About Tom Clifton

Tom was born in Chipppewa Falls, Wisconsin, on November 3rd, 1952.  Election Day.  Being a twin, friends of the family thought it would be cute to name the twins Adlai and Ike.  Thank goodness cooler heads prevailed and they were named Tim and Tom.

Tom grew up in Chippewa Falls and attended, Chestnut Elementary and then went to Chippewa Falls Junior High School.  Growing up Tom was very active in sports, and was in the Junior High school band.  He later attended and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School.  In high school Tom was in student government and sports.  He was on the Student Council, elected to student government office.  He played football, basketball, and track.  Tom also attended Badger Boys town.  While in high school, he became a drummer in a local rock band and was always drumming on “something” – if not the drums, then the kitchen table, the countertops or any place he could tap out a rhythm; including the top of someone’s head!

It was while in high school, that Tom suffered from an illness that would keep him out of activities for most of one school year.  Unknown to the family at that time, this disease would often have an association with the disease that years later damaged his liver, requiring his liver transplant.

In 1971 he moved to Seattle to go to Bible College and launched his attempt at a world record for the most Bible College classes ever taken by one person. He had such a hunger to know God’s Word that he took classes for 15 years, earning both Th.B and Master of Ministries degrees.

Tom’s heart was totally sold out to God and his passion was to see God’s Kingdom demonstrated in signs and wonders that relieved suffering for the sick and pointed the way to his beloved Savior. The cry of his heart was to fulfill the prayer, “…on earth as it is in heaven.”

He was an avid (and incredibly lucky) fisherman. Eye witness accounts tell of times that while others stood next to him catching nothing, Tom would reel in one after another.  (Possibly some divine intervention there)  Shortly after Tom’s liver transplant he took up dancing and decided to pass on his love for dance by teaching.

After making his debut as a dance teacher in his brother’s garage in the winter of 1993, NW Dancer & DJ Tom Clifton, received his professional dance and teaching training at a variety of studios in the Seattle area.
 
Tom’s first love was Country Western but he soon branched out and became one of the most versatile instructors in the NW. with a background in Ballroom, Latin, Country Western, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Night Club Two Step and more.

In 2000 Tom, along with partner Vicki Gabrielle, founded the Seattle Hustle Club which continues to host dances and offers a place for dancers to share his love of this great dance.  (For details check out www.SeattleHustleClub.com)

Tom’s classes, workshops and dances were some of the most enjoyable and non intimidating ever found in the Seattle area.  His fun loving personality made students feel very comfortable and relaxed as Tom stressed the “fun” of social dancing and offered just the right amount of material and technique for dancers of all levels.
 
Tom was a registered GSDTA instructor and taught for the Seattle Swing Dance Club.  Tom has taught at Swing & Hustle clubs and events and has offered workshops throughout the Western United States and British Columbia.
    
After enduring 10 years of a terminal liver disease [1981-1991], Tom underwent a life saving liver transplant in April 1991. He understood what was important in life and therefore dedicated himself to, among other things, sharing his love of dance with as many as possible.

Just prior to his passing Tom was still recovering from the bug he picked up on a cruise in March 2007.  He offered weekly classes & private lessons right up until his passing this past April 28th. 

He will be missed by many........