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Don and Lynn Welty
Tom and Tammy were one of our first friends in Cordova, living in Heney Trailer Court, helping each other with frozen water pipes, enjoying a meal, Tom's demonstration of the unbreakable Corell dish that shattered after he tossed it onto the floor. Our late night ice-cream splurges, with Don buying at the only place open in town, Laura's Liquor. Our three wheeler rides at Sheridan Glacier. One time where Tom was on a side hill and the wheeler rolled over. The gas tank was missing the cap and the gas spilled out as the headlight broke, catching the wheeler on fire. We threw gravel and dirt on it to put out the fire but all the wiring was burned. Don and Tom disconnected the throttle cable and siphoned gas out of one of the other machines for it. Tom was able to drive it back to the truck by pulling on the throttle cable with his hand as the handle bar throttle melted.
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Lynn Welty
Tom, Don, and my Dad, John Burtch, went Duck hunting at Hell's hole and then black bear hunting in Gravina Bay together. They were on the way home after the hunt and the boat ran out of gas around Salmo Point. They were floating around the sound - next stop Japan (is the way my Dad tells the story) when they saw another boat. My dad had his hunter blaze orange jacket on, which both Tom and Don laughed at - camouflage all the way! He took of his jacket and started waving it up and down. The other boat saw it, came over, and gave them enough gas to make it back to Cordova. My Dad still tells this story when he shares about his Alaska adventures.
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Robin Cannistraci
My dad used to speak at Grace Bible summer camps, so our family would often spend the month of August in Hawaii. I met Tom one summer. He and his friend Gene became our baby sitters/tour guides for the summer. Tom drove this old van that had the engine in the front. It burnt oil all the time. We constantly had to lift the engine cover and add oil. My two sisters myself and my cousin went all over the island together. Drive in movies, the beach, hiking. We wanted to sail on the Jackaranda so he tricked us into scraping barnacles all day in order to go out sailing. He didn’t have to be so kind and show us teens around and entertain us for the summer, but he did. He used to drive down the road and sing a silly song... All together now, one, two, three)
(Keep you mind on your drivin')
(Keep you hands on the wheel)
(Keep your snoopy eyes on the road ahead)
(We're havin' fun sittin' in the back seat)
(Kissin' and a'huggin with Tom. ????. I am so very sad for your loss. Thank you for sharing Toms memorial- it was beautiful.
3 people prayed for this request!
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Michael and Judy Calderon
Dearest Tammy, David, Janell and Caleb,
Tommy, you will be missed!
Your life here on earth blessed so many people! You were an amazing husband, father, papa, friend and lover of Jesus!
We celebrate your life, rather than grieve our loss! A life well lived! With finger prints left on so many lives!
Michael and I had gotten to know Tom and Tammy very well over the past twenty-five years! We became close friends and shared many special times together from trips to Blue Lake, travels to Ocean Shores, Leavenworth and Whistler mountain, hundreds of pinnacle games (the girls usually won), and fun times around the bonfire in the pasture! Over the years we’ve laughter together, cried together, fellowshipped together, prayed together and believed together! All of these fond memories are priceless to us!
Beyond the joy of knowing Tom and being blessed by his friendship, he also loved our Jaime and Joshua like like his own! I know how deeply Tom impacted their lives!
We can remember our trip to Whistler mountain like it was yesterday! We had met at Blue Lake and really felt a connect to you guys and invited you on a four day road trip! We verily knew you guys and thought, what have we done! Fours day together! What will we talk about? By the end of the trip we had laughed endlessly, share stories of our lives, ate amazing Thai food, looked at U joints (haha) and eat some delicious sea-foam candy! Can’t explain it! It just worked and a lifelong friendship was formed! We spent many nights together sharing a meal and watching Doctor Quinn the Medicine woman! Our kids become like family and we had the best times together!
No one threw a Christmas party like the Kallander family! So many memories to treasure!
Then Caleb came along, the precious completion to the Kallander family! We never really got a chance to know Caleb he came along right when God called us to California!
Even though there has been many miles between us for the last 21 years our love for your family has always remained!
You were not a good man Tom, your were a great man! Today it’s not goodbye it until we see you again on the other side!
We thank God for the privilege of knowing you and your family! This world is a better place because of the Kallander family!
There will be a gaping hole in our hearts for some time but God will use the instrument of time to heal those holes! The precious memories will remain forever!
We pray our Heavenly Father leans in extra close to each of you during this time, and the days ahead. Praying His grace and unending love will cover you with His peace!
So all that to say, Tommy you will be missed you truly were a treasure in our lives!
All our love, hugs and kisses!
Michael and Judy
3 people prayed for this request!
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Mark Kurnow
I've known Tom for 40 Years, his friendship has never waivered. Ton is one of the most gifted people I've ever known. Wether it's Music, Carpentry, something mechanical or being abn incredible father, husband or friend Tom far exceeds these descriptions. I can see him in heaven now asking Jesus about carpentry or writing a song for the angels to perform. I an looking forward to someday joining Tom again in glory!!
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Dan & Laura Wingard
Tom, you and your family welcomed us when we first joined CFC and we are forever grateful. We felt like family when we were with you. Your encouragement, service, huge heart, generosity and wit will always be in our hearts. What a privilege to play music, laugh, eat, camp, boat, share Christmas and ride Harleys with you. You're a real man with a tender heart and showed a genuine, sincere interest when in conversation. So many amazing memories!! We Love You!
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Ruben Romero
I met Tom playing keyboards during worship at Christian Faith Center in the early 2000’s. His large personality and the heart he played guitar with were unmissable. His humor—the daddiest of dad jokes— are still classics. Like if he’d named one of his sons EVANDER and he’d gone into the Air Force, he would have been named Commander Evander Kallander! I still chuckle at that... The love he displayed for his family—and the love they gave back—served and still serves as an example God would use for the family I would have.
Through my friend Brandon Ghorley’s relationship with Tom and the Kallander clan, it didn’t take long for Tom’s big heart to welcome me to family gatherings at their compound. From running over my Nokia driving his truck over the grass at his house, to jamming downstairs on guitar AND keyboards while I was on drums or enjoying Dorito taco salad for the first time with his family all around, Tom and Tammy felt like family.
That’s why when my wife Laura and I found out we were pregnant when we were still unwed, we both knew who we could go to for love and advice. Tom and Tammy gave us hope our soon-to-be family COULD make it and prayed with us that we would make it, but only with Jesus’ help.
After my son was born and Laura and I were married, I foresaw the dangers of busy families becoming estranged and noticed Tom had managed to avoid this. When I asked how, he told me to simply “learn to enjoy what THEY love doing with them, and they’ll do it back.” Now, I have my own family of oldest boy, middle girl and youngest boy and we covet our family time above almost all else.
Thank you, Kallanders, for sharing Tom with us. Thank you, Tom, for being an incredible example of a godly man. And thank you, Jesus Christ, for the gift Tom was here and that one day we’ll get more of his dad jokes for all eternity. Love to the Kallanders from the Romeros.
3 people prayed for this request!
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James Wilson
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Tom since I was a kid watching him play the guitar on stage at church while my Dad sang in the choir. I’m a huge country music fan so I always joked with Tom saying that he always reminded me of Alan Jackson and I’m glad he found my humor funny. As time went on my brother Mark and I had the privilege of working with Tom and Tammy and the rest of the family at the Concorso Italiano show for Ten plus years and each year was a blast. Each year, I was able to learn from Tom how to build things and take on new challenges each day at the show and that has helped me embrace change and challenges in my own life. Most importantly though I couldn’t help but realize that Tom was teaching me the value of laughter and enjoying the life that God has given us. Tom made me laugh every time I was with him and I’ll always remember what he told me at one of the shows “James you have a gift from God to encourage people and don’t ever stop doing that” and for that and his friendship I will always cherish. I miss you Tom but I’m smiling because I know your singing and worshiping in Heaven with our Father and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Love you sir.
3 people prayed for this request!
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Dot Bell
Tom was a very gentle and sweet man. He was always so kind to me. Loving Husband, Father and Grandpa. Praying for Tammy and the family.
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Mary Wagner
Way back in the late 70's, in Hawaii, Lord Jesus gave my husband Peter and I a great opportunity, that of helping two kind young men (we were pretty young ourselves), get saved and develop a strong relationship with Jesus. Jesus had used us to lead Frank to salvation and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and Frank told us of his friend Tom and how he needed to give his life to Jesus also. Frank introduced us to Tom and Jesus gave us just the right words to reach Tom's heart. Praise the Lord, Tom gave his life to Lord Jesus. These two brand new Christians had a teeny problem. Where they were living was not a good place for new believers. They'd come to Hawaii to surf and were house painters, working just enough hours to barely get by, so they could devote most of their time to surfing. They really looked like surfers, long hair that was stiff and sticky with salt from the ocean, dirty T shirts, swim trunks, and zories (flip flops), were their daily outfits. Lord Jesus showed us Frank and Tom could not stay with the folks they were living with.
Peter and I prayed about inviting Frank and Tom to stay with us. The Lord spoke a strong "Yes" to us. We opened our home and hearts to these two who we barely knew. It took courage. Our House Rules were that they'd have to be gainfully employed, go to church with us each Sunday (Grace Bible Church), and be part of our morning Bible reading/praise and worship/prayer time. We taught them as Jesus directed us. We gradually saw wonderful changes going on in their hearts and heads as they grew closer to Lord Jesus. One day Frank, and then another day Tom, showed up at our door after work, clean shaven, good hair cuts, and regular clothes. We hardly recognized them. It was a joy and a privilege to share the Lord with these two wonderful young men. Tom and Frank went on to become missionaries on the Jacaranda, Grace Bible Church's boat, to the islands of the South Pacific. We had the blessing of meeting lovely Tammy in Hawaii. Tom and Frank selflessly and faithfully sailed out to these islanders to lead them to the Lord, teach them how to be water baptized, and baptized in the Holy Spirit. I believe Tom would want me to say to you all, to "Follow Jesus' urging. By one act of following Jesus' leading, You never know what wonderful repercussions will follow or how many lives will be touched by your act of faithfulness! Do what He is telling you to do!" I can just see his big grin. What a sweet soul!
3 people prayed for this request!
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John Bentley
Tom Kallander is my cousin and I say this because I know his spirit still lives and there will be a day I will see him again in a much more glorious and love filled place than where we currently are. I have known Tom from childhood and have video of him as a toddler from Super 8 movies my dad, his uncle Walter had taken. Tom is a loving guy with a great smile and a chuckle I could pick out anywhere. I watched and heard him play music and sing back in the days of the small bar in the middle of the muck lands of Elba NY. I will always remember him singing I went through the desert on a horse with no name by America. it is memory that is still in my head today. Tom was just one of those totally cool guys that had a great capacity for fun and laughter even when the odds were not good. I will miss not seeing him at future family events and Tammy and the kids will be in our thoughts and prayers always.
With great love and admiration.
John & Dori Bentley
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bill hertel
My story with Tom began at Blue Lake in the early 90's and took off when Tom bought his first Harley. Tom was one of the nicest person I ever met. He was easy and always fun to be around. Blue Lake week holds many great memories and stories but the weeks we spent in Arizona for Bike Week each year are very special. I remember the time Tom took us to a very remote restaurant up in the hills of north Scottsdale called Pinnacle Peets. This was a for real south west cowboy barbeque place offering steaks, chicken, baked beens, and corn on the cob. Their specialty was a 32 oz. steak called the cowboy and.. smaller more normal size steak called the cowgirl. Two of the guys ordered the cowboy I had the chicken and Tom ordered the cowgirl, a move he was never allowed to forget. During the conversation the subject of IN-OUT Burger came up and no one had been to one except me and I knew where one was on the way back. We stopped there not 30 minutes after finishing diner and the two guys who just finished a 32 oz. steak each stepped right up and ordered a double cheese burger and fries. Tom and I looked at each other in amazement and I asked Tom if he wanted to split a fry. He quickly agreed and we munched on a few fries while those guys finished their burgers. There's a lot of great story's between Bike Week and Blue Lake and the not to miss the wounderful Kallander Christmas party and I look forward to reminising those times with Tom when I get there. I'm going to miss my friend but i'm glad he is no longer in pain and I know I will see him again.
3 people prayed for this request!
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Brandon Ghorley
Dear Tom,
I was traveling out of the country when I got word of your passing. It made it easier for me to delay the inevitable goodbye. When we met playing music on the CFC worship team, I never could have imagined the impact you would have on my life. I was a dopey college kid looking for a summer job, and you were kind enough to hire me. You would quickly learn that construction was a trade, of which, I was completely incompetent. And even though I hated the job -- particularly when you'd make me jump out of the truck on the freeway to 'score' a traffic cone, or when you'd dangle me from a metal roof to secure the final screws -- I'd always look forward to our conversations to and from the job site. You'd turn on Sting's latest record, and by the time Englishman in New York was playing, we were knee deep in the good stuff. I found that behind all the Dad jokes and witty quips, there was a man who was fiercely loyal to God and his family. That summer, in particular, your family was going through the greatest challenges you had ever experienced. I'd listen to you talk, vulnerable, questioning and analyzing the decisions you had made; wanting only God's best for the ones you loved so dearly. I thought to myself, "This is what true manhood is. This is the type of man I want to be."
There were many more memories and adventures that summer. Like the time I found you in your shop before work, making a 'modification' to a very expensive saw. I said, "Tom: what if what you're doing breaks this saw?" You looked at me with complete clarity and said, "Don't worry little buddy. This saw belongs to Rick Steer."
At the end of the summer, it was time for me to go back to school. My illustrious tenure at Kallander Construction was over. On my last day, you asked me to come out to the shop because you wanted to give me a 'bonus.' You emerged with an old broken stereo system that I'm pretty sure hadn't worked for 10 years. I accepted the gift even though I had no idea what I would do with it. Tom -- you may not have known, but I knew -- that my true gift was the way you had changed me. I now knew what it looked like to be a Godly Dad and husband. I knew what kind of wife I wanted to find, and what kind of marriage I wanted to have. In the coming years, I would grow up, find a wife, and have some kids. I didn't get to see you as much anymore. But anytime we would bump into each other, you'd give me a grin, and I knew that the bond we shared would be strong forever.
As much as it pains me to say this temporary goodbye, I know that you're with the Lord now, playing a Fender Strat and worshipping 'Cod and Cheeses.' As you would say, "Praise the Lard." I'll miss you forever. I hope you know that your legacy will loom large in me.
Much Love, Your Little Buddy,
Brandon
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Dale and Lesli Peash
Blue Lake, singing around the campfire (This man could play ANYTHING!), Christmas parties, ping-pong tournaments, singing around their piano, birthdays, fishing on the Cowlitz, wonderful conversations (He was always encouraging).....and worship, ahh..the times of worship we all shared together! Anointed worship comes out of hearts truly seeking to love and honor the Lord. When Tom played, it was always so anointed. He was a rock of strength for this worship leader. These are just a few of the memories we have shared with Tom and Tammy. Like so many others, we are so very grateful for their friendship. We haven't seen Tom and Tammy in a number of years. But when I learned he would be leaving us soon, I cried. Just knowing he was still here on earth was comforting. I wasn't ready to lose my friend. But praise the Lord, we will see him again!
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Frank Lindley
I met Tom in Honolulu in 1977 through his brother Jim. We committed our lives to Christ together, sailed 3 times across the Pacific together, were homeless for a short while together and living in my Plymouth Fury. At my wedding, Tom was my Best Man. So grateful that God blessed me with his friendship. I only knew Tom in his twenties. That was a really great time to know him. So much he did for so many people even way back then. He would fix poor people's stuff(cars, houses, heartaches...) for free, when he was broke himself. Before he walked into his thirties, he already had accumulated (among others,) the following adjectives: adventurous, courageous, vulnerable, generous, talented, hilarious, sincere, industrious, kind, true, thoughtful, worshipful, fun, manly, loving, curious, creative, direct, compassionate, guileless, friendly, lovable, and gentle.
God made him. I have missed him for decades.
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jack wadsworth
I feel like I always had a special connection with Tom as I am sure many people feel the same. For us it looks like this: Leslie and I moved to Seattle from Alaska in 1990 and Tom and Tammy moved to Seattle from Alaska in 1991. We met this fabulous couple at church in 1995 and we fell in love with them. Leslie and Tammy became fast friends when Caleb and Olivia were new-born babies and Tom and I built a great relationship. As everyone knows Tom was one of those gregarious and welcoming people you just can't help but love. Tom reached out to my son Steven when Leslie and I were overwhelmed with taking care of Olivia and her hospitalization and Tom and Tammy gave us all something we really needed...grounding. When I bought the Concorso Italiano I asked Tom to come down and help me construct the event and he and Tammy were instrumental in the success of that event for many years. During his fight for his life I consulted with him regularly regarding his medications, diet and the effects. I was honored that Tom was always open to my input and I am so proud of him for his perseverance and his herculean strength. Unlike Tom, there are only a few people I can say are lifelong friends and confidants, but I CAN san that Tom was one of mine. I write this with tears in my eyes but I look at the photos from this web site and remember the wonderful effect he has had on me and so many others. I recently took a trip to Alaska and I sent photos and videos to Tom. I know that seeing those photos and videos would allow him to escape mentally from his circumstances and take him home to Alaska with me in spirit. He texted me his last text on September 2. His text read ... "Yes, I loved all the stuff you sent. Always miss you more at Concorso time. My first year not going. David and Caleb did great. Love ya Jack."
Tom .... I love you brother and God willing, I will see you in heaven.
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Steve Houseknecht
Tom and i went to school together along with Dan Klein and others, we hung around and hunted and did many other things,the last time i saw Tom was at our 30 yr high school reunion, we hung around together all weekend, it was like we picked up right where we left off never missing a beat. Take care my friend and keep an eye on my wife up there in Heaven my brother, i will cherish our last phone calls and texts forever, i love you
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Johnny Stewart
The Stewart's met the Kallander's in about 2003. Tom and Tammy donated a grill in the CFC auction along with meat Donated by the Green's at B&E. We bought the auction item and it came with a BBQ that the Kallander's would host for 30 people. We lived a little far from the Church and had not connected with many people at that time, so we did not have 30 friends we could invite. We bought the auction item and Tom said they would gather up their friends for a BBQ so we could meet them all. At that BBQ we met some of the people we call our closest friends even today. Quickly we became family with the entire Kallander crew. We started going on yearly camping trips to blue lake where we have great memories of singing by the fire, fishing, boating, jet skiing, hiking and more. Tom and i would ship our bikes to AZ for bike weeks yearly. We have so many great memories of BBQs, Christmas Parties, Seahawk games, Sea Fairs on the boat and more. We are so sad by Tom's passing but we KNOW he is being celebrated in heaven. I miss my buddy. I know i will see him again someday! We love you Kallander's!
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Tina Murray
We spent a week at blue lake every year for 15 years with the Kallander’s. Many good meals, games and laughter but the favorite time was singing around the campfire. Tom was the best. We will miss him greatly!!! Xoxoxo Tina
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Lisa Garrison
My furnace stopped working, and as a single mom with a very limited budget, I was panicked! I had no other source of heat in that home so having the furnace work when its 40 degrees outside was a big deal! I texted Tom because I knew he would steer me in the right direction. Tom came out, replaced my thermostat (at no cost to me) and then spent time to go over with me how it worked and set up a weekly schedule for me. I had no other source of heat in that home so having the furnace work when its 40 degrees outside was a big deal! Of course the whole time he was there he quoted the Red Green Show and said "punny" things to help me not be stressed. Tom, you were always so kind to me, always happy to see me, treated me like I was a little sister. I am so grateful to have you as a friend.
3 people prayed for this request!
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