FREDERICK ‘FRED’ D. TOMAH, HOULTON – Frederick ‘Fred’ D. Tomah, 67, passed away Wednesday November 14, 2018, at the Aroostook House of Comfort in Presque Isle. He was born May 28, 1951, in Houlton, the son of Frederick L. And Lorraine (Dumont) Tomah.
Fred grew up in Houlton and graduated from Houlton High School. He then attended the University of Maine at Farmington. Fred then served in the United States Marine Corps. Fred became a basket maker and he became widely respected for his skills so much that his work is on display in the Native American Exhibit at the Smithsonian. Fred enjoyed working on cars and could often be seen tinkering on one. He was instrumental in the Maliseet Tribe becoming federally recognized. Fred often said “If you want to get to know who the Maliseet’s are then go for a deep walk in the woods.”
He is survived by his daughter, Holly Tomah and her partner, John Fickett of Houlton; three grandchildren, Paige Tibbits, Eden Tomah-Tibbits, and Rowan Tomah- Cofske. Fred also leaves behind ten siblings, Danya Boyce, Carole Sabatis, Elaine Gore, Alice Tomah, Anthony Tomah, Shelly Holland, Eileen Holcomb, Charles Evans, Loretta Rentas, Cheri Evans; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Andrea David.
Friends may call 12 p.m. Monday, November 19, 2018, at Dunn Funeral Home, where a funeral service will be conducted at 1p.m. with Deacon Al Burleigh officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to a reception at the Maliseet Gymnasium following the service. Interment with military honors will take place in the spring in the veterans section of the Maliseet Cemetery, Houlton.
Those who wish to remember Fred in a special way may make gifts payable in his memory to a charity of one’s choice in c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730. Arrangements in care of Dunn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed on the tribute wall at www.dunnfuneral.com.
