Thomas Jon Slotemaker

Tom was born to Dick and Ann Slotemaker on August 21, 1943. He joined sister, Dixie Ann, who was seven years older than him. His childhood was spent on a Whatcom Country farm where his greatest love was hunting, but he was also a fisherman. When his father had to give up farming because of allergies Tom chose not to take over the farm, and the family moved to Everett where both men started jobs in the mills.

Tom met the love of his life, Hennie, at First Christian Reformed Church in Everett and was a member there for the rest of his life. They were married in 1964 and in 1966 Tom began serving his country in the National Guard Reserves for six years. During this time he started working at the Everett Post Office where he served as a mail handler and a carrier, retiring in 1998.

In 1973, Tom and Hennie started their family. They were blessed with daughter, Rhonda Joy, and sons John Thomas and Michael John. Their family has grown to include David Graves, Susanna Slotemaker, Hakala, Marie Slotemaker, VandenBurg and nine grandchildren, Greggory, Victoria, Jonathon, James, Liam, Delphia, Tyrion, Sophia and Julia.

Retirement was Tom’s dream, so that he could devote more time to hunting and fishing and ‘the good life’, but he found a part time job that he enjoyed so well that he worked for almost 20 years at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts driving a delivery truck. When neuropathy interfered with his hunting he found an activity that he enjoyed equally well. Snorkeling in the warm waters of Hawaii became a great joy for him. For twenty years he planned and dreamed of Hawaiian vacations and in 2008, when Hennie retired, they included cruises to the list of adventures.

Tom lived his life simply, following God’s rules, always fully aware that he was a sinner, saved by grace.

I Thessalonians 4:11,12 were his ‘words to live by’. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody”.

You are invited to join us for a celebration of Tom’s life and home-going which will be held at Everett Christian Reformed Church on July 29 at 5:30. It will be followed by a celebration supper served potluck. In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Everett Gospel Mission. PO Box 544, Everett, WA 98026.