Tribute for Thomas Ray Risdal (Guest book)
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Welcome to the memorial page for

Thomas Ray Risdal

April 8, 1948 ~ August 6, 2017 (age 69) 69 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Sal Iannetta on August 22, 2017 9:49 AM
Message from Cris Beckers
August 21, 2017 10:03 AM

Chris and Family -
I am very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I worked with Tom early in my career at FCA and he was always very kind. More recently, even though I didn't work with him frequently, when I ran into him in the office he was always smiling. I know that his family was also very important to him - you are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Cris Beckers
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A candle was lit by Cris Beckers on August 21, 2017 9:59 AM
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A candle was lit by Gaylon Dykstra on August 18, 2017 12:06 PM
Message from Steve Gabriel
August 17, 2017 1:42 PM

Chris and Family, please accept my condolences. Tom and your family have been in my prayers and thoughts. I miss his cheerful greetings every day at FCA.
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A candle was lit by Steve Gabriel on August 17, 2017 1:40 PM
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A candle was lit by Dawn Johnson on August 17, 2017 9:19 AM
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A candle was lit by Antonio Cousin on August 16, 2017 8:30 PM
Message from Lun Nguyen
August 16, 2017 11:57 AM

I'm so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I worked with Tom early in my career and he was always willing to sit down and talk with myself and newer employee. A number of years went by as we worked on different projects at the agency. I started making trips to McLean for work. Every time we ran into each other in the hallways or at lunch he greeted me with a smile and asked me about my family and things in Minnesota. I was in McLean last month and sat down at the lunch table in the cafeteria. Tom quickly approached and jokingly said, "You know you're in my spot, right." He sat down and we ate lunch together and discussed sports, family, and work. He was a great and genuinely friendly person. He will truly be missed by everyone.
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A candle was lit by Lun Nguyen on August 16, 2017 11:45 AM
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A candle was lit by Mary Alice Donner on August 16, 2017 11:07 AM
Message from Tom McKenzie
August 16, 2017 10:05 AM

My condolences on the loss of Tom. We will miss him and knowing that he will not be with us. I had the pleasure of working with Tom in different capacities over several decades at FCA. He was always there when you needed him. He diligently supported the Agency at all levels and took up the challenge of any assignment and duty given to him. Through it all he was always a gentleman and exhibited "character" that we all aspire. We all will miss his contributions to our success and to the Farmers and Ranchers of America. Rest in peace Tom.
Tom McKenzie, Chief Examiner (Retired)
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A candle was lit by Mike and Kelli MacLean on August 16, 2017 9:22 AM
Message from Mike and Kelli MacLean
August 16, 2017 9:22 AM

Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Tom was a friend and colleague for many years. His bright smile and easy laugh were always greatly appreciated. As many have said, I will always remember his kindness and willingness to help in any situation.
Message from Jane Virga
August 16, 2017 8:53 AM

Please accept my condolences. Your loss is great. Tom was a wonderful coworker and a great guy. I worked with Tom over the years on various enforcement matters. He was always patient with me when if first started and respectful of others opinions. I know he loved his family. He will be missed by all.
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A candle was lit by Ed Fulmore on August 16, 2017 7:10 AM
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A candle was lit by Linda J. on August 15, 2017 9:11 PM
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A candle was lit by Ryan Leist on August 15, 2017 6:57 PM
Message from Richard Katz
August 15, 2017 6:29 PM

I was saddened and stunned to learn that Tom had passed away. Tom and I got along well although we only worked together occasionally.. Tom was always friendly, kind, thoughtful, considerate, dedicated, and hard-working. Along with everyone else at FCA, I will miss Tom. I feel sad when I pass by his office, which is filled his personal mementos. I wish to express my condolences to Tom's family, who are in my thoughts and prayers.
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A candle was lit by Elu Thomas on August 15, 2017 6:18 PM
Message from Ron Boehr
August 15, 2017 5:55 PM

My sympathies and prayers for the family. Tom was a friend and colleague for a long time. He always had a quick smile and a chuckle and we always enjoyed the coming of a new year of Harleys. He was a gentleman and a pro. We enjoyed some great road trips to the west! Tom, I hope you're enjoying that Dyna Low Rider up there.
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A candle was lit by I'll miss you Tom. on August 15, 2017 4:13 PM
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A candle was lit by Joy Strickland on August 15, 2017 3:41 PM
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A candle was lit by Lynn Lotocki on August 15, 2017 1:41 PM
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A candle was lit by Gary Van Meter on August 15, 2017 10:12 AM
Message from Jessica Potter
August 15, 2017 9:20 AM

I had the pleasure of working with Tom in various roles my entire career at FCA. We first met on an appraisal training and tour. He was a great mentor and quickly became a friend. Then I had the privilege of picking up his Enforcement work as he transferred to new duties. Again, the time, dedication, and teaching he provided was so valuable….for both of us. He was the only person in the agency who retained a specialized document (dating back to the 1980’s). Thank goodness for hardcopies and wisdom! Most recently I worked with Tom as a peer on the Credit Mission Team in Policy. Not only was he a big advocate and helper in me getting the position but most importantly he continued to be a good friend. We had an educational farm tour planned at my ranch in a few weeks and he was so looking forward to it. He understood the importance of agriculture and hands on experience. I will miss his kindness and help. He was a great soul!
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A candle was lit by Lynn Major on August 15, 2017 8:02 AM
Message from Alan Glenn
August 14, 2017 5:24 PM

I knew, worked with and admired Tom for more than 30 years. He was a first class human being who always was interested in doing the right thing in all of his endeavors. He set a great example for the rest of us!
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A candle was lit by Alan Glenn on August 14, 2017 5:22 PM
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A candle was lit by Laura Burke on August 14, 2017 11:22 AM
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A candle was lit by April Davis on August 14, 2017 8:36 AM
Message from raj
August 13, 2017 11:24 PM

I left fca in 2010 but was shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's death. He was a genuinely nice person and will be greatly missed.
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A candle was lit by Tom M. on August 13, 2017 6:08 PM
Message from Tuyen Phạm
August 13, 2017 1:59 PM

Rest In Peace Tom. You were such a kind and nice person and always with a smile on your face. I'm thankful that our path crossed. I pray that God embraces you in his loving arms, and He will grant love peace to your love ones.
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A candle was lit by Irma Blankenship on August 13, 2017 10:15 AM
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A candle was lit by Tuyen Pham on August 13, 2017 1:08 AM
Message from Dave Stephens
August 13, 2017 12:23 AM

So many great tributes to a person who always took the time to help others. We'll miss you Tom.
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A candle was lit by Dave Stephens on August 13, 2017 12:16 AM
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A candle was lit by Jacqui Melvin on August 12, 2017 9:32 PM
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A candle was lit by Darius Hale on August 12, 2017 5:22 PM
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A candle was lit by Bruce and Jo Mortvedt on August 12, 2017 9:26 AM
Message from Tom and Carol
August 12, 2017 8:47 AM

Tom was a special friend to my husband Tom. They went to Iowa State at the same time majoring in Forestry, and spent time at summer camp in Washington state one summer. Early years in the Forest Service in Maine are a fond memory. My Tom always spoke about what a great guy and friend Tom Risdal was to him. Prayers that special memories will give you all comfort. ❤️
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A candle was lit by Tom and Carol Farver ❤️ on August 12, 2017 8:38 AM
Message from Dennis Carpenter
August 11, 2017 7:06 PM

Chris and Family - my thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time of loss. I have work with Tom at FCA for 30 + years and I can say that he will be greatly missed, both professionally and personally. He was a great person and coworker and a great asset to FCA that can never be replaced. Gone but never forgotten.
Message from Laura McF.
August 11, 2017 7:03 PM

My deep sympathy to Tom's family. He was devoted to you alll. Tom is missed at the office.
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A candle was lit by Laura Mc? on August 11, 2017 7:00 PM
Message from Marla Goodwin
August 11, 2017 6:01 PM

Tom was one of the most genuinely kind people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing during my 25+ years at FCA. He was an instructor at my first examination training course and, while I could not tell you what he specifically taught, I can remember vividly how he made us feel - valued and important when we were at an unsure and vulnerable stage in our career. He was authentically interested in and respected everyone in that class and, as I would quickly come to realize, everyone he met. Fast-forward to a few weeks ago and, consistent with the first day I met him, Tom is contacting me to facilitate a developmental opportunity for one of his staff. It's no surprise that my first and last memories of him are helping others achieve their goals. No doubt he accomplished many things in his life – most of which I will never know. Building confidence in and generally supporting others could be overlooked since these accomplishments are quiet and selfless. However, you need only ask virtually anyone at FCA - from headquarters to any field office - how they remember Tom Risdal and you will assuredly hear a story of how he positively impacted their lives. I cannot imagine a more wonderful way to be remembered.
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A candle was lit by Michael Anderson on August 11, 2017 5:57 PM
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A candle was lit by Emily Yaghmour on August 11, 2017 4:39 PM
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A candle was lit by Bets on August 11, 2017 2:59 PM
Message from Connie Snook Schlegel
August 11, 2017 1:37 PM

I am so very saddened to hear about Tom. We went from Emerson Hough grade school through NHS. We went through many years of Vacation Bible School at First Lutheran Church as well as Confirmation. We bowled on the same team, had several classes together in junior and senior high school. I had recently received an email from him, 'just checking in' which is all he ever said, wanting to know if anything was going on in our class of 66. My prayers are with all of you. Rest peacefully now, my good friend. -Connie Snook Schlegel
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A candle was lit by Connie Snook Schlegel on August 11, 2017 1:22 PM
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A candle was lit by Sarah Kreger on August 11, 2017 9:39 AM
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A candle was lit by Linda M. Toki on August 11, 2017 7:59 AM
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A candle was lit by Dianna Becerra on August 11, 2017 7:27 AM
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A candle was lit by Lovi Washington on August 11, 2017 6:54 AM
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A candle was lit by Louise Conoboy on August 10, 2017 9:35 PM
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A candle was lit by Roger Siefkes on August 10, 2017 6:31 PM
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A candle was lit by Douglas Keins on August 10, 2017 5:41 PM
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A candle was lit by Tom Wild on August 10, 2017 5:24 PM
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A candle was lit by Carl Premschak on August 10, 2017 4:42 PM
Message from Dianna
August 10, 2017 8:58 AM

Tom was a great guy to work with and he will be missed by our office and many more in the Agency. My condolences to the family
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A candle was lit by Robert Coleman on August 10, 2017 8:20 AM
Message from Ken wicklander
August 9, 2017 10:54 PM

My condolences on Tom's passing. We worked together at FCA so many years ago. I always considered him my very good friend. Even after I left we would always get together for a round of golf and cold one .... or two whenever he would come to Spokane. Not sure how he would sneak that thru Roland😂 Tom was one of the good guys.
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A candle was lit by Ken wicklander on August 9, 2017 10:45 PM
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A candle was lit by Tom Marshall on August 9, 2017 7:42 PM
Message from Bev Harris
August 9, 2017 7:41 PM

Tom was the first friend I made at FCA. I knew nothing about the Farm Credit Administration nor the System when I first started and Tom would always patiently answer my questions regardless of what he might have been working on at the time. He also very generously shared an Excel spreadsheet he had developed for travel cost comparisons. I still use the document and it has been a tremendous tool in the site selection part of my job. Tom was genuine nice guy who will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Message from David Lewandrowski
August 9, 2017 7:14 AM

My deepest sympathies for your loss. It was so sad to walk into the office and not get a hello and a smile from Tom this morning. I will greatly miss our morning chats and chuckles, not to mention his knowledge and wisdom. Rest in peace good sir.
Message from Debbie Giere
August 16, 2017 10:32 AM

Chris and family I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I always remember him coming to help with things in the office when I worked with Chris. You all are in my thoughts.
Message from Debbie Giere
August 16, 2017 10:32 AM

Chris and family I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I always remember him coming to help with things in the office when I worked with Chris. You all are in my thoughts.
Message from Debbie Giere
August 16, 2017 10:32 AM

Chris and family I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I always remember him coming to help with things in the office when I worked with Chris. You all are in my thoughts.
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