Thomas “Tom” Holzhauser

Thomas “Tom” Holzhauser passed away on Jan. 11, 2006 at Islands Convalescent Center following his valiant fight with cancer. He passed peacefully surrounded by angels, family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 30 years; his devoted sons, Todd Holzhauser (Katherina), Scott Sinclair and Skip Sinclair (Kim Moore); daughters, Sheri Sinclair (Marty Sitton), Kim Sinclair, Jamie Holzhauser and “adopted” daughter Ginny Beaudoin; sisters, Mary Joy Seick (Ferd) and Kathy Goldsmith (Larry); brothers-in-law, Bob Bellinger and Jim Horn; grandchildren, Ryan and Renae Sinclair, Melissa and Caitlin Holzhauser and great-grandson, Garett.

Tom’s family lived in the copper mining town of Holden Village at the head of Lake Chelan. Due to limited medical resources, Tom’s mother, Ruth, went to Spokane to give birth to him, then returned to Holden where Tom resided until school age.

The family moved back and forth between summer in Holden and school in Wenatchee. Later, the family moved to Lynnwood and Tom graduated from Edmonds High School.

Tom wore many hats. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Cashmere Fire Department, a journeyman bindery man, foreman for Armour Meat Company in Portland, Ore., and a manager for a sand recovery plant in Puyallup. While in Portland, Tom set a goal and ran the Portland Marathon and the Hood to Coast Relay Race.

Having kept a boat in the Port of Friday Harbor for many years, Tom and Barb finally moved to San Juan Island from the Puyallup area in June 1990.

For nearly two years, Tom and Barb were the resident managers of Islands West Retirement Center, now the Best Western Friday Harbor Suites.

In early 1992, Tom started and ran his own successful business, selling and servicing fire extinguishers and rebuilding alternators and starters.

Tom was technical director and facility manager for San Juan Community Theatre for more than 10 years.

Tom loved boating, fishing, hiking, skiing, traveling, RVing and spending time with family and friends. Tom was a man of tremendous knowledge, wisdom and wittiness. He was always such a wonderful person to be around as he has touched so many lives. He will be truly missed by his loving family his dear friends and the supportive community of San Juan Island.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held April 15 on the island.

Donations in Tom’s name may be made to the San Juan Community Theatre, P.O. Box 1063, Friday Harbor 98250.

— The Thomas “Tom” Holzhauser family