Saturday, April 20, 2024
Thomas J. “Bear” Keane was born on August 25th, 1928 in Richmond, CA. He passed away peacefully at home in Mukilteo, WA with family by his side November 9th, 2018.
Bear is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Charlotte and children: Don (Ola) Melcher of Sammamish; Tara Melcher of Bellevue; Joanne (Thomas) Melcher of Sultan, grandchildren Chris (Angela) Melcher, Robyn Curtis, Jonika Melcher, Emily Kjelland and Katie Kjelland, and special grandchil- dren of the heart Sarah (Brian) Stuart of Poulsbo and Jason Brown of Van Nuys, CA, and great grandchildren Cora, Mason, Leila, Asher, Katie, and Quinny.
Bear proudly served in WWII and the Korean Conflict, and as an Army Reserve Captain until 1967.
In 1955, Tom went to work for the U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, retiring in 1978.
For 25 years he loved being Santa for the families and children served by the Forgotten Children’s Fund in the Puget Sound area.
Bear loved everything there was about our Mukilteo community, never missing a chance to volunteer at the lighthouse for tours, being Santa, or being a “Corn Guy” at the Boys & Girls Club Luau. The view of the island, water, Mt. Baker, and many amazing sunsets from his Mukilteo home never ceased to captivate him.
Our profound thanks to Providence Snohomish Hospice for their constant loving care.
Friends and family may read more about Tom at asacredmoment.com
