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- [S5] Obituary.
Thomas Michael Hanses was called home to God on October 26, 2022. Tom was a true gentleman, a loving husband, a family man, and the greatest apple salesman in the world. He will be missed by many.
Tom was born October 17, 1943, to Charles and Agnes Hanses in Yakima, WA. He was the youngest of 8 siblings. Tom grew up across from St. Paul's, where he attended elementary school. He played the accordion for 12 years, against his will but to his mother's delight. He attended Central Catholic High School and was in the first graduating class. He lettered in baseball at Central Catholic and continued his love for the game by perennially rooting for the Dodgers and trying hard to root for the Mariners.
Tom met the love of his life, Cherie Gamache, while attending Seattle University. After a quick courtship, they married in 1965 and recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Tom received his Bachelor of Commercial Science degree from Seattle University and worked at Boeing for a short period. Tom and Cherie both missed their hometown and soon moved back to Yakima.
Tom began his 40-year career at Washington Fruit from the ground up, learning the business by doing various jobs in the warehouse. Eventually, he moved into the sales office and initially worked alongside Fred Plath as the company's only two salesmen. In the late '60s, apples were only packed and sold six months a year. When apple season was over, he returned to the warehouse to help with maintenance.
Tom was instrumental in the company's growth during those 40 years. His work ethic was legendary. He realized he could sell more apples if he got to the office before 6 am when the East Coast began their workday. He soon required everyone in the sales office to start their day at 6, a tradition that continues at the company to this day. Tom always had to be the first one in the office, and for most of his 40 years, he put in a 12-hour workday, including nearly every Saturday morning. His passion and devotion to Washington Fruit was so great that he took no more than two weeks of vacation each year and rarely took a sick day. One week a year was a family vacation, usually boating at Lake Chelan. The other week was reserved for trips to Hawaii with his beloved wife, Cherie.
During his years at Washington Fruit, he contributed his time and experience serving on the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association board for many years and as its President from 1973-1974. He served on the Pear Bureau Northwest board of directors from 1986-2001, including serving as Chair from 1993-1995. Tom was also active on the Fresh Pear Committee and served on the Capitol Theater board.
Tom's sons, Tommy and Eric, were fortunate to work with their dad for 15 years before his retirement in 2008. Tom's love for Washington Fruit and the industry continued throughout his retirement, and he took great interest in following the company's success. He would spend hours every family gathering "talking shop" with Tommy and Eric (sometimes against their will!)
Tom's interests and hobbies were diverse. He played Ping-Pong as a youngster and at Seattle University, bowled in a league with 3 of his brothers (yes, he had multiple bowling balls), and played softball for many seasons with his three brothers and close friends. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his boat "King Bloom" on overnight excursions on the Snake River with his buddies and their boats and teaching his sons to water ski. Many miles were racked up on his two Harley Davidsons, with Cherie on the back, while cruising across the western United States with his pack of "biker" friends.
Cherie got Tom hooked on tennis, and he played 20 years at the Yakima Tennis Club, routinely playing men's night, mixed doubles, and USTA league tournaments. Eventually, golf took the place of tennis, and the highlight of his week was golfing with his brother, Mark, and many other dear friends. Whatever sport or activity Tom pursued, he was highly competitive. His fiery temper was occasionally on display, entertaining or scaring those around him.
Tom became a snowbird during retirement, wintering in La Quinta, CA. Tom soon had a group of fantastic guys to golf with while he was away from his friends in Yakima. He quickly reverted to being the boss and, for ten years, made Monday, Wednesday, and Friday tee times for his group of golf buddies. Although he never achieved his goal of a single-digit handicap, he did have two holes-in-one and even won the 2010 Old Geezers tournament at Rancho La Quinta. He was reading and enjoying at least 50 action thrillers between golf rounds each year. He loved his grandchildren dearly and always cherished when they visited him in California or Yakima.
His story would not be complete without mention of his love of cars, which began at an early age and lasted throughout his life. A special memory came a few years ago when he attended the Barret Jackson car auction with his three sons. Last month he visited The Brothers Car Collection in Salem, Oregon, with special friends and could not stop talking about how much fun he had.
Tom was a true inspiration and mentor for his family. His legacy lives on through his surviving family - wife Cherie, sons David (Liza), Tommy (Justine), Eric (Joanne), and grandchildren Maddie (23), Jake (22), Bella (21), Johnny (20), and Emma (11 months), sisters-in-laws Shary and Rita Hanses & numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Charles Edward Hanses, Mother, Agnes Augusta Hanses (Schlosser), siblings James (Jim), Ruth, Charles (Chuck), Joyce, Barbara, Lois, and Mark.
We seek solace that he is at peace with God and reunited with his family.
Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, November 16, 3:00 pm, St. Paul's Cathedral, 15 S 12th Ave., Yakima, WA 98908.
Reception to follow, Yakima Country Club, 4:30-7:00 pm, 500 Country Club Drive, Yakima, WA 98901.
Out of respect for the sacred liturgy, the family prefers black or navy-blue attire, coats & ties.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS TDI or the Rev. Msgr. John A. Ecker Educational Foundation in care of Brookside Funeral Home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.
To send flowers to the family of Thomas Michael Hanses, please visit Tribute Store.
Published on November 6, 2022
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