Tom Douglas Fryxell, Pullman native and long time Connell school teacher, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in Pullman after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 55. Tom was born September 9, 1958 in Moscow, Idaho to Roald and Helen Broberg Fryxell. He grew up in Pullman and graduated from Pullman High School where he lettered in football. Following graduation, Tom attended Pacific Lutheran University where he received his Bachelors Degree. During his junior year, Tom traveled to Russia and spent a month exploring. This turned out to be some of his favorite memories. He returned to Pullman where he spent time as a substitute teacher and football coach while at the same time obtaining his Masters Degree from WSU in Public History. He received his teaching certificate from EWU and began his teaching career in Mattawa, Washington. After a year of teaching there, Tom moved to Connell, Washington where he taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and High School History. He really enjoyed history, was intrigued by it, and spent his life studying and teaching it. He spent 15 summers travelling to the Ukraine where he thoroughly enjoyed immersing himself in the culture and the people of that region. He loved Eastern Washington and spent many weekends in Pullman visiting his mother or following his beloved Cougars. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Pullman and loved to ski and travel. He was an avid Cougar sports fan, especially football and he loved to watch football whenever he could. Tom was diagnosed with ALS in October 2012 and taught school until he no longer could and he retired in March 2013. He moved back to Pullman to his mom's in May 2013. Tom's family is grateful for all the love and tender care shown to Tom and to them in his final days by everyone at Family Home Care. Tom's family extends a very special "Thank You" to all of them. Tom is survived by his mom, Helen Fryxell of Pullman; his sister Jenny Fryxell and her husband David Call of Driggs, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father in 1974. Funeral Services will be Thursday, February 20, at 1:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pullman with burial following in the Pullman Cemetery. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to The ALS Association Evergreen Chapter
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