Tom Huttula of Kenmore, Washington passed peacefully in his home on July 28, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. Tom was blessed with a large, loving family and many lifelong friends. In his final two days, he was constantly with family and friends who expressed their love and support for him and said their last good-byes. Tom was sixty-one and courageously battled brain cancer since January 2014. He was born in Eugene, Oregon, October 18, 1952, the fifth child of William and Louise Huttula (both deceased). When he was two years old the family relocated to Seattle and then to Kirkland where Tom attended grade school. Returning to Seattle, he graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1971. He received a BA from the University of Washington in 1975. Safeway was his employer for forty-five years.
On July 9, 1988 Tom married Joyce Maitre, in Kirkland and they made their home in Kenmore. Two wonderful children followed, Sarah and Zachary. Tom is survived by his wife, Joyce, of twenty-six years, daughter, Sarah, son, Zachary, brother, Bill (Julie) Huttula, and sisters: Maija (Howard) Rippee, Ann (Ron) Henley, Carol (Wally) Sande, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
The primary passions of Tom’s life were his family and friends, sports, music, outdoor activities, and his dogs, especially, Skagit, his golden retriever.
Tom always enjoyed his family gatherings with both the Maitre’s and his ever-expanding Huttula clan. He always looked forward to the Farrell family reunion on Hood Canal where he could reconnect with cousins, share stories, drink beer, and play cards. His easy-going nature, sense of humor, and youthful energy, made him a most appreciated family member.
The Huttula family rented a house at Samish Bay for many summers where they were joined by brother- in-law, Steve, and cousin, Kyle. The family has many wonderful memories of hanging out together, enjoying sunshine, boating, and crabbing.
Tom became and remained throughout his lifetime an avid University of Washington football fan and season ticket holder. His family has great 
memories of sharing the excitement of the game with the Sheridan’s. Tom and his buddies and fellow ticket holders, Dave Sheridan and son’s Blake and Kyle, Jim Guenser, and Kevin Sonntag also made road trips enjoying away games. Tom was not just a football fan; He was also a fanatical baseball fan of the San Francisco Giants. His favorite player ever was Willie Mays (#24). He also enjoyed watching the San Francisco 49er’s during the 1990’s and 2000’s and rooted for Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Later, his allegiance shifted to the Seahawks. When he was in the hospital he watched them win the 2014 Superbowl.
Playing cards was also a major part of Tom’s life. Among his favorite games were: Poker, Texas Holdem, Cribbage and Trivial Pursuit. Tom and his friends, Dave Sheridan, Jim Guenser, Jim Lycette and others shared great camaraderie while playing Fantasy Football. They even played Fantasy Football, Basketball and Baseball during the pre-computer era.
Tom was an avid fisherman, mentored by his father, Bill Sr., who was a great outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman raised in northern Alaska. Tom fished the Kenai River in Alaska with his father, Bill, and brother, Bill; a memorable time for all. He always enjoyed the annual fishing trip to Sekiu with the Maitre’s- Gib, Jim, Steve, Kyle and Zach. Steve was his number one fishing buddy and so enjoyed their time together along with his son, Zach, and other friends and family.
Tom pursued his interest in golf as a caddy at Juanita Golf Club while in his mid teens. He later developed into a very good golfer. He also loved to water ski and snow ski and was an excellent tennis player. Tom was a superb athlete, savvy, team oriented, competitive and an active participant into his fifties. He coached his daughter, Sarah’s, freshman and sophomore basketball team. Sarah says he was a good coach and she has fond memories of those days. Tom was so thrilled when Sarah started school at his alma mater-UW.
Music was a key interest in Tom’s life. He followed and liked most types of music and was a fan and collector of music beginning in the sixties. He spent his last days, when he was able, listening to his beloved vinyl record collection with side-two of Electric Light Orchestra Ole ELO being the last record left on the turntable.
Tom was younger in his heart than his chronological age. He always wanted to be “the kid”. His gentle spirit and accepting nature made friendships easy and long-lasting. Tom was a special person who will be sorely missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten. He fought the good fight, competed well, and finished the race.