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Thomas John Cullen

OLD TOM IS DEAD

“Fun for all at a later date”

J. Joyce

March 30, 1938 – May 6, 2021
Ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís
There will never be the likes of him again

When Tom died our family, and indeed the world, lost a kind and gentle Irishman.  For the past year Tom suffered from ODTAA (one damn thing after another), before dying of B-cell Lymphoma.  With the help of Evergreen Hospice, we were able to care for Tom until he died at home on May 6, 2021.

Tom was born in Dublin, Ireland and was educated there, graduating from University College Dublin (UCD) in 1959.  He then started a great adventure, going to Prince Rupert, B.C. as a volunteer 4th grade teacher.  After two years he moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he entered the seminary; in 1965 he was ordained a Catholic priest for the Vicariate of Prince George, B.C.  When assigned to Terrace, B.C.  he met Kathy, a volunteer nurse at the local hospital, and the sparks did fly!  

In 1968 Tom entered graduate school at the University of Washington, eventually receiving his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.  The rest of his career was spent at the UW Medical School where he spent many years with the WAMI program.

Tom and Kathy married on January 9, 1971, and had three children:  Ciara, Nick and Beth.  He was a terrific Dad who had unbounded love for his family.  The worst tragedy he endured was Ciara’s death from an asthma attack when she was fifteen.  Nick and Beth were his greatest comfort, and the arrival of Lily, his only grandchild, gave him immense joy.

Tom liked chocolate, a nice red wine, a good game of bridge, opera, and James Joyce, having read Finnigans Wake numerous times.

Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kathy) Sutton Cullen, his son James Nicholas (Nick) Cullen, his daughter Elizabeth (Beth) Sutton Cullen Ledoux (Kevin), and his adored granddaughter, Lily Ledoux.   He also leaves 3 sisters and a brother in Ireland, and numerous nieces and nephews in Ireland, Canada, and the United States.  He was loved by all he met, and his laugh and smile will forever be missed.

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine be warm upon your face.

May the rains fall upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

 

If desired, memorials can go to Horizon House Continuing Care Retirement Community (https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/HorizonHouse_1/OnlineDonation.html) or to Evergreen Hospice ( www.evergreenhealth.com/hospice-care) .


Comments


Tom was a very smart and gracious man who exemplified the qualities of his homeland Ireland, Land of Saints & Scholars. His personal warmth and wonderful sense of humor as well as his devotion to his family were precious qualities..................Pat Callahan, SEATTLE GROUP of resigned priests


Uncle Tommy, you will be missed. Thank-you for so many memories, adventures, fun and laughter.
 
Sheila Polard


A Thomais, a dhearthair ghaoil,

Is mor ar lean go bhfuil tu imithe uainn.
Ba laoch tu inar measc, fear cinealta, macanta, lach i gconai.
Gabhaimid buiochas onar gcroithe do do chlann alainn, Kathy, Ciara-faraoir, a dimigh ro-og,
Nick, Beth, Kevin agus Lily, a thug saol lan le gra agus sonas duit.

Slan, a Thomais.

Joe and the Fay Family,
Sally and Sean and the Roche Family.
Sheila Cullen, Ciara and the Filan Family.
Brid and Kevin, and the Jennings Family,
Bob and Siobhan, and the Cullen Family.


Tom was a wonderful friend -- always shining bright with the best outlook. He was a very caring person. We always looked forward to our times together. We will miss him so much.
Our love goes out to Kathy and Tom's family.
Dave and Gail Parrish


I was in the entering class of WAMI in 1974, the first year it was the whole year in Fairbanks. I remember Tom and am sorry to hear of his passing. I have very fond memories of that year. It is a great program and my son and daughter-in-law also went through the WWAMI program. Thank you so much for helping develop the program, which has brought many physicians back to the state of Alaska. Your family has a lot to be proud of.

Jean Wilbur Tsigonis


Tom, Bill, and I were Thursday night drinking buddies through grad school. We couldn't make it to Friday, and besides, those two guys had the best jokes in town. Indeed, Tom was not just smart, but savvy and "bright" in every situation he entered. I was incredibly honored to attend his wedding with Kathy, and recognized how it was such a momentous event in many ways. He really was the doer beyond the WAMI Program evaluation design, which provided to be a cornerstone of this program's enduring success. We moved to SoCal so I lost contact with Tom and Kathy, but never stopped enjoying our friendship.

Jim Clark


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