Thomas E. Barklow
1941-2009

Thomas Elton Barklow of Hoquiam, WA, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 19th with his family at his side, after fighting a brief, but courageous battle with brain cancer.

Tom was born in Redmond, Oregon, on November 22, 1941, to Lyle and Crystal (Williams) Barklow. He attended Elma schools for a time, but graduated in 1960 from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen. He continued his education at Reed College in Oregon where he earned a Bachelor’s degree; then post graduate work at the University of Oregon where Tom earned a PHD in chemistry.

In 1963, Tom married Patricia Wolfe. Together they raised three daughters. The couple later divorced. 

Tom spent most of his adult life operating his own business, ME TV Service in Aberdeen, where he repaired electronics. Many people from Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties benefited from his electronic expertise. 

In addition to televisions and computers, Tom had many other interests; He was a 35 year member and Past President of the Aberdeen Eagles. He had an inquisitive mind which led him to be interested in a variety of activities. He was always an avid reader and passed his love of learning and reading on to his children. He also enjoyed a good game of chess and dabbled in gourmet cooking. Tom even tried his hand at artistic endeavors and crafts like lamp making and wood carving. He loved animals, especially his two cats, Skippy and J.C. Also his 1928 Ford which was given to him when he was a young boy. In college and early in adulthood, he enjoyed motorcycle riding and still has his original leather riding jacket.

In 1991, he and Carol Johnson Libby were married. Together they enjoyed camping with the Rain City Eagles, bowling, antique shopping and camera collecting.

Besides his wife, Tom is survived by his mother Crystal of Olympia; daughters, Bonita Barklow and Michelle Taylor of Olympia and Crystal Anne Cox of Prineville, Oregon; stepdaughters, Laura Warnke of Astoria, Oregon and Debbie Wimberley of Aberdeen; six grandchildren; one great grandchild and his brother-in-law and caregiver John Johnson of Central Park. His father, Lyle Barklow and sisters, Connie Jay and Linda Barklow preceded him in death.

Tom’s quiet sensitive ways, his caring heart, warm smile and loving manner will be missed by everyone who loved and knew him. 

Visitation will be at the Coleman Mortuary on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5 pm and Monday from 9:30 am until 12 Noon. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, August 24, 2009, at the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, C/O Relay for Life, P.O. Box 202, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.


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