In Memory
Tom was born in Sunnyside, WA to David and Margaret Padgham.
He was the 4th of 9 children, and grew up on the family farm, which he considered a magical place. He learned to work hard and play hard, and loved sleeping out on the haystack in the summer, driving the tractor, or riding horses after the chores were done.
He attended Sunnyside High, where he joined the band and learned to play the drums, a skill he used for the rest of his life.
Tom moved to Spokane in 1972 to learn the building trade from his brother-in-law, Al Bowers, and where he pursued his love of music by playing in numerous bands in the area as both drummer and vocalist.
Tom married Luann Denison in 1981, a marriage that did not last, but that gave him his 2 beloved sons, John and David.
Using his skill as a carpenter, he built his home on acreage in Chattaroy, and delighted in creating a sanctuary for friends and family. He lived there until cancer took him from us.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Dave and Margaret. He is survived by his sons John (Jennifer) and David (Alexis), and grandchildren Cassie, Leif and Hans, as well as his 8 siblings: MaryBeth, Elaine (John), John (Jan), Catherine (Larry), Margaret (Pete), Emily (Wayne), Claire (Michael), and Carolyn. He also leaves innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, grands and greats, who will all miss their funny, gentle, quirky, kind Uncle Tom.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 21 at Elaine and John’s house in Chattaroy.
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