It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James “Tony” Anthony Deskin, a beloved father, and friend, who passed away on December 19, 2024. Tony was a man of many talents, known for his incredible work ethic, dedication, and generosity. He was an integral part of both his family and his community, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. He is survived by Kathy Deskin and their two daughters, Christine and Kali Deskin, and his son, Jason Deskin.
Tony’s journey began in the small town of Albany, California where he was born in 1955. In his early childhood he moved to the countryside of New York. At just 14 years old, he left for the city, recalling, “I was just a country kid who didn’t know anything. I got on a bus and headed to the city.” Despite the initial shock of the big city, Tony adjusted to life on his own, finding work and independence in the bustling streets of New York. Tony would transport you to a nostalgic time when he would tell you about his time running around New York, including jumping the fence at Yankee stadium and watching the game from the wall.
While there were rumors about his possible connections to the mob, Tony was always a humble man who never confirmed or denied these stories. What was certain, however, was his passion for storytelling. He captivated everyone with tales of his travels, from Africa and Kuwait to the icy waters of the Bering Sea in Alaska and everywhere in between. These stories were rich with experiences of different people, cultures, ways of life and of course food. It was clear that Tony lived a life full of adventure and exploration.
In the late 1980’s, Tony made a trip to Washington state with a friend and never left. Tony settled in the Tri-Cities with Kathy Deskin, where they started a family, and he began a successful career. Despite only having a high school diploma, he worked his way up from the ground level, ultimately becoming a lead senior electrical engineer for Bechtel. His remarkable ability to teach himself anything and excel at it was a testament to his intelligence and determination. Whether it was learning a new skill or mastering a trade, Tony was always up for the challenge.
As he worked to build his career as an engineer and before his many global travels, Tony could be found in his garage, often surrounded by friends and fellow race car enthusiasts, building and perfecting his late model racecar. Tony’s passion for craftsmanship and engineering was evident throughout his life. He would buy scrap metal pieces and build his racecars from the ground up, showcasing his precision and creativity. His love for hands-on work and problem-solving was unmatched. “I can still feel those summer nights at Tri City Raceway, the excitement and anxiety as he drove past us in a blur at 200mph. But we knew it was him, just look for #7, recalls his daughter Christine. The late-night air crept in as the races came to an end and we hurried to the pits to see our dad, the tallest guy in the crowd, standing there in his race suit, surrounded by people wanting his autograph and seeing his car. That was our dad. He was a mesmerizing flame.”
In addition to his work in the automotive world, Tony played a role in the establishment and success of Quicksilver Audio, Kathy’s business that has been serving the community for over 36 years. He was there from the very beginning, helping to wire the store as it was being built in 1989. His dedication to the business didn’t end there-Tony continued to provide IT support for Quicksilver Audio throughout the years, ensuring the company thrived in an ever-evolving technological landscape. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention his love for ice hockey. He even played a little as an adult.
Tony’s passions and bigger than life personality made him unforgettable. His stories, his skill, and memories will continue to be a part of the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. Kathy Deskin and their two daughters Christine Deskin and Kali Deskin will forever hold dear the lessons and wisdom he imparted throughout their lives. James’s legacy will live on through them.
Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there is great love.
Rest in peace, Tony. You will be deeply missed. We love you.