Thomas Peter Utterback

As a child, Tom was in Cub Scouts. He was an intelligent person who liked to read books, even text books. Tom graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1970. After graduating from Central Washington State College he joined the U.S. Navy. He served 6 years as an officer from 1974 to 1980. Tom returned to CWSU to further his education in clinical laboratory pathology. He was a member of the Society of Clinical Pathology Laboratory Technologists. He worked for the Yakama Nation Health Clinic and Yakima Regional Hospital in the lab.

As an adult, Tom founded and was an active member of the Sage Men’s Circle, a group of men dedicated to supporting each other in brotherly fellowship. Tom enjoyed hiking and took his two boys with him as part of the Cascadians. He traveled throughout Southeast Asia, Europe and most recently, Hawaii with his wife. He married the love of his life, Nancy Spracher in July 1999.

He liked the freedom of riding his motorcycle all over the countryside. He was a part of the Patriot Guard who support fallen heroes. He appreciated fine wine and prepared excellent meals at home. Wearing loud Hawaiian shirts was his trademark.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and twin brother, Tim.

Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy Spracher of Yakima, two sons Ian Forwood and Colin Utterback, his sisters Sue (Rich) Woodruff, Linda (Jerry) Smith both of Yakima, and Janie (Tom) Van Woerden of Brookings, OR. He is also survived by Nancy’s children Larry Frazier, Jay Frazier and Susannah (Tim) Vetsch all of Yakima and three grandchildren.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima with a reception following the service. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will continue at the VFW Post 379, 118 So. 5th Avenue in Yakima.

Memorial gifts may be made in Tom’s name to your favorite charity. To share a memory of Tom, visit www.keithandkeith.com.