Thomas Walker Profit

Thomas Walker Profit, 78, passed away on April 18, 2022, at Evergreen Medical Center. He was the loving and supporting husband of Vivian June Gundersen Profit for over 57 years. Born in Seattle, WA, he was the son of James Reginald Profit and Hazel Agnes McCaffree Profit.

Tom graduated from UW in 1972 with a BA in Mathematics, but his lifelong dedication to UW began in July 1969 as a programmer in the Registrar's Office. Over the years his position changed with considerable growth in responsibilities, retiring in May of 2010 as Director for Strategic Initiatives. He then continued as a consultant until January 31, 2020. After over 50 years at UW, Tom’s career had quite a few highlights.

Tom managed multiple data centers and led the effort to establish a facility outside of Western Washington to provide improved resiliency in the event of a disaster.

He led continued improvements to the primary data center, such as the procurement and installation of a generator capable of powering the entire facility.

He spearheaded efforts to acquire robotic tape automation, an activity that eventually led to licensing software created at the UW to a worldwide set of customers.

Tom's dedication to the continued success and growth of UW, its staff, and students are only surpassed by his love for his family. His family continues his Husky tradition with his daughters ('95, '99) and grandchildren ('19, '23, '25) all proud Huskies.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed working with wood, skiing, restoring vintage cars, vacationing in Hawaii, and playing cribbage with his family, friends, and just about anyone that wanted to try. Tom was a lifelong, and avid learner who encouraged and supported all others in their educational pursuits. He loved his family fiercely and unwaveringly.

He is survived by the love of his life, Vivian, his children, Eva and Joe Gordon, Sarah and Paul George, and his grandchildren, Dion Miller, Charlie George, and Daisy George, his siblings, Jerry Profit, Pat Fox, and Carrollee Silvera. He was predeceased by his parents.

Tom’s Celebration of Life Open House will be held on May 21, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery at 14710 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Tom’s Memorial Fund benefitting scholarships to attend UW, or Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CedarLawns-Washington.com for the Profit family.