Thomas “Tom” U. Hemming February 3, 1960 – December 29, 2025 Thomas “Tom” Hemming, a longtime resident of Bellevue, Washington, passed away unexpectedly from Cardiac Arrest on December 29, 2025, at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. He was 65 years old. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, on February 3, 1960, Tom was adopted as an infant by Sigvard and Inga Hemming. Soon after, the family followed close friends to Chicago, beginning a journey that would eventually lead them to the Pacific Northwest. When Boeing recruited aerospace engineers, the Hemmings relocated to the Seattle area during the 1962 Worlds Fair. First settling in rental units in Renton before purchasing a home in Kirkland. They lived in the High Woodlands neighborhood until 1972 when they purchased a new home in Redmond/Bellevue. Tom became a proud big brother in 1967 when the family adopted his sister Christina (Tina). As a young boy, he embraced the adventures of Boy Scouts, playing Basketball and baseball on local teams throughout his early school years to high school. He also developed a lifelong love for strategy games such as these sports games, as well as Risk, Stratego, and Chess. He had a special love for the Great American Muscle car and Old School Rock and Roll. He owned many enviable muscle Cars in his early years like the Corvette, a couple of 1969, 1970 AMC Javelins. Tom was Confirmed at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bellevue and kept his faith in Jesus Christ his whole life. Tom had a gentle heart and a special fondness for animals especially cats. Tom was a deeply sensitive soul who sometimes struggled with change and loss. Like many with such tender spirits, he sought ways to cope, leading him down a challenging path for much of his life. Yet his resilience shone through: the last 12 years of his life were a testament to his determination to sobriety and success in overcoming those difficulties, making his sudden loss all the more heartbreaking. True to his independent nature, Tom often did things his own way—unconventional, roundabout, and uniquely his. He preferred going through temp agencies when seeking employment, perhaps to shield himself from the sting of direct rejection. He had a meticulous side, with everything needing to be in its proper place and “just so.” Above all, Tom cherished his role as uncle to his nephew, Karl Ball. The two shared countless adventures cruising around in his Silver convertible Corvette he had years ago or hiking the stunning trails of the Pacific Northwest. Discovery Park in Seattle held a special place in his heart he returned there time and again usually with Karl for day hikes, creating memories amid the park’s forests, beaches, and open spaces. Tom delighted in sharing his passions with Karl—buying the latest video games for his “little buddy,” teaching him Chess, to ensure there was always someone to play against. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Sigvard K. Hemming (1992), and very recently mother, Inga J. Hemming (May 2025). He is survived by his devoted sister, Christina (Tina) Murphy, her husband James Murphy, James’ children Kendra, Heather (Zach, Holly, Ashley, Xavier) Finally Christina’s son his beloved Nephew, Karl Ball, all of whom will carry his memory forward with great love. Tom’s life reminds us that even through struggles, love, loyalty, small daily joys can leave a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed. A private memorial will be held by the family sometime in Spring or Summer at Discovery Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembering Tom by spending time in nature, playing a game with someone you love, or you can make a Donation to The American Heart Association or your local Union Gospel Mission. Rest in peace, dear Tom. You were loved more than you knew. 🙏🏻🩷