Thomas Daling

Thomas Roger Daling was born on April 4, 1952, in Pasco, Washington. His parents were Roger and Mary Ellen Daling, both deceased. He lived in Richland, Washington throughout his high school years, and graduated from Richland High School in 1970. His main interests were camping, cars, and Ernie’s Pool Hall. He spent many long hours wrenching on various vehicles. He was an excellent son and outstanding brother and could always be relied on for support and care when needed.

After high school, Tom attended The Denver Automotive and Diesel College, then enlisted in the US Navy in 1975, serving until 1980, most notable on the cruiser USS Fox. After he was discharged from the Navy, he became an electronics specialist with Honeywell, BAE Systems, and some of their contractors. He split time for many years, spending about half a year in Anchorage, Alaska, and half a year on a houseboat in Honolulu, Hawaii. He moved back to Richland, Washington, in 2017 and resided there until his death.

Throughout his life he pursued his lifelong loves of hunting, fishing, and spending quality time in the great outdoors. He often would speak about his best days, such as days in Alaska where he would fish for halibut in the morning, return to Anchorage for lunch, then go salmon fishing in the afternoon. He also spoke about a trip to a remote lodge in Alaska where they would fly you every morning by float plane to a nearby lake, pack you a lunch, drop you off to fish all day, then pick you up in the evening and fly you back to the lodge for dinner and drinks. On one of the salmon fishing trips he took, the fish were so thick that it was a challenge to cast their lines without hooking a fish. He was also an avid hunter and was an amazing shot with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. He was equally adept at hunting birds as well as big game, including deer, moose, and caribou. He enjoyed consuming the fruits of his fishing and hunting labors, but especially around the campfire with his buddies.

Tom is survived by brothers Philip (Cindy), Patrick (Diana), David, and sister Elizabeth. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Michael and Daniel. Tom is also survived by lifelong friends Corey Poynor, Tony Woodcock, Jeff Thompson, Ed Burnett, Jerry Oneil, Bill Gable, Sam Scott, Mike Rector, and Ron Cowgill. He is also preceded in death by Glenn Burnett, Dave Hughes, Bob Martinson, Jeff Smith and Rick Jaime. Tom and his friends thoroughly enjoyed weekend ski trips to Mt. Bachelor and day trips to Mission Ridge, White Pass, and Bluewood. He treasured every moment he spent with his hunting and fishing buddies, including out in the field as well as at Two Bits and a Bite and during frequent breakfast gatherings. We can take solace in the fact that he passed away doing something he loved. He will be missed by all.