Thomas M. Wusz

Tom's Story Thomas Michael Wusz was excitedly welcomed into the lives of George Michael Wusz and Dorothy Geraldine Wusz (Bowen). It was January 30, 1947, in Portland, Oregon. He was affectionately called Tom or Tommy by his friends and loved ones. In his younger years he attended Marysville Elementary School in Portland, Oregon. During those years, one of the things that he loved to do was play baseball. He was the pitcher for his local little league team. At a very young age, he became passionate about anything with a motor. He took a motor and a bicycle and melded them together. He was often stopped by the local law enforcement for riding on the street. He also built a "Street Kart" from 2x4's and lawn mower parts. He would have his dad take him to the car dealerships when the new cars were coming out so he could collect the car brochures. He also spent time with his Uncle Frank and his cousins Tim and Nick at the drag strip with their race car "Little Thumper." Tom went on to Benson Polytechnic High School where he was enrolled in the automotive program. It was soon evident that this was to be his life's passion. Tom was a very educated mechanic as he went on to attend Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. In his last year there, he was one of very few to be selected to attend the GM training program and went on to receive his GM Certification. Tom became an apprentice mechanic and continued to work hard and became a Journeyman ASE Certified Mechanic. For over 25 years, he worked at a multitude of places as a mechanic including, but not limited to, Earl Marks and Foster Automotive (which was owned by Craig Adelhart). He was a very detailed mechanic. You had to see his work to believe it. When he decided to stop being a full-time mechanic, he started working at NAPA Auto Parts as a delivery driver and then a warehouseman. He retired from Napa, after over 20 years of service. It was during his early years at NAPA that he met and married the love of his life, Katherine Patton. Tom and Katherine purchased a home and built Tom's "Dream Shop" in Vancouver, Washington. "The Shop" was, of course, Tommy's favorite place to spend time. He spent countless hours working on one of his many classic cars or working on someone else's car. He was the "Wrench" on Fred Deucher's drag racing car. It won many a race. He also enjoyed working on his go kart and then riding through the neighborhood at breakneck speed. He loved helping the neighbor kids when they needed bicycle or skateboard repairs. Tom was always there to lend a hand; he loved people. Tom was a member of the 49er's Hot Rod Association. Tom loved to travel with the 49er's Van Club in his 1978 Chevy Van that he converted into a camper van, (with all of the amenities) by himself. On most of his vacations, he took cross country trips in this van. After Tommy met Katherine, or as he called her "Skipper," they had many camping adventures in the van. They went to Yellowstone, the Tetons, and the Oregon Coast. It was at the coast where they found a new passion- collecting agates and fossils. Retirement brought new adventures into Tommy and Skipper's life. Through Katherine's love of the water and her scuba diving, they found their favorite place to be was Caye Caulker, Belize. They also found how much they loved to cruise the Caribbean. Tom had a multitude of friends which included his "Best Man" Wayne Danforth, and was active in his church and health club activities. He loved his beautiful garden and created a sanctuary where he and Skipper could spend many lovely hours enjoying the peace it offered from a busy day. One of Tommy's favorite quotes was: "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, how are you going to have the time to do it again." I call them Tommyisms. Another was, "Always return a vehicle that you borrowed better than when you got it:" It would get an oil change, get washed, or at least a vacuum and the windows cleaned. Preceding Thomas in death were his parents George Wusz and Dorothy Wusz (Bowen). He sadly leaves behind his wife Katherine Patton, his stepson Tim Schaub, his grandson Jacob Martin, great grandson Ethan Martin, his only sibling, Jeanette Stout, his brother-in-law Tom Stout, and his loving niece Marcy Siebert.

Thomas M. Wusz

January 30, 1947 - June 3, 2022