Thomas was born April 15, 1939 to Edwin and Alma (Holden) Tatom. He was raised on the north fork of the Siuslaw River in Florence, where he graduated from high school. Tom had lived in Florence, Mapleton, Newport, British Columbia, Canada; Sitka, Alaska; and retired in Winchester Bay.

He had worked in the logging industry as a timber faller, heavy equipment operator and log truck driver. At one time he owned and operated his own logging company. He was a hard worker and logging was his passion. He also owned and operated a commercial fishing boat for a time and was an avid fisherman in younger years.

Tom loved flowers, especially roses. He took special care of the many rose bushes in his yard. He enjoyed giving beautiful fresh-cut roses to ladies walking by his place.

Tom was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Tom had a great sense of humor and loved to tease. Those blue eyes of his would really twinkle when he pulled something over on someone with his teasing. He had a kind heart and was a friend to many. Tom will be missed by all of us, but our lives are much richer because we had him with us for a while.

Tom is survived by his two devoted pet dogs, Lady Bug and Boo who are missing him and now are looking for a new home. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Tracy and Joyce; his adopted family, Rick and Julie Beck and Carrie and Alisha Hoile; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Alma Tatom; three brothers, Edwin, Henry and Gerald Tatom; and sister, Elloise LaBar.