Tom Brausen

Thomas (Tom) John Brausen passed away peacefully from natural causes at his home last Friday February 25, 2022. He always had a positive outlook on life.  Even during the toughest times, he would say “It’s just another day in Paradise”.

Tom was a lifelong Moscow resident born September 25, 1953, to John and Dolly Brausen. He attended St. Mary’s School and was a 1972 graduate from Moscow High School.  Tom was never afraid of hard work beginning as a young boy with a paper route.  As he grew older he worked for his dad and uncle at A&J Furniture then Tri-State, North American Van Lines, and finally Washington State University where he retired in 2019. As hard as he worked, he enjoyed playing more. He taught us, kids, early to finish chores by Thursday to be free for the weekend, not that we listened.

Tom’s greatest passion was his family. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  He loved spending time, fishing at “Grandpa’s lake", as his grandson's Bo would say, or making “buns & gravy” (he forgot the hotdogs), and countless hours with his sons Jason, Adam, and grandsons Taylor, Mason, Morgan, and Keagan catching the big ones. Tom had a big heart and opened his door to many family and friends over the 42 years he lived at the farmhouse. He lived with most of his grandchildren at one time or another, which is a gift to all of us. Tom had an uncanny sense of showing up to help family and friends when needed. He always put family first checking on his sisters, cousins, and close friends to make sure they had everything. He was the first to arrive when needed with a big smile.

Tom was grateful he could enjoy his retirement living independently in the in-law's apartment that his daughter Alena & son-in-law Kirk built for him at their home.  He would say his favorite time of day was watching the sunsets & sunrises saying "Just another day in paradise".  When he retired he spent time saying "just let me show you" to all of us in the house, boy did we learn a lot about what he knew. He looked forward to simple things like seeing the fall colors on the St. Joe, driving his girls around, fishing with his boys, and frequently checking on his boathouse all year long. He had the opportunity to travel, visiting friends in Arizona and Mexico. Recently, fishing in Cabo with cousin Jim and lifelong friend Rick. He was so proud (and exhausted) from catching a Marlin.

Tom’s peaceful place was either fishing on the St. Joe or cruzing Chatcolet lake sharing the history of the Rocky Point, Conklin, and Harrison, to all that joined him on his "best wife" aka his boat, with a can of Rainer.  He seemed to have a sixth sense and always arrived when dinner or warm cookies were done. Tom was never good at just sitting around, he always had somewhere to be. Those that knew him well knew he would drive two and a half hours to have breakfast, just because. He would show up when needed and leave without a word. Must have been time to leave, we just didn't know it. At least we all know he is forever enjoying another day in paradise.

Tom is survived by his sons, Jason (Anthea) Brausen and Adam Brausen; daughter Alena (Kirk) Hume; Grandchildren Mason, Morgan, Keagan, and Bo Brausen; Taylor Brausen; Addy and Lilly Hume; sisters Cathy Headrick and Barb (Gary) Femreite; a long list of cousins and friends which he considered his brothers and sisters. Tom is joining his parents John and Dolly Brausen in eternal paradise. He will have a joyous and mischievous reunion with his cousin Reenie Connelly.  Oh God this was your idea.  Good luck with that, you created them!!   

Please join us for a toast to Tom at the Dirty Goat aka The Plantation from 4-6 this Wednesday.  A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 5th at the Elks Golf Course from 3:00 – 6:00 PM with a lunch provided.  Side dishes and desserts will be appreciated.  Come as you are and share the many memories. Later this year Tom's ashes will be spread at Indian Cliffs, Chatcolet lake all are welcome.