Tom Werda, age 52, a 21 year Concrete resident, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016. He was born February 26, 1964 to Cyrus Robert and Violet Mary (Bambenek) Werda in Waukegan, Illinois. Tom grew up the youngest son of a large and dynamic family on the outskirts of Antioch Illinois surrounded by the beautiful lakes and channels of northern Illinois it was only natural for Tom to gravitate to fishing and a life surrounded by outdoor adventures. Many very memorable days, months, and years were spent fishing, camping, and adventuring with his friends and family. (Sometimes to the concern of Tom’s lovely mother Violet)
In search of greater outdoor adventures, Tom moved to Washington State. Though he came looking for the great outdoors Tom found love instead in his lovely bride Cheryl. Tom and Cheryl McNiven were married on June 5, 1993, making their home in Concrete, Washington shortly thereafter. Family life resonated with Tom’s compassionate nature. It wasn’t long before he and Cheryl had four beautiful children which Tom adored.
Tom was very active the past 21 years in his church, Community Bible Church, serving as a former Deacon, and sharing his handyman talents with church members. Friends, family, and the community could count on Tom to be there anytime help was needed. Whether fixing cars, moving boxes, or just listening in a time of crisis, Tom made himself and his resources available whenever necessary.
He has been employed with the Washington State Department of Transportation the past 16 years where many friendships were made. He was an avid fisherman and duck hunter, but most important to him was God and his family. Tom made it his personal mission to share the word of God’s saving grace to friends, family, and the community. Tom was unyielding in his desire to open the doors of God’s kingdom to those he loved.
Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl; children, Taleah, Josiah, Bethany and Iona; siblings, Joe and his wife, Carol Werda, Carol and her husband, Jim Rooney, Mary and her husband, Bob Sarbacker, Rose and her husband, Ed Dewes, Cy and his wife, Mona Werda, Theresa Werda Monahan, Anthony Werda and Angel and her husband, Larry Savage; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyrus and Violet Werda.
A Graveside Committal Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the Forest Park Cemetery, Concrete, Washington. A Memorial Service will be held following the Graveside at 1:00 PM, at the Community Bible Church in Concrete, WA, with Pastor Rob Thomas officiating. Memorials in Tom’s memory are suggested to the Community Bible Church, PO Box 88, Concrete, WA 98237. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
My name is Wendy. I dated Tom way back in the mid 80’s. I never forgot him. He (even way back then) was one of the kindest, sweetest, guys I have ever known. My heart goes out to his entire family. God bless.
Mountain Man, you came to the canyon.
We’re going back again Little
Tommy. Born again to a new life.
I hope we come back to the mountains in Aspen, Colorado.
To a place you and I can fish, speak to King Faisal and King Father.
To a place, we’ll call home, fish, ski, snowboard, and climb Moutains
Up high, reach to the heavens, and learn the Planet we love.
Transformation is coming Little Tommy.
TC
I had the pleasure of working with Tom over the years. He was a principled man, a smart individual, and easy to smile. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
I worked with Tom at WSDOT for 13 years and he is going to be greatly missed. I’ll miss our fishing stories on Friday’s and everytime I see smoked fish I’ll think of you and how awesome yours was to eat. Rest in Peace.
Tom was an amazing man. He will be dearly missed. Cheryl, you and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom was a good friend, and co-worker, always quick with a smile, and a good sense of hummor… as a team member, irreplacable, as a friend, remarkable.
one who loved God and Family, and was not ashamed to show it.
Prayers go out to Cheryl and the kids, because we know where Tom is, resting in the arms of Jesus…
Tom was a great man who loved his family. His love for God was obvious. He will be missed!
Uncle Tom was a great man…so many fond memories of him. You will be missed. God bless Cheryl and the kids. Give them strength
Tom was always there for me. We shared countless adventures, each fun but also meaningful on a deeper level. He was taken from us too soon; but I take comfort knowing Tom has been spiritually preparing for this transition. I pray his lovely family will take comfort in the seeds planted by his good works.
Oh how I miss Tom’s chuckles and great laughter! I also loved his sense of humor, his helpfulness to those who needed a hand, and his love for his family. I was always awe inspired by his fishing and hunting skills too. Tom, we are so thankful you in good hands now. We promise to care for those you left behind and look forward to seeing you again!
Little brother, I will miss just knowing you were there. Your mark on life will be known by those who remember you.
I will see you again but be patient I’m not in a hurry.
My love for my brother will go with to my end.
May God be with you and your Family…
Tom was a great brother and friend. His physical presence with us will be greatly missed however his spirit carries on in all of us who knew and Loved him.
Peace to you my brother!
Peace Love and Prayers to his blessed wife and children and friends!
Anthony ( Tony ) Werda
He will be missed dearly Tom was a great man