Obituary

Thomas B. Callender, an anesthesiologist and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully from cancer on August 19, 2024 with family by his side. He believed in the power of laughter and maintained his sense of humor till the end.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Science from Moorhead State College and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota where he was also a member of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. After deciding he was tired of the cold, he and his wife Linda moved to Tampa, FL for his internship, tested out Seattle, WA during his
residency, and began his practicing career in Little Rock, AR. When a residency friend invited him to join an expanding practice in Bellingham, WA, he and his family found their permanent home. Tom spent more than 35 years caring for patients as a member of Bellingham Anesthesia Associates.

When Tom wasn’t busy with his medical practice, he lived a life filled with family, friends, and outdoor activities. His collections of beautiful wildlife photography document the many hours that he and his family spent on road trips visiting national parks or out in the San Juan Islands on boat trips. He loved the challenge of a good game of tennis and was a pickleball early adopter decades before it became popular. When he needed time to “contemplate the universe” he headed out on the water in his kayak or rode the waves on his windsurfer.

Tom and his wife Linda devoted more than 55 years building a loving, tight-knit family. He is survived by Linda, their daughters Stephanie and Sarah, grandchildren Quinton and Sydney, and his brother Richard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.