Thomas Dale Dillard, born May 1, 1942, in Aberdeen, the second son of Dale and Byrnedine (Burgess) Dillard, passed away July 11, 2018, of ALS.

He was married to Karen Hollatz Sept. 11, 1965. They purchased 40 acres on Newman Creek where they raised Polled Herefords.

He graduated from North River High School in 1960 and went to work for the Department of Natural Resources until 1962. He then worked for Weyerhaeuser Raymond in the truck shop as a mechanic/welder. 1964 found him at Lamb Grays Harbor where he worked as a journeyman welder, lead man, foreman shop supervisor, weld inspector, MRO salesman, and blacksmith. He worked there 37 years until they closed. He was hired as night shift foreman at Olympic Tool and Engineering in Shelton. After one year he finished his working career at Sierra Pacific Industries at Junction City as a millwright, retiring in 2007.

He was a charter member/founder of the Satsop Fire Department where he served for 25 years, several as chief. In addition he was one of four founding members of the Evergreen Fire and Safety Crew for the Elma Race Track. Most weekends for 19 years during race season you could find him at the track.

He taught welding at Grays Harbor College from 1984/1986.

He served in the Hoquiam High School Advisory Board for many years.

A lifelong hunter, his favorite memories were of Grisdale and Eastern Washington.

He was a member of NRA and lifetime member of Washington State Horsemen.

Tom is survived by his wife, two brothers Robert (Betty) and Calvin; a sister Daleanne (William) Stone, plus numerous extended family.

He was laid to rest at the North River Cemetery where he served as a board member.

A kind man with a quirky sense of humor, he often said “I don’t get even – I get ahead.”

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.