Thomas O'Halloran

Tom was the first born at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland to John and Ellen (Whitney) O’Halloran. The family grew, with two sisters and five bothers joining him over the years. He learned many valuable lessons and a strong work ethic in his youth on the family farm in Tigard. Tom told of tending to the animals and the garden, delivering eggs and milk by bicycle, learning to drive at age 12, and helping his Mother with the younger ones. He attended elementary school at St. Anthony’s and graduated from Tigard High School in 1939.

His plans to attend college in Corvallis were delayed when he joined the United States Navy. Tom’s time in the service provided him with the opportunity to see the world, meet interesting people, and grow some special lifetime friendships. The Navy, broadening his views and bolstering his confidence in his talents and abilities, changed his life significantly. After receiving his degree in mechanical engineering from OSU, he went to work for Cole, Clark and Cunningham, Inc. He worked his entire career for the same company, enjoying steady advancement and distinguishing himself in the field of industrial insurance.

Tom was introduced to Betty Lou Beroud by his sister, Helen. In December 1946, they were married at St. Anthony’s and built their home in Tigard on property gifted from his parents. They welcomed seven children over the years: Michael Dennis, Ronald Louis, Sharon Louise, Thomas Kevin, Kelly Shawn, Linda Marie, and Terrance Robert, also twin boys: David and Joseph, who passed at birth.

In a household of nine, there were few dull moments. Tom recalls a skunk spraying Mickey just as the family was to leave for his First Communion, severed fingers during the upstairs home build-out, and visits from the local rural fire department for various rescue operations. The kids were always ‘into something’ and Tom took each situation in stride. As an involved and loving father, he led by example – that hard work, respect, and kindness mattered. In 1969, Tom and Betty Lou bought acreage on Beef Bend Road and built a home, where he has lived since 1972.

In May of 1990, Tom and Winnie Drake were married. As a retired couple, they enjoyed many international and domestic trips. Their travels included trips to Indonesia, Holland, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and Alaska. They enjoyed working the farm and hosting family events and entertaining countless visitors at Sharlin Farm.

Throughout his life, Tom was active in St. Anthony’s Parish at many levels. His dedication to Catholic causes continued including charity and volunteer work with St. Vincent de Paul, St. Anthony Grade School, Knights of Columbus, Jesuit High School, and other organizations. After his fathers' passing in 1961, Tom initiated and led a cemetery revitalization project, and is credited with its transformation, ongoing improvements and maintenance of this historic Tigard landmark. The now beautiful St. Anthony Cemetery is the resting place for Tom’s parents, uncle, brothers, sister, his wife, their children, and countless friends. It will be his final resting place as well with a private internment Thursday.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife; Betty Lou, twin boys; Joseph and David, children; Linda O’Halloran and Tom O’Halloran.

His wife, Winnie, her 3 children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who knew him as “Papa Tom”, will dearly miss him. Tom’s surviving children: Michael, Ron, Sharon, Kelly, Terry, his 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren carry his memory in their hearts.

Memorial Contributions would be appreciated to the Knights of Columbus and/or St. Vincent DePaul Society.