Former longtime Alaska resident Thomas C. Sweat Jr., 53, died suddenly Dec. 2, 2005, of natural causes at home in Bend, Ore. A memorial gathering was held Jan. 8 at the Lidia Selkregg Chalet, Russian Jack Springs Park, 5300 DeBarr Road.
Mr. Sweat was born July 28, 1952, in Savannah, Ga. His parents and their four children transferred to Eielson Air Force Base, where his dad became assistant fire chief. His mom was a registered nurse. His family moved to Anchorage in the early '60s. Graduating from East Anchorage High School and Anchorage Community College, Mr. Sweat earned a degree in electronics technology.
He worked as an electronics technician on the trans-Alaska pipeline from the early '70s until his death. It was said, "Tom will be remembered for his expertise in the SCADA field and his willingness to share his knowledge or lend a hand to anyone in need." In 1999, after living many years in Alaska, he moved with his wife and children to Bend.
Mr. Sweat treasured spending time with his family. Mr. Sweat was particularly proud that his son and daughter are attending Oregon State University. His wife said, "His family was his life." Mr. Sweat traveled to Guam, Hong Kong, Australia and the western Caribbean. He was planning a family trip to Florida in December. Some of his interests were carpentry and remodeling his home in Bend, astronomy, reading and photography.
Mr. Sweat leaves his wife, Chris; son, Thomas; daughter, Alana, all of Bend; sisters, Cheryl Flothe of Cooper Landing and Dottie Hughes of Monroe, Wash.; many nieces and nephews in Alaska, Washington and Florida; and many friends. His family said, "He was a loving and dedicated husband and father as well as a generous and caring brother and friend."
Mr. Sweat was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Sweat; mother, Dorothy Besh; and brother, Raymond Sweat.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, c/o Margye Thornton, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114-3.