Thomas Steven Ekstrand

Thomas Steven Ekstrand passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2025, in hospice care and in the company of his wife, Estelle Bollinger, two friends, and a chaplain. He was born on October 23, 1949, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Thomas E. Ekstrand and Mabel Arveson Ekstrand.

Tom attended Whitman College and Portland State University. Tom and Estelle met at Whitman in 1967 and married in 1976. He had a 28-year career at United Parcel Service, starting as a part-time employee while he was a college student and retiring in 2003.

Tom had numerous hobbies and interests and especially enjoyed activities shared with friends. He was skilled at rebuilding and restoring old cars. He was an active member of the Columbia Gorge MG Club for more than twenty years. He enjoyed model railroading, riding historic trains in North America and the U.K., and exploring the history of logging railroads. An avid bridge player, in later years he made new friends through playing bridge online. He had long-time golf buddies who played together for decades with marginal improvement in their scores. Tom was a great reader, gardener, and Cubs fan. He also enjoyed live music of all kinds, traveling, and cooking elaborate meals for friends and family.

Tom was pre-deceased by his parents, many aunts and uncles and cousins, and six beloved dogs. He is survived by his wife Estelle and yellow Labrador Ruby Rose, as well as sisters-in-law Margie Galindo and Marcine Rambo; niece Tami Galindo and her husband Samuel Josephson; nephew Gary Galindo; and three great nieces, Savannah, Cammie, and Addy Galindo; as well as several cousins.

Donations in his name may be made to local animal shelters and organizations helping veterans.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held later this spring.