Thomas Donald Haggar

DR. THOMAS DONALD HAGGAR, M.D., long-time family physician on Bainbridge Island, beloved husband of Priscilla (nee Zimmerman); father of Jessica; son-in-law David Dunn; grandfather to Annika and Henrik; beloved son of Thomas and Gladys, beloved brother of Judy Kay, Shelia and Greg, and beloved dog-father to Tumbo and Thistle; passed away in his sleep on Sunday, October 19th with Priscilla by his side.

Tom, or ‘Speed’ as he was affectionately known was born in Sioux Falls, SD on December 23, 1944 and was raised in Watertown, SD. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1963 where he played football, basketball and track. He was an All-State football quarterback. While growing up, Tom enjoyed hunting ducks and pheasants in South Dakota and fishing at the family’s cabin in Minnesota. While in college he sailed from Hawaii to San Francisco with two college friends. He continued his love of boating and fishing all his life. He went to the University of California at Berkeley where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in 1967 with a degree in physiology. From there he went to medical school at the University of Minnesota. He interned at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle.

Tom moved to Bainbridge Island in 1971 with his first wife Asa, when he was hired as a young family practice doctor by the founders of the Winslow Clinic, Tom Bourns and Sinclair Wilt. Jessica was born in 1973, and later Tom and Asa divorced. Tom practiced on Bainbridge Island at the Winslow Clinic, and then Virginia Mason Winslow Clinic for 35 years. He was BI Football Teams physician, and he never missed a game. He was the medical director of Messenger House and Section Chief at Virginia Mason Winslow. Piero Sandri M.D., his friend and medical partner, described him as “scrupulously honest” and “having the highest integrity.” Sandri added “he has been great, a trusted colleague, and excellent clinician.” Tom shepherded the clinic’s growth from a small practice of three to a clinic of more than a dozen doctors, eventually teaming up with Virginia Mason to tap into a larger network of specialists and resources. Tom continued his involvement with the clinic after his retirement in 2004 and sought to bring it into its next chapter on the same site in downtown Winslow.

Tom was revered for his caring, compassion, skill, and for the dignified care and kindness that he not only provided to his patients but to everyone he met. Tom brought the highest level of integrity to his work and personal life. Tom brought humor and a big smile with him wherever he went.

Tom loved all animals, but especially dogs and cats. He enjoyed horses, and over the years he had a variety of other creatures, including birds, tortoises, chameleons and iguanas.

In 2010, Tom and Priscilla moved to Saturna Island B.C. with their four dogs, one cat and two miniature horses., They happily lived there for almost 15 years. Tom loved boating, exploring, and island hopping in protected waters, and he continued to actively fish, crab and prawn, every summer and fall. In late 2024 Tom and Priscilla moved back to Bainbridge due to Tom’s failing health, and Tom later moved into Wyatt House for additional care. Tom welcomed many frequent visitors there, including family, friends, and former patients. Tom had old friends at Wyatt house, and he continued to make new friends there. He enjoyed meals and activities with his friends and family there, and he particularly liked beating Maree at bingo.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Priscilla. He is also survived by his daughter Jessica, son-in-law David, and grandchildren Annika and Henrik. In addition, he is survived by his loving sisters Judy Kay and Sheila and his loving brother Greg. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Gladys Haggar. No services will be held at Tom’s request, but a celebration of life for this exceptional man will be held next summer. He was much loved, and he will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kitsap Humane Society, West Sound Wildlife Shelter, or the charity of your choice in Tom’s honor.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA