Thomas Yale

Thomas F. “T.F.” Yale died June 25, 2004, at his home in Freeland, following a lengthy illness. He was born Dec. 23, 1936, in Greene, N.D., to Fred and Helen (Green) Yale. He attended schools in North Dakota until, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Yale was a veteran of the Korean War, having served much of his tour overseas. He returned to North Dakota and was married to Shirley Johnson in 1958. The Yales made their home in Grand Forks, N.D., and began raising their family. T.F. worked as an electric motor mechanic.

In 1963, the Yales moved to Seattle with their two young children. Mr. Yale joined the Electrician’s Union and worked as an electrician on multiple-resident construction sites within King County. In 1968 Mr. Yale opened T.F. Electric. His family now included four children. In 1976, he moved his family and electrical business to Whidbey Island. T.F. had three sons, all of whom followed him in the electrical trade. He eventually turned his electrical business over to son Troy. T.F. loved his work. He also enjoyed camping and traveling in his motor home.

T.F. was divorced from Shirley. He was married for a time to Kris Crowder, but was again divorced. Tom finally met a very special friend, Kathi Balora, who stayed and cared for him to the end of his life.

Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 141, the Eagles Lodge No. 3418 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7482, all of Langley.

Thomas Yale is survived by three children and their spouses: Lance T. and Shannon Yale of Clinton; Shelly Yale-Dyngen and Roy Dyngen of Stanwood, and Troy A. Yale of Clinton; also six grandchildren, Christopher T. Yale of Everett, Lucas Yale of Clinton, Alec Dyngen of Stanwood, Riley Yale of Clinton, Jakob Dyngen of Stanwood, and Callahan Yale of Clinton; and three sisters and two brothers.

Memorial services for Thomas ‘T.F.’ Yale will be held Sunday, July 11, at 1 p.m., at American Legion Post 141, Langley. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.