Obituary of Thomas Alvord

Tom Alvord passed away August 21, 2014 in Olympia, Washington, where he was born 61 years ago on July 13, 1953 to Dorothea and Fred Alvord. Tom began playing guitar before he reached the age of 12. As a lifelong local musician, he played in bands which included the No Toy Boys, Wildcat Creek, The Outpatients, and The Bolts, among others. Tom also owned an audio and lighting business. Tom and Patty began seeing each other in the summer of 1969, were married at Patty’s family home on April Fool’s day of 1973, and bought that family home where they lived the last 20 plus years of their 41-year marriage. Tom is survived by his wife, Patty Morris Alvord; brother, Jay Alvord; and sister, Stacey Alvord Howdeshell. Tom and Patty began a love of wire fox terriers, purchasing their first terrier as a puppy in the early 70s. This was followed by a long succession of rescued wire fox terriers. They rescued older and older terriers, learning many lessons about aging and the quality of life. Family, friends and long-time followers of his bands are invited to join in a celebration of Tom’s life and the music that was his passion on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m. at the Black Lake Grange. Musicians who played in bands with Tom or were otherwise connected to those who played in the bands are invited to play at the celebration as the spirit moves them. Please join us for any or all of the afternoon and evening. There will be a guest book to sign and a blank book for those wishing to share memories or messages. We’ll have some bottled water and a small spread of food to fuel us. Feel free to bring beverages of your choice to quench your thirst and your preference. Please leave memories of Tom or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.