Thomas Ray Veenstra
May 18, 1970 – August 5, 2017
Thomas Ray Veenstra, 47, passed away on August 5, 2017, from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle accident in Wilson Creek, Wash.
Thomas, known as “Tommy” to family and friends, was born on May 18, 1970 to Sandy and Raymond Lazier in Bellingham, Wash. Tommy and his younger brother Chad spent many summers with their beloved Grandpa Clem where Tommy’s love of driving, hunting and fishing began. After high school, Tommy moved to Ephrata to live with his dad Raymond and stepmom Verna.
It was during this time that he met his first wife, Danyel Baty who also shared his love of racing, hunting and fishing. It was Danyel’s dad Jim who introduced Tommy to his passion for archery. Tommy and Danyel were married on May 28, 1994. Tommy and Danyel had two beautiful daughters, Jatender and Erika. They raised the girls to become accomplished race car drivers and archers as well. On Aug. 17, 2013, his oldest daughter Jatender married Damien De La Rosa. Their marriage gave Tommy his pride and joy, his grandsons Zeike and Andre.
In July of 2014 following his divorce, Tommy met his dear love, Kelly Ross. Together they shared many hunting, fishing, archery competitions and boating adventures as well as a healthy argument for which team was better, the Seahawks or the Dallas Cowboys. Their deep love for each other led to them being married in a very loving and beautiful ceremony on July 22, 2017 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho surrounded by their family and close friends.
The last day of Tommy’s life was their wedding reception on August 5, 2017 in Wilson Creek, Wash. He was able to spend his last day surrounded by family and friends, celebrating his marriage with love and laughter.
Thomas Veenstra is survived by his beloved wife Kelly; two daughters Jatender and husband and hunting buddy Damien De La Rosa and Erika Veenstra; two grandchildren Zieke and Andre De La Rosa; mother Sandy and husband Bill Pedersen; father Raymond and wife Verna Lazier; grandmother Marilyn Brown; two brothers Chad Veenstra and Billy Lazier and stepchildren Kyle, Braydon and Stephani. He is preceded in death by his sister Sherry McLafferty, grandparents Rose Wilke and Raymond A. Lazier and his childhood hero and grandfather Clem Brown.
Memorial services will be held at Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata, Wash. at 3 p.m. followed immediately with a Celebration of Life at the American Legion in Ephrata as well. All who knew Tommy are invited for food and loving stories. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com.