Obituaries

Thomas Joseph Kinsella, a warm and gentle soul, left us for his next adventure on February 26, 2024.

A proud Kinsella, Tom was number 7 of 11 children to Steve and Claire, who all grew-up in “Rat City” Seattle. Born December 12, 1944, Tom was raised in a large Catholic family where he learned to work hard, to embrace life with a sense of adventure, and to love his family dearly. His family was his greatest source of joy: his wife, Kathi, and kids, Megan and Ryan and daughter-in-law Lindsey, grandsons Rory and Reid, and the Kinsella siblings and his extended family and friends.

In his earlier years, Tom tried various jobs all in the pursuit of new experiences and skills before starting his 30-year career as a systems analyst at Boeing. His career never defined him, but rather, a job was a means to do what he loved most: spending every moment with his family and enjoying the outdoors.

Tom loved any adventure and opportunity to travel. He first spent time abroad when drafted during the Vietnam War and served in Giessen, Germany. Upon returning he hitchhiked over 20,000 miles across the US, including stops in New York and hiking the Grand Canyon, rim to rim. He returned to Europe throughout his life, visiting his kids abroad and exploring his roots in Ireland. Tom also embarked on a Transamerica bicycle trip across the states, ending in Missouri and with resolution to finish his journey someday.

An avid runner, Tom ran daily for his entire life, training for runs and through injuries, and always believing that he could achieve a “sub 40:00 10K”. He hiked with the Mountaineers and friends, and then passed along his love of backpacking and the outdoors to his kids and grandkids.

Until his last day, Tom believed that he would continue to climb mountains and find new adventures. And yet, he left with no unfinished business or any regrets.

His life lessons will be enduring: love mankind and be inspired by your children; take time to enjoy every minute along the trail; help a neighbor; faced with any challenge, you can figure it out; keep $1 handy for the homeless; dream your dream, and live it.