Thomas James Gilligan

Thomas James Gilligan passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023 in Port Angeles, Washington with his wife, Lynette, by his side.

Tom was born to James E. and Thelma J. (Hasbrook) Gilligan in Waterloo, Iowa on September 21, 1941.
He married Mary A. (McNeela) Gilligan in 1970. The couple had one daughter, Anne. Mary passed away in 2007.

Tom and Lynette were married in 2013. They resided in Eagle, Nebraska until the summer of 2020, when they moved to a scenic mountainside home outside of Sequim, Washington.

Tom was a quiet, brilliant presence in many lives. He was a lifelong learner and educator, a clinical psychologist in private practice, a dean of students, a teaching professor, an avid mechanic and woodworker, accomplished cook, and a forever gracious host to anyone who stepped inside his door.

He is survived by his wife, Lynette Gilligan, daughter, Anne (Brian) Bush, stepson, Hans (Angel) Erickson, stepdaughter, Cara (Trevor) Allen, grandson Brendan Gilligan, step-granddaughters Kailey, Roxi, and Ava Erickson, step-grandson Bas Lou Allen, and great-granddaughter Huntleigh Gilligan. Other survivors include his brother, Terry (Maggie) Gilligan, sister, Beth (Mark) Nagle, sisters-in-law JoAnn McNeela and Joan McNeela, brother-in-law Don (Kellie) Ellerbusch, brother-in-law Dan Ellerbusch, and many extended family members and friends.

Preceding Tom in death were his first wife, Mary, parents James and Thelma, and brother, Patrick.

Tom’s request was for a private family service, which will be held in Sequim, WA on Thursday, June 15, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County (Washington). The family is forever grateful for the love, care, and respect shown by the hospice volunteers during Tom’s last months.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Godspeed, Tom. It was an honor to walk beside you and walk you home. May you rest in the loving arms of God.

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