David ‘Tj’ Hugh Tjomsland
Dec. 15, 1946 – July 14, 2023
David “Tj” Hugh Tjomsland — a forestry teacher to hundreds, a mentor to many, and a friend to all — died July 14, 2023 in Olympia, Wash. surrounded by his loving wife and devoted son. He was 76 and a half.
Born Dec. 15, 1946 in Portland, Ore. to Theodore Lawrence Tjomsland and Hazel Crandall Tjomsland, David was a sea boy from the beginning to the end. He collected worms and sold them to fishermen and fished for the eluded salmon until his health wore him down. He loved being at sea on one of his many boats and his weathered hands caught many creatures of the rivers or sea year after year.
Educated at Springfield High School and Lane Community College in forestry, he was a hands-on kind of guy. His career in the United States Forest Service being a steward of public lands was such a passion of his. From engineering roads, prescribed fire and revegetation many, many acres throughout Oregon saw his footprints.
He started out as a field tech to become a dynamic supervisor working together meeting land management objectives. Goals were achieved with many awards, too many to list. He was an avid hunter, hiker/scouter and fisherman for 70 years.
He will be remembered for his humor, interesting jokes and his wildly entertaining stories, his unfailing work ethic, his generous smile, his willingness to help a neighbor in need anytime of the day.
In his later years, when COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) robbed him of his strength and stamina, it gave him a reason to slow down and spend time with his family. He taught us patience and allowed us to really appreciate his many stories and life experiences.
His memory will be always in all of our hearts and kept alive by his wife of 31 years and longtime caretaker, Carol Ann Goularte; son, Martin Hugh Tjomsland, (Hydee); grandchildren, Madeline Jen Tjomsland and Carter Finn Tjomsland; his brother, Lawrence Clifford Tjomsland; plus many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Olympia St. Peter Providence Hospital and the thoughtful, tender care doctors and nurses provided around the clock. There will be a gathering in the future to honor his memory and to cheer him on to his new adventure.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. To express condolences visit woodawnfhcc.com.
