His quiet demeanor and good humor was always a welcome break in the fast-paced environment we worked in. He’ll be missed by us all as has been said. My condolences to his family.
I met Tom in the early 90’s when we worked at the Boeing Everett facilities group. After our time together, we went different directions within Boeing but we kept in touch and met for lunch now and again. It was a pleasure to know Tom. Outside of work, I have fond memories of waterskiing with Tom on Lake Sammamish at 6 am when no one else was skiing and the water was like glass! He was one of the best and I learned a lot from him. Our last lunch together was in January. It was a pleasure to know Tom. He was very knowledgeable and kind. He will be missed. Our condolences to Yvonne and all his family.
Tom became my best friend and confidant through forty five years of mutual respect, laughter, tolerance of differences, commonality and love. He actually hit me up for a job as a teenager while attending Montana Tech in Butte. Jack Daniels (and later in life) fine wines flowed freely. He was the only friend who managed to attend both my bachelor parties and weddings. My wife of thirty two years is grief stricken. Yvonne, Linda and I love you and will see you soon in Woodinville. I know from my and Tom’s many conversations that you were the one for him. Bless you Thomas. My life is so much lesser without you.
I am so sad to hear my friend has passed. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. Tom was a great guy and friend, he was the first person to get me to eat squid in Cali. We always had a great time laughing with each other and I am so happy he lived an adventure filled life. He was one of a kind. I will miss seeing and talking with him.