Thomas A. Baskin

THOMAS A. BASKIN 09/05/43 – 07/20/16 Thomas A. Baskin has set up camp for his final time. Surrounded by family, he was called home on Wednesday, July 20th 2016 - opening day of his beloved sockeye fishery at Lake Wenatchee. How appropriate that his last memories will be those of a favorite place and special friends. Thomas Arthur Baskin was born in Chehalis, WA on September 5th, 1943 to Thomas Oliver and Martha Baskin. The Baskins, including brothers Jack and Andy, resettled in Twisp, WA in 1953. The Methow Valley provided Tom and his brothers many adventures, lessons and life-long memories. Tom admired his father greatly and cherished his grandfather immensely. They were avid outdoorsmen and passed every ounce of their respect and passion for wildlife and good stewardship on to Tom. He once shared with us, that from an early age he set the goal to be the kind of grandfather that his grandfather would approve of. Well done, sir! As a young man, Tom was not the biggest or strongest fellow but his work ethic and drive were second to none. He was sought out by farmers and ranchers who needed an extra hand in the field. He shared about bucking hay and digging ditches for his math teacher. Upon graduating from Twisp High School in 1962, Tom joined the Navy and was assigned to the Seabees. His first tour was a year spent in Adak, Alaska. He spent the next two tours (1965-1967) in Vietnam. Tom was honored to serve the country he was so passionate about and he was humbled by the company he kept while overseas. “Can Do!” is the Seabee motto and Tom exemplified this attitude in every aspect of his entire life; never backing down from any challenge. After his honorable discharge, Tom found himself working various trades; a mill wright, mechanic, cat skinner and log skidder. Ultimately he would settle into heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic. He retired from the Washington Department of Transportation in 1983. In 1973, Tom met the love of his life, Linda (a mother of seven) at an event for an organization called Parents Without Partners. They were the youth activity chairmen. On October 11, 1974 Tom and Linda married and continued promoting youth activity for the next 36 years. Their honeymoon was spent at deer camp with all their children. Tom reveled in his role as “dad.” He gave his time, knowledge and love purely and without question. The Baskins moved from Wenatchee to Twisp in 1977 in order to full fill a position with the DOT that would provide him with less wear and tear on his failing back. Tom and Linda adored the Methow Valley and spent every moment possible experiencing the splendor of Gods’ country and making lifelong friends. The two owned and operated The Antlers Tavern for a number of years until health forced them to move closer to medical facilities and family. The couple resettled in Entiat in 1988 and continued to live life fully, spending as much time possible camping, fishing and hunting. Tom was in his element when he would load a half-dozen grandkids into the back of his old Dodge for a firewood run. Those nights roasting hotdogs around the campfire and sipping on Linda’s hot chocolate were priceless to him. He loved sharing the same passion for nature that his father and grandfather shared with him as a young boy. In 1994 Tom and Linda moved to East Wenatchee. While the adventures slowed some due to Linda’s poor health and Tom’s worsening back, he remained active with his family and his volunteering. Tom ended up having back surgery which did improve his mobility greatly. Tom lost his beloved Linda after a long, difficult battle in 2010. Even in his heartache, he embraced that “Can Do” spirit. He hit the ground running; he was going to make the most of his remaining time. In 2012 Tom hit the jack-pot when he met Miss Rita. She appreciated Tom in a way so many of us did. And with her by his side, there have been many more adventures, camp-outs, fishing trips, hunting, concerts and visits to the grandchildren’s schools. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with family, catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Tom never knew a stranger! He has amazing friends in every nook and cranny all over the northwest! In closing, we want to acknowledge just a few of the various clubs and organizations that Tom belonged to and volunteered his time and efforts into. Elks Lodge, American Legion, F&A Masons, Boy Scouts, Eagles Lodge, VFW. As a VFW charter member, Tom volunteered to assist veterans at the VA Mobile Clinic. He also visited schools and delivered speeches relating to Veterans Day and flag etiquette. Marine Corps League Associate Member. Tom played a huge role for many years in the Toys-For-Tots program in Wenatchee. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Tom spent over 25 years sharing his knowledge and sharing his unique insight of the hunting and fishing lifestyle as a disabled person. Several laws were created, amended or removed entirely because of one Tom Baskin. The Disabled Sportsmen Association of Washington. Founder and President. He was never one to boast about these accomplishments; however, he was very excited and proud to have been a part of making a difference. Tom was a true leader, a giant among men. He overcame many obstacles throughout his life, setting an example for us all. He succeeded in many endeavors and gave his all in everything he did. Yet in spite of all this, he recently shared that his greatest mission was to the best husband, father and grandfather he could be. Mission accomplished! Survivors include brothers Andrew Baskin and Jack Baskin, sons Gary (Helen) Best, Terry (Renee) Best and Harry Best, daughters Debbie (Bill) McDonald, Ginny Belgarde, Dale Ann (Dave) Burdett and Wendy Baskin. He is survived by twenty-one grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his sweet fiancée Miss Rita Terry. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Martha Baskin, his son Dean Best and his love, Linda Baskin. A viewing will be made available to family members who wish at Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home (302 9th Street, Wenatchee) on Friday, August 5th from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park (1301 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee) on Monday August 8th at 1pm. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 10, 208 N. Wenatchee Ave. Please express your thoughts and memories at the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Thomas A. Baskin

September 5, 1943 - July 20, 2016