Thomas David Chikalla was born on September 9, 1935 to Paul and Margaret Dittrich Chikalla in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, obtaining a degree in Metallurgy, then joined the General Electric Company at Hanford in 1957 and worked on the development of nuclear fuels. He obtained a MS from the University of Idaho and returned to the University of Wisconsin to get his PhD in Metallurgy. In 1965, he joined Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where he conducted research on the thermochemistry of actinide oxides. In 1972, he was named manager of the Ceramics and Graphite Section; he subsequently managed the Waste Technology Program Office; the Chemical Technology Department; and from 1986 thru his early retirement in 1995, was the Director of Facilities and Operations.

Tom was extremely efficient and well organized. If a family ski trip was scheduled to leave at 6 am, it would leave at 6 am, and not a minute later. Bathroom stops were only for the most significant emergencies. Tom not only worked hard, but played hard as well. He was active in skiing, mountain climbing, tennis and golf. Tom started golf as a caddy at age 9 and played until the week before he died. He owned a cherry orchard for 15 years and enjoyed working outdoors while building it into a successful business. He had a great sense of humor. Tom treasured his friends, many of whom he met through the Desert Ski Club in the 1950s.

He met the love of his life, Ruth, at the University of Wisconsin and they were married in 1960. They raised three children in Richland and as a family enjoyed many outdoor activities, including skiing, backpacking, and swimming in the pool he built in their backyard. Tom and Ruth travelled the world. They also enjoyed trips throughout the US in his beloved 1965 Austin Healey and RV. The most meaningful trip for Tom was retracing his roots in Europe and then visiting the beaches of Normandy.

Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth, and his three children, Paul, Mark Debra and Karyn Brian Oldfield; and his three grandchildren Lindsey, Grant and Reid, whom he absolutely adored.

The Memorial Service is Saturday, August 16 at 11 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, WA. Donations in Tom's name may be made to The Tri-City Union Gospel Mission, PO Box 1443, Pasco, WA 99301-9978.