WILLFORD THOMAS C

WO1 Thomas C. Willford was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/27/2013 at the age of 66.9
Rochester, WA
Flight Classes 68-9 and 68-11
Date of Birth 08/16/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by SSN search Aug 2013

More detail on this person: Thomas Clark Willford Thomas Clark Willford Chronicle, The (Centralia, WA) - Friday, August 9, 2013 Thomas Clark Willford was born Aug. 16, 1946 in Mercy Hospital, San Diego, Calif. He passed away July 27, 2013 in the Puget Sound VA Health Center Hospital in Seattle, Wash. Tom was born to Alton (Tony) C. Willford and Patricia A. (Nickerson) Willford of San Diego, Calif. Tom's childhood was in La Mesa and Fullerton, Calif., graduating from Fullerton High School in 1964. While attending Fullerton Junior College he was drafted into the military forces in 1967. He was accepted in the helicopter pilot training program, graduating as a Warrant Officer in July 1968. He flew combat missions in the Vietnam War for a year, then served in Korea for one year as a helicopter pilot during their peace process. After ten years in the military he returned to civilian life and flew for High Life company out of Puyallup, Wash. His paraplegic life began the spring of 1982 when his helicopter malfunctioned over the Rockies in Wyoming. Flying remained his passion the remainder of his life. His courage and determination was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. His motto was simple and direct, "I am not handicapped, I just cannot walk." Some how he was able to allow family and friends to forget he was confined to a wheelchair, as no one wants or could accept this most life changing event with the fortitude he exhibited. Empathy for others in need of support was a badge he wore proudly. No longer able to fly, he put his energies and skills into racing, buying and selling dragster car parts and equipment, attending car events, races and swap meets. Friendships abounded as the VA Hospital could attest to in the great number of visitors Tom received during his ten weeks there. This provided Tom much joy and happy memories seeing his pals. Many were considered "Family" in all respects. Tom leaves three children, Bethany Willford, Jason and Chirs Willford; three grandchildren, Zoe, Sebastian and Jacob; parents, Pat and Tony Willford; sister, Becky O'Brien, her husband, Leo and daughter, Olivia O'Brien; a host of cousins, friends, and his cat, Frankie, now residing happily with Pat and Tony. Tom was a tissue donor. He talked to the VA recently. His corneal gift will possibly restore sight to two blind people. Tom Willford lived his faith, belief in God and the hereafter. We know he walked with Jesus on that journey to heaven.

This information was last updated 03/26/2021

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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