Obituary of Thomas Benhart Harrington

Thomas Benhart Harrington passed away at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, WA on December 3, 2013. He was 83 years old. Thomas was born on October 27 1930, in Aberdeen, WA. He spent his grade school years in Port Gamble, WA and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1949. Joining the local USMCR in 1948, Tom went on Active Duty August 8 1950. Going to Japan September 1950, he was assigned Headquarters Battalion, Division forward Command. He participated in the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin Campaign, North Korea, from November 20, 1950 to December 13, 1950. Tom spent December 16, 1950 to November 27, 1951, in Masan, South Korea with Headquarters Section, where he was in charge of indigenous labor at Camp Lopez. At the time of his February 15, 1952, discharge he held the rank of Sergeant. Thomas married Edrie Lundgren in 1952 and in 1992 he retired after over 35 years of working as a Pulp Mill Bleacherman at Weyerhauser Pulp & Paper in Cozmopolis. Tom was a member of the United Christian Church in Aberdeen for 39 year, where he was an elder for over 20 years. He was a member of the "Chosin Few", survivors of the battle of 1950, as well as a member of the Grand Square Dance Club of Olympia. Tom was a square dance caller, retiring after over 26 years and he and his wife, Edrie, square danced since 1959. He called square dances in Longview, Ocean Shores, Penticton BC,and some cities in between. He taught square dance classes for several years in Raymond and in Shelton with the Salty Sashayers Square Dance Club. Tom enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and with the help of his dad and father-in-law, built his Aberdeen home, then he built his cabin at Lost Lake where the family moved in 1989. There he and his family and friends enjoyed water sports at their waterfront home. Tom built four boats including a 12ft and 15ft ski boat, the last one called "Big Red", the fasted boat on Lost Lake, in the late 60's. After retirement, he enjoyed collecting beautiful and unique pieces of wood for carving and other wood working projects like bird houses, bird feeders whales and gardening ornaments. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Irene Harrington, brother Robert L. Harrington and daughter Sue A. Harrington. He is survived by his wife, Edrie Harrington of the family home and son Gordon D Harrington of Everett, WA, grandson Shane R. Harrington w/ wife Katie L Harrington of Bothell, WA as well as his first great grandchild Peyton Lynn Harrington. For Memorial contributions, the family suggests the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or the memorial fund for the United Christian Church. The memorial service will be held at the United Christian Church, 312 W 1st Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520 on December 14, 2013 at 12:30 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of McComb & Wagner Funeral Home, Shelton, WA 360-426-4803.