Obituaries: Thomas Leo McCoy (Dec. 29, 1930 - Jan. 31, 2010)

Thomas Leo McCoy

Thomas Leo McCoy departed this earth on January 31, after a brief but courageous fight with cancer. He was born on December 29, 1930, in Montrose, S.D. to Bernard and Margaret McCoy. He developed strong and passionate beliefs throughout his early years. After serving in the USAF with honor from 1950 to 1952 he found the love of his life in Bernie, whom he married February 7, 1953. His commitment to education led to grad-uation from General Beadle State Teachers College followed by a Masters from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. Thus began his lifelong commitment to teaching. His move to Crescent City in 1960 was followed by 30 years of committed class-room instruction at Del Norte High School.

Upon his retirement in 1990, he remained dedicated to family, friends and his lifelong love of fishing. He fished the White Star commercially from 1972 until recent years and continued a satisfying and committed connection to his fishing compatriots. His friendly, open and caring manner was constantly on display and positively influenced a broad and diverse cross section of the community. He leaves a lasting legacy as a loving husband, dedicated father, proud grandpa, committed fisher-man and warm-hearted friend.

Surviving are Tom’s wife, Bernie; brothers, Cecil, Bill and Dave McCoy; sister, Mary Hartle; children, Debbie (Chuck) Hargrove, Kevin (Lee-Ann) McCoy, Pam (Mark) Magnuson and Denise (Paul) Harnden; as well as 11 blessed grandchildren, Sam, Sara and Katie Hargrove, Savannah, Kalah, Delaney and Thomas McCoy, Michele and Melisa Magnuson, Nolan and Rachel Harnden.

Services will be conducted at Wier’s Mortuary Chapel, which includes a visitation from noon until 7 p.m. on Wednesday February 10, 2010, and a Christian Burial service on Thursday, February 11 at 2 p.m. Interment ceremony will occur at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Crescent City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1301 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531; Tsunami Sam’s Scholarship fund, C/O Doris Whalen, 275 Elk Valley Road, Crescent City, CA 95531 or the American Diabetes Association, 1900 Powell Street, Suite #285, Emeryville, CA 94608.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.

Submitted by Wier’s

Mortuary Chapel

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