Final Salute

Thomas A. Baskin
09/05/43 – 07/20/16

East Wenatchee, WA

Thomas A. Baskin has set up camp for his final time. Surrounded by family, he
was called home on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 – opening day of his beloved
sockeye fishery at Lake Wenatchee. How appropriate that his last memories will
be those of a favorite place and special friends.

Thomas Arthur Baskin was born in Chehalis, WA on September 5, 1943 to Thomas
Oliver and Martha Baskin. The Baskins, including brothers, Jack and Andy,
resettled in Twisp, WA in 1953. The Methow Valley provided Tom and his
brothers many adventures, lessons and life-long memories. Tom admired his
father greatly and cherished his grandfather immensely. They were avid
outdoorsmen and passed every ounce of their respect and passion for wildlife
and good stewardship on to Tom. He once shared with us, that from an early
age, he set the goal to be the kind of grandfather that his grandfather would
approve of. Well done, sir!

As a young man, Tom was not the biggest or strongest fellow, but his work
ethic and drive were second to none. He was sought out by farmers and ranchers
who needed an extra hand in the field. He shared about bucking hay and digging
ditches for his math teacher. Upon graduating from Twisp High School in 1962,
Tom joined the Navy and was assigned to the Seabees. His first tour was a year
spent in Adak, AK. He spent the next two tours (1965-1967) in Vietnam. Tom was
honored to serve the country he was so passionate about and he was humbled by
the company he kept while overseas. “Can Do!” is the Seabee motto and Tom
exemplified this attitude in every aspect of his entire life; never backing
down from any challenge. After his honorable discharge, Tom found himself
working various trades: a mill wright, mechanic, cat skinner and log skidder.
Ultimately, he would settle into heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic.
He retired from the Washington Department of Transportation in 1983.

In 1973, Tom met the love of his life, Linda (a mother of seven), at an event
for an organization called Parents Without Partners. They were the youth
activity chairmen. On October 11, 1974, Tom and Linda married and continued
promoting youth activity for the next 36 years. Their honeymoon was spent at
deer camp with all their children. Tom reveled in his role as “dad.” He gave
his time, knowledge and love purely and without question. The Baskins moved
from Wenatchee to Twisp in 1977 in order to fulfill a position with the DOT
that would provide him with less wear and tear on his failing back. Tom and
Linda adored the Methow Valley and spent every moment possible experiencing
the splendor of Gods’ country and making life-long friends. The two owned and
operated The Antlers Tavern for a number of years, until health forced them to
move closer to medical facilities and family. The couple resettled in Entiat
in 1988 and continued to live life fully, spending as much time possible
camping, fishing and hunting. Tom was in his element when he would load a
half-dozen grandkids into the back of his old Dodge for a firewood run. Those
nights roasting hotdogs around the campfire and sipping on Linda’s hot
chocolate were priceless to him. He loved sharing the same passion for nature
that his father and grandfather shared with him as a young boy.

In 1994, Tom and Linda moved to East Wenatchee, WA. While the adventures
slowed, some due to Linda’s poor health and Tom’s worsening back, he remained
active with his family and his volunteering. Tom ended up having back surgery,
which did improve his mobility greatly. Tom lost his beloved Linda after a
long, difficult battle in 2010. Even in his heartache, he embraced that “Can
Do” spirit. He hit the ground running; he was going to make the most of his
remaining time. In 2012, Tom hit the jack-pot when he met Miss Rita. She
appreciated Tom in a way so many of us did. And with her by his side, there
have been many more adventures, camp-outs, fishing trips, hunting, concerts
and visits to the grandchildren’s schools. He never missed an opportunity to
spend time with family, catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Tom
never knew a stranger! He has amazing friends in every nook and cranny all
over the northwest!

In closing, we want to acknowledge just a few of the various clubs and
organizations that Tom belonged to and volunteered his time and efforts into.
Elks Lodge, American Legion, F&A Masons, Boy Scouts, Eagles Lodge, VFW. As
a VFW charter member, Tom volunteered to assist veterans at the VA Mobile
Clinic. He also visited schools and delivered speeches relating to Veterans
Day and flag etiquette. Marine Corps League Associate Member. Tom played a
huge role for many years in the Toys-For-Tots program in Wenatchee. Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife. Tom spent over 25 years sharing his knowledge
and sharing his unique insight of the hunting and fishing lifestyle as a
disabled person. Several laws were created, amended or removed entirely
because of one Tom Baskin. The Disabled Sportsmen Association of Washington.
Founder and President. He was never one to boast about these accomplishments;
however, he was very excited and proud to have been a part of making a
difference.

Tom was a true leader, a giant among men. He overcame many obstacles
throughout his life, setting an example for us all. He succeeded in many
endeavors and gave his all in everything he did. Yet in spite of all this, he
recently shared that his greatest mission was to the best husband, father and
grandfather he could be. Mission accomplished!

Survivors include brothers: Andrew Baskin and Jack Baskin; sons, Gary (Helen)
Best, Terry (Renee) Best and Harry Best; daughters, Debbie (Bill) McDonald,
Ginny Belgarde, Dale Ann (Dave) Burdett and Wendy Baskin; twenty-one
grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his
sweet fiancee, Miss Rita Terry. Tom was preceded in death by his parents,
Thomas and Martha Baskin; his son, Dean Best; and his love, Linda Baskin.

A viewing will be made available to family members who wish at Jones &
Jones – Betts Funeral Home, 302 9th Street, Wenatchee, WA on Friday, August 5,
2016 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Evergreen Memorial
Park, 1301 10th Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA on Monday, August 8, 2016 at
1:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 10, 208 N.
Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA. Please express your thoughts and memories at
the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones &
Jones – Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee, WA