Obituary

Thomas Robert Kucklick

September 30, 1959–April 30, 2024

Thomas Robert Kucklick, 64, beloved son, brother, husband, father and agronomist passed away peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, of complications from a stroke he suffered on March 27 and Multiple Myeloma (bone cancer) diagnosed April 22. He endured many diabetes-related scares in the past 35 years, but it was cancer that finally took its toll.

The oldest of three born to Joseph and Winnifred (Davis) Kucklick, Tom was born Sept. 30, 1959, in Pomeroy. He was raised in Garfield County, enjoying all the advantages a rural life provides. He enjoyed hunting on the "Davis Place" where he spent a great deal of his time with Granny (Rachel Davis) growing up. Whatever sports season it was, that was his favorite. With his family, he fished for bass and crappie in the Snake River and foraged for mushrooms and huckleberries in the Blue Mountains. These things he would continue with his own children.

Tom graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1978, where he exceled in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was involved in FFA and Orange P, and in 1975 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He continued his education at Spokane Community College where he studied agriculture science.

He went to work for The McGregor Company in March 1980, serving customers in Uniontown, Colton, St. John-Endicott, Ritzville, and the surrounding areas. He enjoyed his time with his customers whom he saw as friends.

Tom's passion for the natural world and his dedication to conservation defined his life's work. As an agronomist, he received a commendation from the White House and an acknowledgement from the State of Washington for his contributions to agriculture and the environment. While he was manager of the St. John McGregor plant in 2005, the plant was named the National Environmental Respect Award winner.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Brown, on June 18, 1988, in Pomeroy. They raised two children, Joseph Henry Kucklick and Emily Sara Kucklick, in St. John, Wash. He poured his heart into nurturing his children and supporting his wife.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joe, and Winnie Kucklick; aunt and uncle Watson and Merna Davis; step-aunts Leora Stevens and Virginia Ellis; and first cousin Ray Davis.

He is survived by his wife Deb at the family home in St. John; son Joey and partner Hilarie Kuzma and granddaughter Eila Rain of Tumwater, Wash .; daughter Em and wife Priscilla of Olympia; brother Audley Kucklick of Spokane; sister Toddette McGreevy (Pat) of Pomeroy; niece Sara Olson (Josh) of Everett, Wash .; nephew Ben Dixon (Ashley) of Pomeroy; nephew Mitchell McGreevy of Pomeroy; and nephew Bryan McGreevy of Bellingham, Wash. First cousins Roy Davis, Russ Davis and Rhonda Lawson also survive.

Cremation has taken place. Tom was a friend to all, and he loved to talk and tell stories. His enthusiasm for exploring every field, both literally and figuratively, was infectious, leaving a mark on all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at the Community Building in St. John Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. Those inclined are asked to bring a favorite dish to share and come share memories of Tom. Memorials may be sent to St. John Fire Department, P.O. Box 221, St. John, WA 99171.