*Our sweet cousin Joey did his own version of the original obituary, I hope you like it as much as we do!
Thomas John Huden made his first appearance December 26th 1955, he was the youngest and by far the most eloquent, humorous and lovable child of Thomas and Louise Huden. Growing up in what his friends called "the big house" on 8th and 73rd in the heart of Ballard, he attended Whittier Elementary, James Monroe Middle School and on occasion Ballard High. Tom was THE "Ballard boy" coming up through the 60s he and his buddies retained that title with pride and they still do. However, without Tom’s sense of direction, culinary skills, storytelling ability and priceless, light hearted humor, there will be a void now at husky games the 12th man couldn't touch.
In the 70s Tom worked at the Ballard oil docks eventually joining his brother Glenn for 12 successful tours of Yakima with the National Guard. During their time on the front lines in Eastern Washington, he and his brother Glenn had under their command one private George Buzzelle. Impressed with their imaginary tactical skills and performance under heavy artillery practice, George introduced the two young soldiers to his daughters. It was Julie Buzzelle, the beautiful, bubbly, carefree daughter that became the object of Tom’s affection and he hers. The two were wed, and blessed 4 beautiful children, Krissy, Tommy, Stephani and Jacque through 35 years of love and devotion. Leaving the oil business Tom acquired a position at Adams News where he continued to hone his knowledge of all things Seattle. Always mechanically inclined, Tom not only had the right tool for every job, but he knew how to do it, and if he couldn't do it for you himself, he knew where you could have it done and furthermore direct you to an awesome sandwich joint nearby.
His storytelling, mannerisms and humor were one of a kind. Everyone loved Tom, he tried for a year running his own shop in Ballard, but his warm demeanor and love of conversation with friends as well as strangers changed his auto shop from a place where people took cars, to a place where people went to see and talk to Tom. He knew every street corner, every back road, every shortcut, through every community in Seattle; he knew where to find the best food trucks, obscure start ups and rated the tried and true with unbiased precision. He eventually finished his career working for Sound Transit as a maintenance supervisor with a territory stretching from south Seattle to Everett. Tom was the Guy for everything, always there with the right tools, right answers and right attitude.
Sadly for us Tom was called home early, March 20th 2013 all too soon for a man who could not have stayed too long. His beloved wife and biggest fan Julie Huden, his 4 children, Krissy Mitchell, Thomas Anthony Huden, Stephani Eggehorn and Jacque Miller, his 5 grandchildren, Riley, Jayson, Kaylee, Khloee, (children of Krissy) and Hope (due in July to Stephani), his siblings, Ronald, Teresa, Jill and Glenn, his nearly countless nieces, nephews, his "grande familia", and his innumerable friends and acquaintances, will miss him dearly. He left behind a legacy that will be passed on for generations, etched on the hearts of so many, through stories, through work, through friends and through family. Goodbye Uncle Tom!
生活故事
1955
四月 27, 2013
Where do I begin? I never thought at the age of 26 I would be writing fond memories of my father for a memorial website. I guess I had a vision in my head that I would watch my father grow into an old man that would develop a slight whistle when speaking and using a walker that has the tennis balls on the legs and my mother right by his side with white hair and a cat embroidered sweater. As much as I would love to sit here and complain about how he was taken way too soon, I can’t but be grateful enough for the amazing 26 years I was blessed to have him.
I honestly believe my father lived by this saying…. Actions speak louder than words, and his actions screamed without saying a word and I’m proud that through 26 years I soaked in everything. Any man can have a child but not every man knows how to be a father. For someone who lost their father at the age of 12, he was truly a wonderful father, who always made me feel special and loved. I never had to second guess my father’s love for me. He didn’t need to tell me he loved me for me to feel loved because he showed me. He showed me what love is by is actions. Yes, it was the small things like, teaching me how to throw and catch a softball and teaching me how to write with my awkward left hand. It’s the time he dedicated to me. It was important to him to show us kids that his support was there and whatever dreams or plans we had he would be right there next to us. Especially when I was younger there were times he could have been out with his buddies playing golf or down at Goofies watching a husky game but he wasn’t, he was there to play catch, take me to softball practice and games or even just a trip to the mini mart for a candy bar. He was my driving force to play softball and be an active kid. This value carried over to his grandchildren who he absolutely adored. He had a very special bond with Jayson (coochie). He loved spending time together out in his garage sorting through all sorts of tools and random trinkets. This time he treasured and knew it would memory treasured for Jayson as well.
My father showed me how to love others and he did it so effortlessly. If it was an old friend or someone he just met, he was warm and welcoming without any judgment. He really highlighted the positive in people instead of pointing out flaws. He could take any awkward or uncomfortable situation and turn it in to a fun, loving atmosphere. He was an enigma. His acceptance and positive outlook on people is something I have always admired and will always apply to my life. I cannot wait until the day I’m blessed with a child so these values are passed on.
Jacque (The Baby)