Thomas "Tom" Ignacio Kirmeyer

In utero, Tom was very active: front flips in the middle of the grocery store, tickling Juliana’s spleen from the inside, and trying to rave at 10 p.m. when Lance and Juliana just wanted some sleep.

Tom was an early walker because he wanted to keep up with Nina, who is about two years older. Tom bumbled after Nina to see what she would do next, how to play, and generally be part of the party.

As Tom grew, it was clear he was something special: kind and thoughtful as well as funny. He was a bundle of energy, getting up at 5:30 a.m. and sleeping by 8 p.m. Tom was very musical — demonstrated most often with dancing and using anything as a percussive instrument. Tom started off playing violin with his sister, then explored other instruments, including ukulele, bass guitar, and drums. He saved up to buy his own bass guitar, and he went to rock band camp for the last two summers.

Around Kindergarten we began to see how different Tom was as a learner. The pandemic hit and it became clear that Tom needed more support and he was diagnosed with dyslexia. After a few years, we began to look for a school that would fully support Tom’s amazing intellectual abilities and found Hamlin Robinson, where Tom attended in Levels 5 – 7.

Tom loved to hear stories. His first favorite books were Pride and Prejudice (board book, counting edition) and Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb. Tom enjoyed the Elephant and Piggie series, Curious George, and Mark the Mountain Guide. Later, Tom would enjoy Dogman, Percy Jackson, and loads of manga like Spy Family and One Piece.

Tom also loved to tell stories, getting enthusiastic with retellings, though never one to take to the stage. Tom enjoyed going to Seattle Children’s Theatre and the ballet when young. The Magic Flute was Tom’s first opera (which he saw twice), and he later saw Tosca, Das Rheingold, and Barber of Seville, and Pirates of Penzance.

Displaying impressive range, Tom’s music taste grew to include Electronic Dance Music and Miku. Tom supported local radio station C89.5 with an annual donation.

Through Nina, Tom began to enjoy Shakespeare as well as the classics: Muppet Christmas Carol, Fantastic Mr. Fox, How to Train Your Dragon, and Penguins of Madagascar. Tom began to explore anime more and introduced his family to several series. Tom also shared his mom’s love of Keropi and small animals. Juliana promised to buy Tom a puppy when he got a puppy-supporting income and when he didn’t live with others who had allergies.

From as soon as Tom could walk, he was into all the family adventures: hiking, paddling, and skiing. Tom also loved rooting for the home teams: the Mariners, Sounders, and Kraken. Tom was heartbroken when his Mariners did not make it to the World Series this past fall. Tom also played baseball and soccer in his younger years, transitioning to hockey and tennis a little later.

Tom was an avid scout, first as a Cub Scout in Pack 144 and later as a Scout in Troop 186. After watching climbing during the 2024 Olympics and the movie “Free Solo” with Lance, Tom discovered the joys of bouldering. Tom’s favorite sports were skiing, backpacking, and bouldering. He frequently went on backpacking trips with Lance and Nina, and also with his Scout troop.

Tom was a funny kid and a real charmer. From school to scouts, he always made friends and brought joy to those around him. He loved making personal connections with community groups, whether sports, school, scouts, or church. He loved to interact with others through play. He loved to tease and joke around with them — able to take it as well as dish it out!

Tom also loved little kids and tried to include them when there were “big kids” playing. He was a great helper and wanted to be a part of a team. Tom worked hard, especially at things that interested him. He set goals and usually achieved them. Most importantly, Tom’s empathic nature shone through in his inclusive acts of kindness and compassion.

Tom believed this truly: God loves the whole world without exception. May Tom’s memory be a blessing and may his memory be eternal!

~ Most people wear black to funerals as a sign of mourning. Some Orthodox traditions encourage bright colors to symbolize hope in the Resurrection. If you are able to attend the services, wear Tom’s favorites – pink and anything rainbow striped. Scouts can be in dress uniform if they wish. If you are not ready to be colorfully bright, that’s ok too. We will be glad to be with you ~