Obituary of Harry M. Tokos

Dr. Harry M. Tokos, age 86, passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, November 2, 2010. At his side were his wife Leona, son Michael, and daughters Laura Boad and Diana Greene. Harry was born and raised in Hoquiam, Washington, and was a childhood friend of his future wife Leona, as their mothers were good friends. His father, Mike Tokos, came from Greece at age 16, and his mother May (Thrash/Tokos/Smith) was a long-time resident of Washington State. At an early age he bought a movie camera with money from a paper route, and continued taking movies through his life, documenting many family events. At Hoquiam High School, he was a Boys League President, and a member of the State champion basketball team his senior year. Harry went to college on a basketball scholarship, but was soon enlisted in the Air Force during World War II, flying airplanes, including a P-38. After the war, he attended college again and became an Optometrist for 20 years in Shelton, Washington.Harry and Leona were married and spent 59 years together. They wanted a special place to raise their family, and bought a home at Bayshore on Oakland Bay, where they enjoyed the community, boating, and golf. Summer vacations were spent traveling Washington and Oregon, and usually involved horseback-riding. Harry’s other favorite past-times included clam digging at the ocean, playing piano, and threatening to get out his clarinet. When the kids were grown, Harry sold his Optometry practice and became a real estate Broker, eventually opening Tokos Realty in Shelton, where he worked with Leona and Michael. Eventually moving to Olympia, he alternated between Optometry and Real Estate until retirement. In retirement, Harry and Leona enjoyed motor-homing to fishing spots, and staying at home with visits from their three children and nine grandchildren. People who knew Harry described him as a good and honorable man, intelligent, handsome, good-humored, occasionally picky and grumpy, and someone who showed respect for other people. He will always be on our minds, in our hearts, and occupying a happy place in our memories. The family would like to give thanks to the special people at Providence Mother Joseph Care Center for their wonderful love and care of Harry. Cards can be sent to Leona at 2431 Tyndell Circle SW, Unit A, Tumwater, Washington 98512, or comments left on the Funeral Alternatives of Washington website. Donations can be made to the National Stroke Association at www.stroke.org. You may leave memories and condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.