Thomas James McDaid

On September 28, 2010 we unexpectedly lost our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend after a brief illness.

Born on April Fool's Day, 1942, in Pendleton, OR to Mildred and William McDaid, Dad was the eighth child in a family of 16 kids. He attended Catholic schools while growing up in Boise, ID., and soon after, enlisted in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC, where he later served in the Vietnam War.

With his first marriage to Carol, he became a Father of two girls, Laurie and RuthAnn. Upon His second marriage to Sue in 1968, he gained 4 step children, Mike, Doug, Joe and Laura and together Tom and Sue created two more girls, Katie and Tommi Sue. He was proud to be called Dad and later Grandpa by many "stray kids" we encountered throughout our childhoods!

We enjoyed many special times throughout our lives, times continued as our own children grew. His special relationship with another- was felt by each member of our family, whether Brother, Sister, Niece, Nephew, child or grandchild, and every person that could call him a friend. He was a reliable, honest, and talented man. A true Jack -of-all trades, as well as a prankster, magician and comedian. All the kids knew that he was good friends with the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and more than a few leprechauns. Fun times!!

He loved Peterbilts which he drove for many years, his Irish heritage, which included his Irish tea, and chocolates that he was never without for the kids. He would rather read than watch TV, He SHOULD have appeared on jeopardy -and won, and he never missed the news. He could run faster than any of us, spoke "Irish" to mostly those- who didn't speak it, and was rarely without his long, mostly red beard throughout our entire lives.

Since he moved to Tri-Cities, he could always be seen walking many miles all over town and riding the bus for his daily trip to the post office and library, never without his backpack and often with a grandkid or two in tow. We would like to say a special thank you to the drivers of the Ben Franklin Transit for all of their caring support and tolerance of Grandpa Tom over the years. He was glad to know you and often spoke of you by name.

Having always been a provider, supporter, teacher, and protector- we will miss the solid, steady and unique aspect of life he offered, as well as true unconditional love, to all who knew him and were loved by him.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, a sister Helen, three brothers: Jack, Joe and Kevin, his wife, Sue, for whom he grieved for 14 years, his Grandson Riley, and his best friend Leroy Buxton.

He is survived by all of his children, 13 of his siblings, and "a whole sackful of rugrats," including one brand new Grandbaby, whom he called Emma 2.

Be in peace as you continue on, Dad. We will see you again one day. And at night, we will watch for you and Grandma, as you fly to dance on the moon! We love you six hundred and twenty nine trillion billion seventeen hundred million sixty eight thousand forty three hundred and five. And then some.

Family and Friends are invited to and will gather for a celebration of his life, to share and support, to laugh and cry, to create another memory, and most importantly- to never forget. Please join us at 2:00 pm on Saturday Oct.16th, 2010 at Pasco Moose Lodge Family Center, 2617 W. Sylvester Pasco, WA.