Thomas L. McArthur

McARTHUR, Thomas L. “Tom” – Passed away suddenly on October 30, 2012 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA. He was born on July 2, 1947 in Chicago, IL to parents Tom and Audrey. After high school, Tom joined the Marine Corps, served 6 years in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1971. He then moved to San Francisco where he met his loving wife, Mary and graduated from Golden Gate University with a degree in American Studies. In 1980, they moved to Spokane where Tom owned and operated a few businesses for several years including a gas and service station, an auto parts store as well as a photography business. He started his career as a heavy equipment operator at EWU in 1992 and had recently retired in September 2012. While working at EWU, Tom became active and proud member of the WSFE Union Local 931, where he served as president from 1996 to 2000. Tom also volunteered on a number of pledge drives in support of local public TV, was a long time Hoopfest volunteer, and had been an ardent supporter of the union workers during the Kaiser strike. He was an environmentalist and avid photographer. Tom enjoyed taking walks along the Spokane river every weekend and annual trips to Yellowstone. Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary; his brother, Mike; his three sons, John, Ken, and Steve; daughter-in-law, Melody; two grandchildren, Madison and Jadelyn; two nieces, Erin and Callie; and many extended family members. He will be remembered as a great husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to those who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 4305 N. DIVISION, SPOKANE, WA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Local 931 scholarship fund at the EWU Foundation office or website.