Lifelong Grays Harbor resident, Thomas A. Berglund, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011, in Aberdeen. He was 85. Tom was born to Harry and Anastasia (Nettie) Berglund (Urbanski) on July 7, 1926, in Aberdeen Washington. Tom grew up in Aberdeen and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1944 where he was a center on the varsity football team. He went into active duty with the Army Air Corps in December of 1944. Tom chose the field of radio operator and served as a crewmember aboard a C-47 with the 305th Troop Carrier Squadron. During his service, they flew missions out of Italy and throughout much of Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and then began attending Pacific University for the next two years before he met Carol Ann Lindley of Elma Tom and Carol were later married on February 14, 1950 at the Elma Presbyterian Church. They lived in Elma for 16 years before moving to their home in Montesano where they lived their life together. Tom worked for Sears Roebuck for over 20 years in the sporting goods department. Tom loved the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout the Olympic Peninsula. Tom was known as a very gifted fisherman. In 1970, Tom took leadership of the Sears Automotive Department in Aberdeen. Later, Tom began a new career working as a Service Advisor at Whitney's Chevrolet in Montesano. He retired in 1991. Tom enjoyed gardening and working around their home with Carol. They also enjoyed frequent trips to the cabin at Clearwater. Carol passed away on June 16, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ross. Tom is survived by five children, Suzi (Chuck) Wertz of Aberdeen, Kristine (Don) Brule of Montesano, Thomas (Sandra) Berglund of Medical Lake, Patti Ambrose (Doug Sample) of Olympia and Peggy (Jeff) Lenherr of Elma. He is also survived by his Sister, Doris (Bruce) Bruchler of Lakeport, Ca. and Margaret (Ed) Stoleson of Union, seventeen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. There will be a gathering at Tom and Carol's family home, 203 N. Talbot St. in Montesano, at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 10th. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Montesano Fire Department.
Contributor: Rick Read (47476599)