Obituary of Thomas Alexander Zuchlewski

Thomas Alexander Zuchlewsi was born October 10, 1966, at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, on a stormy, thunderous night, and passed away on September 18, 2023, in Olympia, Washington.  Contrary to his stormy arrival, and possible indication of many difficulties, his life was a true blessing to his parents, Thomas M. and Carol A. Zuchlewski, and to the people who were participants in his journey, his younger siblings, Theresa, Richard, Kimberly, Christopher and Mark, his close friends, and all of his customers and business associates with whom he made contact.

 

Since he was the first of six children, consisting of four boys and two girls, Tom always took great delight reminding his brothers that he was and always would be his parents’ “favorite number one son.”  Of course, he could never be their “favorite” number two, three, or four either.

 

Tom’s first ten years were spent in Detroit, attending Our Lady Gate of Heaven School (grades 1-4), making friends, being the “boss” of his brothers and sisters, staying out of trouble, and remaining in the good graces of his parents with his fast talking.  This was the first sign indicating his future occupation in selling and salesmanship.

 

Moving to Olympia, Washington, in 1977, he attended St. Michael Parish School, Capitol High School, and Western Washington University.  During his younger years, Tom set his goals and a course to attain them.  Summers were spent working and learning at Black Lake Blueberry Farm and saving his earnings to attend college.  During semester break while attending Western Washington University, he continued to work at the farm to pay for his expenses.

 

Finishing his education, Tom began the career for which he had always demonstrated a talent—sales.  He began as a car salesman and worked in Oregon and Olympia for 12 years.  During this time, he developed an interest in real estate and gradually transitioned to that occupation, obtaining his real estate license in 2000 and working for Abbey Realty before joining and forming a partnership at Blue Summit Realty in 2012.  In 1997, Tom married Jennifer Ashlock but, unfortunately, the marriage did not last and they divorced in 2011.  Jennifer remains close to his family.

 

In his earlier years, Tom developed a talent for skiing, enjoying it with his best friends in such places as White Pass, Mt. Baker, Mt. Bachelor, Crystal Mountain, and Whistler.  As the years progressed, he looked forward to fishing and hunting in Alaska.  Finally, as he got a little older, his major entertainment was spending time with his dog, Gem, watching the Hallmark Series, and reading.  Though Tom always loved to read, he became an even more prolific reader, enjoying such authors as Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, David Baldacci, Lee Child, and Vince Flynn.

 

Very few people knew because Tom kept it to himself, but he was very generous in his life.  His door was always open to those who needed help because of financial or other problems.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s own favorite charity or to St. Michael’s Shoulder-to-Shoulder ministry.

 

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1208 11^th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501. A reception with video tribute will follow in the Gathering Space.

 

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