Tom and I were both in the Geography program at SOSC, he was a very busy guy with Cosmo & Joy, full-time school, and fitting in hours for the USFS. Luckily for me, at some point after graduation he had an extra ticket for a Britt Festival show and invited me to come along. His selection of shows were always great, and his guacamole and strategies for getting good sight lines made for fun evenings. He was a great storyteller of his teen years in Southern California and he reflected deep warmth and love about his own kids' teen years too-that was a totally different worldview for me and anything I've been able to do the same with my kids is due to his example. Gone way too soon but he lives on in those he loved.

I just found out of Tom’s passing, he has done our taxes for the last 7 years! I am so sorry to hear this sad news-may he rest in peace❤️

I knew Tom when we worked together doing CSET testing six times a year and also both worked for CUSD.    What a great man he was and I was saddened to see the world has lost him at such a young age.     Damn pancreatic cancer.    

I loved reading his beautiful story and learned so much more than I had known about him.    He was a wonderful man and I know he will be truly missed by his beautiful family that be loved deeply.

I can't think of Tom and picture him without a huge smile on his face! Ben and I were the lucky ones 'cause Tom moved in next door to us on Forest Creek in Jacksonville, Oregon. We got to enjoy the kids growing up but I was closest to Joy and Becky. They did a great job parenting~~but the time came for Joy to leave for college. My heart breaks for you Joy, the two of you were SO close, it's hard to comprehend that he is really gone.

I knew my cousin Tom literally since he was born. His family and ours were close when we all lived in Milwaukee, and for several years we all lived on the same block on Tripoli ave. Those were fun times as small kids. After their move to California, our families stayed in touch via visits and letters and occasional phone calls. On visits Uncle Bud and Aunt Carol would take Tom, his brother Jerry and I to all the California attractions, such as Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Sequoia National Park - great times. In those days Tom started showing his adventurous nature. He jokingly talked about becoming a stunt man in the movies, and liked to take risks such as jumping off the garage roof into their backyard swimming pool. Uncle Bud introduced us three kids to playing golf, and we all came to love the game. This eventually led to Tom, Jerry, myself and sometimes their kids Cos and Brian getting together to go to the Masters golf tournament over the last 20 years or so. We all enjoyed reuniting each year to watch the pros and play some golf together. Tom always supplied the witticisms and jibes and kept us all laughing. It was good to hear about all his adventures over the years. He will be sorely missed.

I remember spending summer nights at the coolest house I have ever been to. Playing in tree houses, eating good food around the table, laughing, picnics in parks, and watching my dad and Tom - the two Toms - laugh till tears came out as they shared their shenanigans with us kids. I remember running into Tom as an adult at SOSC as were both in college. He lived many lives and all of them good. I’ll miss you. I hope you and dad are together. 

We are sad to hear of Tom’s passing.             We are very thankful that we had the opportunity to meet him about 2 1/2 years ago with his kind and caring soul.                                                  He didn’t hesitate to come help us with administrative tasks during a very difficult time when my brother passed.   I learned why my brother cared so much for Tom & Sue. We too have special memories of spending time with Tom & Sue and some of our family at the Flying Caballos Ranch in San Luis Obispo for a time of healing and  friendships.                                              You will forever be in our hearts Tom.              Rest in peace dear friend                    

I always loved and looked up to my cousin Tom.  He had the greatest sense of humor and love of adventure.  I have many fond memories of spending time with him when my parents, Gordon and Joan Chapp, visited my beloved Aunt Carol and Uncle Buddy, Jerry and Buff.  It is archaic now, but I loved the way Uncle Bud made sure the boys did not roughhouse with me and called me Dolly.  Bud was so out of his element with a little girl around. One of my favorite memories is when Tom, and his friend Tom, hitchhiked to Yellowstone (even though his parents were driving there to meet us).  We had a little cabin and celebrated Christmas in August.  Another great memory is how thrilled I was when Tom and Jerry came to Wisconsin for my dad's 90th.  It made my parents' hearts soared to see them!  His loss makes me so very sad.  I am so glad that he made the most of the life he had.  Thank you for the Barbershop suggestion, it made me smile and relive a bit of my childhood.

 With Love, Diane

      A beautiful eulogy and life remembrance for a truly talented and kind hearted man. He loved nature, his family and many acquired friends. He will be missed but never forgotten and possibly others who were lucky enough to cross his path will follow in his foot steps and share kindness while making this world a better place to live in. RIP 

Tom became my best friend at age 5 when we were kindergarten classmates at Chase Elementary in Panorama City CA and we remained friends all of these years. We played Little League together, in the Boy Scouts together, and walked 50 miles of the John Muir Trail together. We loved the mountains, deserts, and the Pacific Ocean. We hitchhiked all over the Western States and camped in the Redwood National Forest in a huge rainstorm. Times at Sequioua, Yosemite, his folk's cabin at Big Bear, and winter camping at Fraiser shaped our lives. As teenagers, we spearfished and drove for lobster in Paradise Cove. I loved to listen to Bud sing all 4 parts of a barbershop quartet, the man had a golden voice. Carol was my second mom. The first time we got drunk on Coors beer at his house as 14-year-old kids, and George Beck threw up all over his mom's curtains, so yes, we got caught. Tom played football at Monroe and developed close friendships with Tom Ferrero, Tim Kiley, George Beck, Jim Lee, Mark Weller, and Brent Norris, the 8 of us continued to meet together for reunions over the years. I loved to hear Tom's tales of him and his dog, Horse, hitchhiking through Alaska. I was so glad to spend time with Tom and Sue at their new home in Magalia, I will cherish that time always. Tom, you will be missed by all who loved you. I was proud to be your friend for life. You had a great life Tom and I will always love you and will miss you.

Tom was an extraordinary person. I will remember most his quick wit and great sense of humor. About a year ago we had a phone conversation that lasted two hours and it seemed like two minutes!

When we all moved to Eugene, Tim and Rita and my Tom shared a small 2 bedroom house. We wanted your Tom to join us so he made the living room his bedroom. Some of the best times in my life. We eventually moved out to Crow, Or and Tom to “the farm “ We had our own baseball team “The Siuslaw Slugs” So many memories and not enough time or space to share them all.

I’m deeply sorry for your loss!