February 17, 1957 – August 7, 2025

Thomas James Dodd, 68, passed away from an aggressive form of lymphoma that quickly metastasized to his brain. This was not on his bingo card.

Born in Mt. Vernon, WA, and raised in West Seattle, Tom attended Arbor Heights Elementary, Denny Junior High, and graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1975. Eventually, he retired to his swingin’ beach house on Padilla Bay in Bayview, WA. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Lucille Dodd, and his brother, John Dodd.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Moe “Butch” Dodd Houtman; his brother, Steven Dodd; his sisters, Lynnea Manahan and Donna Oslin; and his loyal rescue dog, Luke. Seemingly against his will, he was well liked wherever he went and leaves behind many friends, including lifelong buddies Jim Oliver, Jeff Ross, and Steve Yunker.

Tom had a sarcastic wit and was known for his love of motorcycles, ’70s memorabilia, meticulous landscaping, and daily kayaking and beach walks with Luke. He enjoyed chillaxing on his deck, bright summer days, red licorice, and those gross chocolate-covered cherries that no one buys. On the flip side, he disliked token hugs, big whiners, traffic, and, perhaps most of all, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival tourists.

Tom was the one we all counted on. He’d curmudgeon about it, but he showed up. Every time. He was humble, loyal, and a caretaker at heart. He did kind things when no one was looking and helped others without fanfare. His handshake was his word and he expected the same of others. He kept his promises.

He was always the most fun person in any conversation and kept his trademark sarcasm and catchphrases until the end. When told how much the care staff liked him, he always responded, “Give them time.”

“Keep on keepin’ on, Tom.” Our lives will never be the same and we are lost without you. That being said, he was never a fan of dramatic displays and would prefer that we do our crying out in the hall. We’ll try, Tom.

If you’d like to visit him, go to any beach and he’ll meet you there.

At Tom’s request, there will be no public services. Arrangements were entrusted to Flintoft’s Funeral Home, where his online guestbook can be signed at www.flintofts.com. Special thanks to Sunrise of Issaquah, who provided exceptional care and kindness to Tom and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the NOAH Center animal shelter in Stanwood, WA.