Thomas Leo Plut, born June 17, 1938 to Dr. and Mrs. Harry G. Plut, passed away on April 25, 2025. Known as “Tom” to friends and family, he was born and raised in Port Townsend before graduating from Port Townsend High School in 1956. Tom later attended Olympic College and worked in the Seattle-area before settling down in Port Townsend.
For over 40 years, he was the owner of Tom Plut Paint Contracting, a business that saw him paint the interiors and exteriors of hundreds of homes and buildings in Jefferson County over his career. Many homes in the greater Port Townsend area still wear the paint given to them by Tom Plut.
A warm spirit with the gift of gab, Tom could be found most days chatting it up with a neighbor, sharing some gossip over a cribbage board, or perhaps sharing some tall tales while fishing. An avid fisherman and winner of numerous fishing derbies, Tom caught thousands of salmon in his life, both in the waters near Port Townsend as well as Alaska and other locations around the Northwest – with his friends and family always benefitting from his bountiful catches.
A dog-lover through-and-through, Tom would rarely be without one of his constant companions. One could often see him around Fort Worden walking one of the many dogs he owned over the years. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling as hobbies at various times in his life, participating in a local bowling league for many years. Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends, especially over a good meal.
As a long-time pillar of the Port Townsend community, he was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Port Townsend.
He is survived by his sister Margaret Palo, his brother Dr. Harry G. Plut, Jr., four nephews and three nieces. A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church (1335 Blaine St. in Port Townsend) at 10am on June 21st, 2025.
