PLAIN VIEW HERITAGE FARM,

RURAL BRYANT, SD, PRESENTS:

"A STADEM FAMILY TRIBUTE TO


OUR TOM HARRINGTON"

A WORD FROM THE RANGENS

TOM--HUSBAND, BROTHER, BROTHER-IN-LAW, UNCLE, GREAT UNCLE AND FRIEND WAS A "RAINBOW OF A MAN"...COLORFUL, QUIET, SUNNY AND DRAMATIC!

He was unusual, like a rainbow...(rainbows don't happen often enough). We are thankful that we were privileged to know this particular "rainbow" who gave birth to many memories and living realities!

Tom had a radiant smile, sparkling eyes, and a terrific sense of humor. His ability to remember virtually everything is legendary in our family.

Tom had a good reputation as a Christian. He was blameless in the eyes of those in the Christian community. There were no specific flaws in his life that would bring reproach to the cause of Christ. Tom was mature. He maintained pure motives, evidencing compassion and conern for people and especially the children. Tom touched the lives of young and old and all those in between.

Tom had a gentleness and tenderness of spirit that drew people to him, whether at his work or leisure time. Tom had the heart of a giant, tucked in with warmth and love!

We remember with thanksgiving, Tom's and Ruthie's sacrificial concern in maintaining and improving the "family home and grounds" [of Plain View Farm] and for the annual welcome to the Stadem related reunion!

The Lord gave Tom a full cup of life, a cup of happiness, of sorrow, of purpose, of challenge, and along with these, always His peace that the world could not take away. Tom had a positive attitude for ministry, in his home, at work as a Custom's officer, in the church, at the Salvation Army, prison visitation, and in many avenues in the community. Many a city lot in Sherwood, ND [Tom and Ruthie Stadem-Harrington's community] took on a new face-lift with his steadfast pursuit of such an undertaking.

For Ruthie, the absence of Tom is deeply felt. The whole relationship misses Tom! We thank God for his testimony, "It's okay, it's all taken care of." What more can any of us say? Jesus has done it all. We do not believe that God blunders in sending death. He makes no mistake. God is holy, loving and compassionate. He is a God of justice. We do not look upon death as punishment. We do not understand all His ways, but we do accept them.

--With our hearts turned toward "Home", Joe & Estelle Stadem-Rangen


A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF AN UNCOMMON GENTLEMAN

Thomas C. Harrington was born Oct. 15, 1930, in Langdon to Chadburn and Lillian Harrington and died Aug. 8, 1994 at age 63. He was raised on the family farm near Loma where he graduated from the Loma Public School and later from high school by correspondence courses.

He then farmed his parents' and grandparents' farm until 1957. He then was deputy sheriff of Cavalier County for eight years. He started his career with U.S. Customs Aug. 1, 1966, at the port of entry near Noyes, Minn. He later was stationed at ports near Dunseth, Pinecreek Minn., and Roseau, Minn. He had been stationed at the Sherwood Port of Entry since December 1967.

He married Ruth Stadem June 23, 1968, in DeSmet, SD. [This was one marriage made in heaven!--Ed.] They had lived in the Sherwood community since.

His interest in Sherwood included beautifying a number of Sherwood city lots.

He was treasurer of the Bible Crusaders of North Dakota and had assisted his wife with Salvation Army mission work in the Ward County Jail. He was past member of the Langdon Presbyterian Church and had served as elder.

--Information taken from an Obituary, Sherwood, North Dakota


A UNIQUE AND SHINING LEGACY

Tom and Ruth Stadem-Harrington bought the seven remaining acres of Plain View Farm and the old house and restored the house and the grounds, all at their own expense, so that it could be used for family reunions.

Tom spent countless hours with Ruth on this major project which was dear to his heart and dear to his wife's heart.

They put an attractive metal siding on the house that will preserve the structure during the long winter months for years to come.

Tom mowed the grass and made a beautiful park out of the several acres of house and barn yard. Trees were trimmed. Outbuildings were fixed. Plumbing indoors was put in. Painting was done. A porch was built at the back.

Who can list all the things that Tom contributed to the Old Stadem Home Place? It was a great labor of love, and though he left the family circle suddenly with an unexpected "homegoing," he left behind a most remarkable legacy, Plain View Farm built up and painted and given such a parklike setting within its bordering lilac beds to the point where it is a beauty and a joy to behold.

His life too is such a beauty and a joy to behold, cherish, and remember. Tom lived for others and for his Lord Jesus Christ, and, a man of few words, chose to "walk his talk."

WE THANK YOU, TOM!

What we all owe back to you cannot be calculated. We cannot express our full gratitude for you and what you did for all of us, to enrich our lives with not only Plain View Farm restored to life but with your example of a true Christian man that will continue to shine brightly like the rainbow the Rangens have attributed to your life. Your earthly garment was buried at Union Cemetery in rural Sherwood, but we think we know where you left your heart--Editors.


Links to other pages on these Websites:

Candid Questions for Tom Harrington

TRIBUTES CENTRAL


NEW MASTER DIRECTORY


NEW MAIN LINKING PAGE


PLAIN VIEW HERITAGE FARM HOME PAGES: THE INTRODUCTORY (OR FRONT DOOR)


LAST BUT NOT LEAST: OUR PRAYER LINE



© 1997-2013, Butterfly Productions, All Rights Reserved