At long last, Thom Alan Hemenway was reunited with his high school sweetheart and bride of 54 years, Jackie, on the night of Feb. 6, 2024.
Born and raised in an upper flat on the outskirts of Detroit, Thom yearned for a life away from
the city, especially after a childhood trip took him to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It was the
wilderness that captured him, endless acres to explore and fish, and the down-home feeling of visiting the farm of his “adopted grandparents,” Hilda and Harvey.
By his own admission, Thom just barely graduated from high school. But in spite of this, he was
determined to achieve his own success. After a four-year enlistment in the United States Air
Force and a brief stint on a factory line for the Ford Motor Company, Thom took a chance and
landed a position with Rockwell International and entered into the world of axles. Though the
company evolved through the years into AxleTech and then Meritor, this is where he stayed for
over 40 years as a sales account manager. Ever since, he has referred to himself as, “a rear-end specialist — not humans, trucks!”
A jack of all trades, Thom spent much of his free time working to improve his home and the
property surrounding it, especially by planting his beloved trees. He also became a master at
woodworking, crafting many treasured heirlooms for his children and grandchildren to enjoy. A day was not complete until he got the chance to interact with others, which included many phone calls to his Michigan relatives and a daily trip to the Happy Family and then to the Moose for a “pop.” A yearly fishing trip was also mandatory, preferably walleye, and included many trips to the ice cream store with the grandkids.
Thom had an overwhelming desire to help people, which quietly brought him great joy when he
was able to do so. He had a personality like no other — fearless and embarrassingly funny, and always preparing for his next line. A conversation with Thom A. Hemenway was often quite unforgettable!
Thom is survived by his sister, Candace; children, Doug (Kathy), Terry (Toby), Dan (Kris) and
Tracy (Aaron); and grandchildren, Will (Leslee), RaeLee, Lukas, Corey, Loren, Alison and little
sweet Lena.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arba and Ella; brother, Gary; many treasured aunts
and uncles; his beloved wife, Jacqueline; and his favorite black lab, Rosie.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23, at the Battle Ground Community
Center, 912 E Main St., Battle Ground, Washington. Beverages will be served starting at 3:30 p.m., followed by a few bites to eat and a lot of reminiscing.
Peace Health Hospice and the wonderful people who work there made it possible for Thom to
spend his final months in the comfort of his home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ray Hickey Hospice House.
