Thomas John Curry

Thomas J. Curry passed away on March 20, 2023, at the age of 76. Tom was born January 14, 1947, in Portland, OR.

Tom grew up on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle before his family moved to Bellevue in 1962 where he attended Bellevue High School. He went on to attend Washington State University where earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism.

Tom enjoyed a long and successful career as Executive Director/CEO of the Washington State Medical Association. Over nearly three decades, he had many achievements in health care policy that were recognized in Washington State and nationally. Tom led the way to secure funding for the Washington Physicians Health Program and helped create the Basic Health Plan in the 1990s. He was a leader in the effort to enact tort reform until he retired in 2013, and he was recognized as an ardent supporter of the needs of physicians and their patients. Tom served on the board of directors of Physicians Insurance a Mutual Company, the Washington Physicians Health Program, the Association of Washington Business, the Washington Health Care Forum, and the Foundation for Health Care Quality.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tom was an avid reader and gardener. He was passionate about racing, both by waking up at 3am to watch Formula 1 races live in Europe or amassing his own collection of speeding tickets in his BMW. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and sons, and he spent many years boating on Puget Sound. After retirement, he and Deedle pursued tennis and spent many hours on the court with friends. He had a sweet tooth and affinity for desserts, special treats that his daughter and grandkids continued to sneak him until the end. He was a lifelong fan of the Seahawks and Mariners, but really enjoyed rooting for his WSU Cougars in the Apple Cup against the Washington Huskies, where his three kids attended school. In his later years, Tom was happiest attending and supporting his grandchildren’s sporting, school, and church events.

Among friends and colleagues alike, Tom was most known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit, often used to handle difficult situations. Described by many as one of the finest, most thoughtful, and genuinely kind people they’ve known, he left a lasting and warm impression on nearly everyone he associated with. His regular bridge partners and the taco Tuesday club enjoyed his wise counsel, as we all did. Medicine and life have had many leaders, of whom he has been among the very best, and he reminded all of us that what we need is humor therapy, with a primer in one-liners. Tom Curry was a humble and remarkable man, and he lived a life surrounded by the love and admiration of his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Deedle; his three children Ian (Becci) Curry, Jennifer Curry-Hahn (Michael Murphy) and James Curry (Sara Arsenault); his eight grandchildren: Emma and Edie Curry, Isaac, Alice, Lily Hahn and Owen Murphy, and Aden and Lane Curry; and his sister Christine (Ray) Baker.

Tom passed away peacefully after a decade-long fight with Parkinson’s Disease, surrounded by his wife and children. Services will be held at 9am on March 31 at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (7112 S. 12th St; Tacoma, WA 98465).

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Micheal J. Fox Foundation or Tacoma Rescue Mission.

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