Thomas James Bishop

November 2, 1928, Portland, Oregon ~

March 27, 2011, Portland, Oregon

Thomas James Bishop was born to parents James and Stella (Strong) Bishop in Portland, Oregon on November 2nd, 1928. He was born in St. Vincent Hospital and he died in the same hospital on March 27th, 2011.

He traveled the world yet God brought him home for his last days.

Tom attended the old Hayward School in the 1930s while living on a farm as a boy. The school was a one-room school house, grades 1-8. Each grade was a row of desks in the room.

He Joined the Navy at age 17, just prior to the end of WWII. After his first enlistment, he went to work for MA Bell and reenlisted 18 months later.

During his almost 25 years of service spanning 3 major wars, he was stationed in San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and Japan with deployments in Korea and Viet Nam. His fondest memories were of his time spent aboard the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier off the shores of Viet Nam. He loved the Navy and Serving his Country.

He raised his family in Alderwood Manor, Washington. After retirement, he

worked for a non-profit organization called Job Therapy, It was a prison ministry program working with inmates and teaming them up with a "foster family" to help them adjust when they got out. He remained committed to that ministry even after funding dried up. Thomas was a proud member of Light & Life Community Church in Hoquiam.

He also served as the Executive Director of the Washington Dump Truck Association before finally retiring and moving to Hoquiam, Washington to be closer to his grandchildren.

He married Dalene Bones in Portland Oregon in July 8, 1953. She remained the center of his life until her death May 2nd, 1997.

Tom loved to fish, build model ships and airplanes, especially those about naval battles. He also loved to collect various tools to go with his modeling, sometimes several of each.

Military history was one of his passions. He could spend hours watching documentaries about battles and wars of the past.

Dad loved to cook for his family and friends and when he got together with his brother Mike (who also loved to cook) it was a very loving competition.

Most of all he loved people. He was very social and would be the life

of any party. Always a smile and a kind word for anyone he met.

His love will be carried forward by his children and those who were touched by him.

Tom is predeceased by his loving wife, Dalene; a brother, E. Michael Bishop; and a sister, Mollimae Coddington.

Survivors include his children; Doug Bishop, Curt Bishop, Lynn Micheau and Scott Bishop; and grandchildren; Shaun Bishop; Alexis and Sarah Micheau; Samuel, Micah and Abigail Tarrel.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at noon on Monday, April 4, 2011 in Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611