Thomas Carrol Hukle

Thomas (Tom) Carrol Hukle passed peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by love, in the early morning hours on March 3, 2026. Tom was born to Carrol Bertram (Bert) Hukle and Ella Deveraux Hukle (Mahoney) on February 1, 1938, in Huntington, West Virginia. Growing up on the family’s farm, Tom loved riding his horse, Jess, and losing himself in the movies at his family’s two theaters.

Tom would leave Huntington to attend Parks College in St. Louis to study Aeronautical Engineering. Tom’s dream was to be an Air Force pilot, but his vision made that dream unattainable, so Tom wanted to do the next best thing – build the planes.

After graduation, Tom moved to Wichita, Kansas, to work for Boeing, which would send him to Seattle, Washington. In 1968, Tom would leave Boeing and go to work for Eldec Corporation as an Engineer.

That same year, Tom would meet the love of his life, Karen Johnson. They went on to marry on October 24, 1969, and would welcome two children, Michael (Mike) and Tracey.

Needing to make a change in their life, Tom and Karen took a risk and opened Yacht Riggers in 1973. Tom and Karen made their name known in the sailing world, being formidable competitors in the sailing arena for years. They were a staple in the Seattle community until they sold in 1997, when they retired and began the next chapter in their lives.

Tom and Karen raised their kids on the water and at the mountain. Tom’s greatest love was his family. Summers were spent sailing Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound, and many other amazing expeditions, or riding bikes (Tom did the Seattle to Portland bike ride with his wife and kids twice). Winters were spent traveling to ski races and functions for his kids

In 1999, Tom and Karen built their dream home in Sandpoint, Idaho. There they would meet a new community of friends. The second half of life was wonderful. Tom and Karen would ski Schweitzer Mountain, and Tom found purpose skippering on sailboats for friends, leading them to winning regattas. Tom was so good that they named an annual trophy after him – the “Tom Hukle Excellence in Sailing Award.”

In 2014, Tom suffered a massive stroke. His devoted wife, Karen, was his constant caregiver until the end. Even after his stroke, Tom loved life, never complained, and wanted to hear all about his kids and grandkids.

Tom was a mentor, friend, confidant, and all things great.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Bert, and mother, Ella. Tom is survived by his wife Karen, son Mike (Sara), daughter Tracey Mason (Dan), grandchildren Ella, Kyra, and Michael, two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, and amazing family and friends.

Sail with the Angels, Skipper, you deserve it.