Thomas Michael Jordan

Thomas Michael Jordan, age 68, returned home with his heavenly father on Januaray 21^st, after a long and courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer. Tom was born on December 17^th, 1946 in Chicago, IL to Edward and Florence Jordan (Rossiter); he was the youngest of five children. Tom grew up on the South Side of Chicago and loved playing sports with the “Fernwood Park” boys. He excelled at athletics and received a scholarship to attend Brother Rice High School.   When Tom graduated from Brother Rice in 1965 he earned a scholarship to Columbia Basin Junior College to play football. He later transferred to Central Washington University to pursue his degree and continued to shine as a talented quarterback.

In 1971 Tom fell in love with Annie Hurley, they married in 1973.  Together they had two girls, Adrienne and Laura who were Tom’s pride and joy in life.  He was a devoted father, often coaching sports teams for his daughters.  He was a single parent for several years and was a supportive, fun loving, generous father.

  In 1977, Tom and his family moved to Whatcom County where his charismatic, funny and friendly nature made him many life-long friends and helped him build a career as respected salesman.   Tom enjoyed golfing, playing men’s softball, and loved taking his girls crabbing at Boulevard Park. His passion for sports continued throughout his life and he remained very loyal to his three favorite teams: 1.) The Chicago Bears, 2.) The White Sox, and 3.) whoever played the Cubs.

When Tom’s grandchildren were born, (Adrianna and Evan Rehberger and Ava Jones), he became known to many in the community as “Grandpa Tom”. He was a devoted grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren and joyfully attended nearly every game and event his grandkids had.  This past November, Tom returned to Eastern Washington for a special weekend get-a-way with his daughters and grandkids and described the trip as, “the best weekend of his life”. Tom knew his time on earth was limited and cherished the precious time he had with his family.

Tom will forever be remembered for his generosity, his sense of humor, his kindness and love for life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Florence Jordan; sister in law, Beverly Jordan and brother in law, Ralph Barto.

Tom is survived by his daughters Adrienne Jordan and Laura (Ken) Rehberger; grandchildren Adrianna and Evan Rehberger, and Ava Jones; siblings Larry Jordan, Pat Barto, Marilyn (Chico) Marx, Bill (Cheryl) Jordan and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service for Tom will be held on Friday, January 30^th at 3:00 p.m. at Fox Hall located at 1661 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham WA 98225. Please come and share your memories!