Thomas Westly Oatfield, age 75, a 52-year resident of the Harbor, died on Oct. 1, 2022, at his home in Aberdeen. Tom was born on Feb. 26, 1947, to Thomas Douglas and Betty Ora (Taylor) Oatfield. Tom spent most of his childhood on the family farm and attending school in Amboy, Washington.
After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1968, he lived briefly on the family farm in Yacolt, Washington, before purchasing his own farm in Ellensburg. Tom came to the Harbor in 1970 and started his long career in the timber industry with Bruce Van DeWall. He later formed his own company, Oatfield Timber, subcontracting hand cutters to logging outfits across the PNW.
Most of Tom’s life revolved around work. He worked endlessly to build his company and along the way employed many cutters throughout the Harbor — a few of those employees being his son Wade and his grandson Terry. Tom beamed with joy watching both Wade and Terry continue the family tradition in the timber industry. He owned and operated Oatfield Timber from 1980 to August of this year, when his son, Wade assumed control of the operation — although, Tom still ran the show.
Tom was always up for having a drink at the Blue Beacon, where his real sense of humor would come out. He often could be found at family gatherings, spending time with his kids and grandchildren. Tom was an avid pool player and had belonged to various leagues in the area.
Tom was a man that would do anything to help a friend or family member. His big smile and even bigger heart will be missed by many.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Betty Oatfield, sister Shirley Jones, his son James Oatfield, and a granddaughter Brittany Hoschar.
He is survived by a daughter, Tonia (Brad) Holman of Ariel, Washington; son, Wade (Cari) Giguere of Hoquiam; a brother, William (Rosemary) Oatfield of Grays River, Washington; one sister, Virginia (Jerry) Mofford of Battleground, Washington; and grandchildren: Brandon (Alison) Oatfield of Forks, Savannah (Jim) Schwitzke of Kelso, Terry (Annie) Day of Aberdeen, Erica (Adam) Robinson of Forks, Kelly Crowder of Forks, Kenny Crowder of Forks, Tyson Hobi of Forks, James Giguere of Tacoma, Darren Oatfield of Elma, and Whitney (Sam) Ramirez of Yelm; along with many great-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by a longtime significant other, Darcy Short.
A celebration of life is being planned for Nov. 5, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Aberdeen Elks Lodge, 1712 S. Boone Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520.
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
