BOMBER MEMORIAL

THOMAS EDWARD "THOM" SISK ~ Class of 1972
December 11, 1953 - December 7, 2009





Thom Sisk, 55, died unexpectedly December 7, 2009 in his parents' home in Richland. Thom resided most recently in Bellingham, WA.

Born December 11, 1953 to James and Mary Sisk in Richland, Thom was the fourth of ten children. He grew up in Richland and graduated in 1972 from Richland's Columbia High School. His fun-loving nature endeared him to many of his school chums. Thom had a mechanical ability at a young age, building a motor bike, hot rod pickup and a race car. Thom was active in Boy Scouts and played baseball. An accomplished woodworker, he worked as a carpenter and building contractor. Thom spent many hours working on projects for the benefit of his parents' home.

Thom had an early interest in music, learning to play guitar and playing in a band with high school buddies. Thom studied mechanical engineering at Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls. OR and later at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. Thom also attended Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA earning a BA degree in film. He made several short films. Thom was a designer and builder. He designed and built an "earth home" near Bellingham.

He earned his real estate license and sold real estate in Jefferson County, WA. He had a decided knack for salesmanship. Thom, an avid fly fisherman, enjoyed many trips with his son. Conor; his dad; brothers and friends. He enjoyed backpacking and cross-country skiing with friends and family and was proud of summiting Mt. Rainier in his 40s. Thom learned to sail while living in Port Townsend.

He was well connected to the musicians and the music scene in Port Townsend, Bellingham and Alger, performing at venues and gatherings on vocals and the string bass, often with his son, Conor, who plays drums. Thom had a special charisma for making friends and was always willing to help a friend or other person in need.

Thom is survived by son, Conor Sisk of Port Townsend; loving mother and father, Mary and James Sisk of Richland; brother, John Sisk ('68) (Mary Anne) of Richland; brother, David Sisk ('77) (Mary Hartman) of Richland; brother, Daniel Sisk ('80) (Barbara) of Richland; sister, Karen Sisk ('69) (Monte Sula) of Sequim; brother, Robert Sisk ('70) of Silverton, OR; brother, Mark Sisk ('73) (Laura Chandler) of Seattle; sister, Ellen Sisk ('75) (Tim Blair) of Seattle; sister, Amy Sisk Muhlestein ('83) (Mylan) of West Richland; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Sisk Moro ('74 honorary) (Jerry Moro) of Hermiston, OR.

A wake/potluck was held at 4pm on January 16, 2010 at Blanchard Community Hall; 3066 Legg Rd.; Blanchard, WA (info: 360-766-6620). Donations may be made in Thom's name to: National Alliance on Mental Illness; 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 100; Arlington, VA 22203.

View and sign the Guest Book.

Published in the Bellingham Herald on December 22, 2009.

Note: His father, James Edward Sisk, passed away on April 26, 2017.

Bomber Memorial put together by Maren Smyth ('63/'64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).