Thomas Andrew ‘Tom’ Stakkeland, 60, a lifelong Skagit County resident, went home to be with his Lord with his sons at his side on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley.
Tom was born on April 21, 1948 in Mount Vernon, Washington, the son of Melvin T. & Olive C. ‘Dutchie’ Christofferson Stakkeland.
He was raised and attended grade school in Clear Lake and then high school in Sedro-Woolley, where he was active in sports and was crowned ‘King Legs’ his senior year for homecoming festivities. Tom graduated with the class of 1966. During his school years he worked on his family’s farm, C & S Farms and Dairy Valley Farms, milking cows and driving equipment and in costruction. After school, Tom continued to work in the construction industry, clearing land and building and selling homes. He also worked at the refinery, in retail sales at Skagit Lumber, in sales and marketing for Industrial Resource Industries in Clear Lake and once again for C & S Construction, working for his sons.
He was united in marriage to Linda Drummond in Sedro-Woolley on August 18, 1974 and they made their home at the Fox farm until building a new home and settling in Clear Lake in 1999.
Tom was a history buff and active in the Clear Lake Historical Society; he served as a commissioner for the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department and he sort of looked out for some of the residents of the Clear Lake Community, putting them to work when needed or just offering a helping hand. He also enjoyed fixing broken furniture, clearing distressed property and building anything. He was also an avid reader and ‘The Duke’ of day trading.
Tom is survived by his wife, Linda at the family home in Clear Lake. His sons, Seth Stakkeland and his wife, Megan and Samuel Stakkeland all of Clear Lake. His brother, Norman Stakkeland and his wife, Marlene of Royal City, WA and two sisters, Jeanette Forshier and her husband, Ron of Sun City Center, FL and Juanita Stakkeland of Navato, CA. A daughter-in-law, Bonnie Stakkeland of Burlington. Two granddaughters, Siara & Shonnie Stakkeland. His mother & father-in-law, Edna & Greer Drummond of Burlington; brother & sister-in-law, David & Sally Drummond of Burlington, numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Virginia Wiseman and a son, Scott Stakkeland.
Contributions in memory of Tom are suggested to the Clear Lake Historical Society, PO Box 333, the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 186, the Clear Lake Community Covenant Church, PO Box 188, the Clear Lake Community Connection, PO Box 597, all in Clear Lake, WA 98235, His Place Church in Burlington or a charity of your choice.
A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 12 noon at the Clear Lake Community Covenant Church with Pastor Tim Hedberg officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.