David H. Tjomsland Dies; Former Resident was 76

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 12:26

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David (Tj) Hugh Tjomsland

David (Tj) Hugh Tjomsland – a forestry teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all – died July 14, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by his loving wife and devoted son.

He was 76.

Born December 15, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, to Theodore Lawrence Tjomsland and Hazel Crandall Tjomsland, David was a sea boy from the beginning to the end. He collected worms and sold them to fishermen and fished for the elusive salmon until his health wore him down.

He loved being at sea on one of his many boats, and his weathered hands caught many creatures of the rivers and sea year after year.

Educated at Springfield High School and Lane Community College in forestry, he was a hands-on kind of guy. His career in the U.S. Forest Service, being a steward of public lands, was a passion of his. From engineering roads, prescribed fire and re-vegetation many, many acres throughout Oregon saw his footprints. 

He started out as a field tech and became a dynamic supervisor working with others to meet land management objectives.

Goals were achieved with many awards – too many to list.

While living in Sitka, from December 2001 to September 2022, he also had a hand troll permit, sold Big Bait Big Fish squid bait, and was the Scotty Down Rigger repairman for Orion Sporting Goods.

He was an avid hunter, hiker/scouter and fisherman for 70 years.

 He will be remembered for his humor, interesting jokes and his wildly entertaining stories, his unfailing work ethic, his generous smile, and his willingness to help a neighbor in need anytime of the day.

In his later years, when COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) robbed him of his strength and stamina, it gave him a reason to slow down and spend time with his family. 

“He taught us patience and allowed us to really appreciate his many stories and life experiences,” his family said. “His memory will be always in all of our hearts,” kept alive by his wife of 31 years and longtime caretaker Carol Ann Goularte; son Martin Hugh Tjomsland, (Hydee) of Meridian, Idaho; grandchildren Madeline Jen Tjomsland and Carter Finn Tjomsland; and his brother Lawrence Clifford.

He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family thanked Olympia St. Peter Providence Hospital and the thoughtful, tender care that doctors and nurses provided around the clock. 

A gathering in the future to honor his memory and cheer him on to his new adventure.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a favorite charity. Those wishing to express condolences may visit www.woodawnfhcc.com.

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