Charles Thomas Ferris

November 16, 1948 - October 12, 2018

Charles Thomas Ferris Obituary Ferris, Charles Thomas, passed away at home on Friday, October 12, 2018, following a courageous 21-year battle with cancer. Born in Spokane, Washington, to the late Bob and Emar Ferris, Tom grew up in the Lilac City, attending Roosevelt Elementary, Saint George?s School, and Lewis & Clark High School. He met his future wife, Joanne Yamamoto, when she worked as a Washington Water Power summer intern, and the beautiful young couple eventually married and enjoyed 39 blessed years of married life together. Tom received his undergraduate degree in Building Construction and Theory from Washington State University, and he subsequently embarked on a productive career with Krueger Sheet Metal, where he worked for more than 30 years and developed life-long friendships with his colleagues. A man of authenticity and substance, Tom possessed a quick wit and easily endeared himself to many with his kindness. He enjoyed woodworking, fly fishing and photography, and these hobbies became labors of love over the years. Tom also counted among his favorite past-times spending warm summer days at the family cabin on lake Coeur d?Alene, where Tom?forever on the hunt for the perfect smoking wood?made an art of grilling up succulent steaks and smoked turkey. Ever a devoted father, Tom tackled multiple cancer diagnoses, fighting valiantly to best the insidious disease in an effort to be with his children as long as possible and hoping to be present for each of their life?s milestones. He participated in many medical trials, including a bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, and Car T-Cell therapy?an experimental treatment on the vanguard of cancer research. Tom?s willingness to participate in these medical trials has and will continue to advance medical knowledge so some day a cancer diagnosis can be the first day on the path to recovery. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Bob, and mother, Emar. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne; his children, Christopher Ferris, Anna Ferris (husband Dan Colwell), and Elizabeth Ferris; his brother, Bob Ferris (wife Linda); niece, Megan Ferris; mother-in-law, Charlotte Tetsuka; his aunt, Ellen Ferris; numerous cousins; and, his best buddy and partner in crime, Katie Ferris. Our family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Cassaday, Christen Heye, ARNP, the staff at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for their expert care and constant support throughout this long journey. A memorial service will be held at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 611 S Garfield at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 20. The family has suggested remembrances be sent to Highland Park United Methodist Church; Dottie Thomas Endowment,fredhutch.org/questdonate; Hospice of Spokane, PO Box 2215, Spokane, 99210.