Coming from a small private school where I knew all of the studnets, I transferred to Highline in the middle of my sophomore year and was a bit shocked with the size of the student body. Tom was one of those classmates who became a quick friend. With so many students that have passed away, I am ever so thankful for each day that we have on earth and for friends and family. One of my friends said something that has stuck with me over the years: "Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is the present, that's why we call it a gift." Count your blessings, live each day to the fullest, and draw near to God. Tom left us with some good memories and we will miss him.
A friend since the 6th grade at Gregory Heights, Tom -- even as a (handsome) kid -- had a kind of youthful elegance, sense of humor and warm congeniality that I always found both engaging and endearing. (He was a better trumpet player than me, too. ) He was bright, upbeat and self-assured, and after graduation he went on to burnish and grow those qualities of character, decency and integrity that would define his life as a business professional, loving husband and father. The circumstances that changed that trajectory, that put him on a difficult road for a time, are not mine to judge, but the Tom I visited with at the 50th reunion was a man maturely confident, rejuvenating his life, and who reflected a sense of optimistic buoyancy that was very much in sync with what I remember about him when we were classmates. Rest in peace, Tom. I'm grateful I had the privilege and honor (and fun) of being your friend.
Tom was a great guy. He wasn't as crazy as most of my friends but he fit in just like he fit in with everyone. I went to Wenatchee a few years back and had breakfast with him. It was obvious he fit in there too. He had a good sense of humor and he even laughed at my jokes (sometimes). RIP Tom. I'll miss you. Ken
Tom Aparico was my dear friend and I'll miss very much. I'm happy to know that he is now in the safe arms of the Lord. One funny note is that Tom and I, in our early 20"s, use to head out to the dance spots almost every weekend. He was such a perfectionist in what he would wear; Gant shirts, Corben slacks, Bass Wegen shoes. He would almost always critique what I was wearing and make me shange into one his Gant shirts and wear a tie. What a guy! He was my friend and I loved him very much. I see you again someday my brother..............
I too remember Tom sharing his wardrobe during college. He had a dozen cool sweaters and several sport jackets and we were both about the same size.......he insisted that you wear his stuff. Tom worked at the Yankee Peddler and Nordy's in the U District. A very giving guy.
In the summer Tom worked in the Chelan/Wenatchee area as a fire fighter I believe. He was certainly the best dressed smoke eater in the state.
I wish his friends could get together and have a small celebration of life for Tom
Ronald Goodmansen
Tom was a great guy, easy going. Had a good talk with him at the 50th reunion. Can't believe these passings are happening this often.
Gary Le Febvre
Also knew Tom very well, he used to love fishing, and was very well mannerd, another close class mate passing is sad.John Bartkowski
Coming from a small private school where I knew all of the studnets, I transferred to Highline in the middle of my sophomore year and was a bit shocked with the size of the student body. Tom was one of those classmates who became a quick friend. With so many students that have passed away, I am ever so thankful for each day that we have on earth and for friends and family. One of my friends said something that has stuck with me over the years: "Yesterday's history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is the present, that's why we call it a gift." Count your blessings, live each day to the fullest, and draw near to God. Tom left us with some good memories and we will miss him.
Bill Engelhardt
A friend since the 6th grade at Gregory Heights, Tom -- even as a (handsome) kid -- had a kind of youthful elegance, sense of humor and warm congeniality that I always found both engaging and endearing. (He was a better trumpet player than me, too. ) He was bright, upbeat and self-assured, and after graduation he went on to burnish and grow those qualities of character, decency and integrity that would define his life as a business professional, loving husband and father. The circumstances that changed that trajectory, that put him on a difficult road for a time, are not mine to judge, but the Tom I visited with at the 50th reunion was a man maturely confident, rejuvenating his life, and who reflected a sense of optimistic buoyancy that was very much in sync with what I remember about him when we were classmates. Rest in peace, Tom. I'm grateful I had the privilege and honor (and fun) of being your friend.
Bill
Ken Heigh
Tom was a great guy. He wasn't as crazy as most of my friends but he fit in just like he fit in with everyone. I went to Wenatchee a few years back and had breakfast with him. It was obvious he fit in there too. He had a good sense of humor and he even laughed at my jokes (sometimes). RIP Tom. I'll miss you. Ken
Jack Fouts
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great and kind person. I had the pleasure to work
with Tom in Wenatchee for several years. I was a wholesales rep and he was one of my clients. He always
had the time to see me and visit. Rest in peace my friend!
Jack
Gary Lindberg
Tom Aparico was my dear friend and I'll miss very much. I'm happy to know that he is now in the safe arms of the Lord. One funny note is that Tom and I, in our early 20"s, use to head out to the dance spots almost every weekend. He was such a perfectionist in what he would wear; Gant shirts, Corben slacks, Bass Wegen shoes. He would almost always critique what I was wearing and make me shange into one his Gant shirts and wear a tie. What a guy! He was my friend and I loved him very much. I see you again someday my brother..............
Tom Nixon
I too remember Tom sharing his wardrobe during college. He had a dozen cool sweaters and several sport jackets and we were both about the same size.......he insisted that you wear his stuff. Tom worked at the Yankee Peddler and Nordy's in the U District. A very giving guy.
In the summer Tom worked in the Chelan/Wenatchee area as a fire fighter I believe. He was certainly the best dressed smoke eater in the state.
I wish his friends could get together and have a small celebration of life for Tom