Thomas Kileen Leslie, 48, of Oak Harbor, passed away May 20, 2009. He was born on July 25, 1960, to Dr. and Mrs. Charles Louis Leslie. Thomas grew up in the areas of Texarkana, Texas, Baton Rouge, La., and Shreveport, La. He lived in Milwaukee, Wis., for a year with his Aunt Anne and sister Laurie while his father was ill.
Thomas graduated from St. Michaels in Picayune, Miss., in 1978. Shortly after this, he entered the Navy to travel the world. In 1983 he was stationed in Barber’s Point, Hawaii. It was here that his life was forever changed when he met and fell in love with Michele and her infant daughter Melissa. Thomas and Michele were married on June 15, 1984, and were blessed with 24 years of marriage and two more beautiful children together. Thomas’ military career took him and his family to Alameda, Calif., in 1987 and later to San Diego. In 1996 Thomas was stationed in Oak Harbor. This is where he retired from the Navy after 21 years of service in December 1999. After the military, Thomas went to Skagit Valley Community College where he received his AA in Computer Information Systems. He went on to work for Whidbey Telecom as a data processing systems analyst.
Thomas was preceded in death by his brothers Stephen, Michael and Charles, and twin grandchildren Ryan, Jr. and Isabelle Zuidema.
Thomas is survived by his beloved wife Michele Leslie of Oak Harbor; daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Ryan Zuidema of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; son, Thomas Leslie II of Oak Harbor; daughter, Ashley Leslie of Oak Harbor; grandchildren, James Alexander and Elizabeth Michele Zuidema of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; an older brother, Patrick Stack Leslie of Washington, D.C.; two older sisters, Laurie Leslie Nussbaum (husband John) and Mary Katherine Christy (husband Keith), both of Bossier City, La.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins around the country.
Thomas lived his life with a quiet strength. He never sought the spotlight. He found fulfillment in being a good husband and father. He loved to play golf and take his dog on walks. He loved football and basketball and enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers with his son Tommy. He could always be found taking a walk while listening to his iPod during his breaks at work. He had a love of music that he shared with his youngest daughter Ashley.
He will always be remembered for his reserved demeanor, surprising wit and admirable work ethic. We already miss you, but we thank you for teaching us by example to support each other. A viewing was held May 29 at Burley Funeral Chapel and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at St. Augustine’s with Rev. Philip Raether as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thomas K Leslie Memorial Fund through Whidbey Island Bank. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
