Thomas Howard Peterson

Tom Peterson, the Portland icon, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 25, 2016 at the age of 86 at Emerson House in Portland, Oregon. Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1992 and vowed not to let it take over his life. He continued to work until 2009 when Tom Peterson & Gloria’s, Too! closed its doors. Tom enjoyed life, his family and the love of his life, Gloria, whom he met at the age of 14 at church camp.

Tom was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on February 23, 1930 to the proud parents Carl and Ethel Peterson. He grew up with a love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and a bit of mischief. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Masters Degree in Business and Agricultural Economics. He went to work for the Green Giant Company in 1951 as Eastern Regional Manager, managing various production facilities east of the Mississippi, now making a career of his love for growing vegetables. He worked for the Green Giant Company for over 10 years until once on a plane he met the Vice President of sales for Muntz color televisions built in Wheeling, Illinois. Tom convinced him he was the man for a Muntz TV franchise in Portland, Oregon. So, he loaded up the family and they all moved to Portland to open up Tom Peterson’s Discount Centers.

The business prospered and of course it had its challenges. Tom never veered from the course, full speed ahead in building his business, a loyal clientele and his dreams. Tom was the ultimate pitchman and his promotions/advertisements will never be forgotten by the generations that grew up watching him on TV. He offered Free Tom Peterson haircuts, Free Tom Peterson Clocks and Watches, Free Poodles, Free Tom Peterson Masks at Halloween and his famous “Wake-up! Hey Wake-up!” and “Free Is a Very Good Price” commercials. He had cameo appearances in many movies such as Drugstore Cowboy, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, To Die For, My Own Private Idaho and Mr. Holland’s Opus. He also sponsored Portland Wrestling for many years, doing many of his commercials live from the arena.

Tom was a man of great faith and was very active in New Hope Community Church before the progression of his Parkinsons. He was also a Shriner and recently received his 50 year pin. Tom was an avid gardener, and with his best friend, Charlie Wells, received his Master Gardener certificate.

Tom is survived by his wife Gloria Peterson, son Keith Peterson, daughter Kathy Peterson, grand children Tiffany Condon-Shirley, Erik Peterson, Chelsea Condon, great grandchild Olivia Shirley, sister Janet Gutzmann and her children.

All will sorely miss the man, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend for his wisdom, advice, friendship, unconditional love and not to be forgotten, his incredible ability to remain positive and to “Never Give Up!”

There will be a public viewing on Monday August 1, 2016 from 12 pm-8 pm at Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home: 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. Portland, Oregon 97086.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland, Oregon.