Tom K. Falconer

How do you begin to write about a man like Tom Falconer? Do you begin with his passions for cars, boats, and music? Do you talk about his history in the military, fire station, and those he served in the community? Do you talk about all the fond memories camping, kayaking, and fishing? How about his love for great food? How do you begin to touch upon all the great friends and family he loved and loved him? How do you describe the twinkle in his eye as he spoke about those he loved? We know he always had a great laugh, a persistent smile, and happiness that shone through in everything he did. He had such a kind gentle spirit. As we began to write about Tom we found the story we loved the best was the story Tom had written himself. The following is his life events as told by Tom. We hope you enjoy a glimpse of the man who will forever be in our hearts.

I was born and raised in the Portland area. I attended Jefferson High School and four different grade schools...the last three I remember are Buckman, Vernon and Highland. My first job was as a lot boy working a couple of lots on Union Ave. when I was 14 yrs old. I bought my first car at 14, a 49 Ford, and I have been suffering from dashboard fever ever since then. At 18 I joined the United States Navy..I signed up for 4 yrs. but was extended because I was on board The USS TICONDEROGA, an aircraft carrier, over seas in the South China Seas when Vietnam blew up. I served in The Gulf of Tonkin in the early days of the war. I was sent back to the States finally, after my discharge date, because we were stuck in the Gulf for 80 days launching aircraft to Vietnam... before we made port. I was married and had a daughter (Theresa) the last year or so of service. I was very glad to get back stateside with my family. I got hired on the fire dept....Fire Dist. 10...Multnomah Co. in Jan. of 1971. It was a great place to work and serve the public. I really had a job I loved. My wife, Sharon, and I have 3 beautiful children... and one foster boy Bobby and step daughter Tammie ....and I am very proud of each one. Sharon and I divorced in 1982. Since then, I helped raise 3 other kids...Teresa Lynn...and then in 1990 along came Timmy and Paul into my life....Those boys sure gave me a run for my money. LOL...love them all. In 2004 I married Timmy and Pauls mom...Renee....its been a blast and some times trying...but I would do it again if given a choice. One thing I know now is...todays kids are much faster and smarter in the ways of life...they sure can keep you on your toes. Besides family and loved ones, my other big interest in life have been music and hotrods and custom cars and sailing...I love music..old new..R&R country,blues, even classical. I have 4 cars in my shop...the oldest is a 34 Ford, also a 39 Ford and a 49 Mercury and a 49 Lincoln...and I miss my 32' ketch sailboat...always watching for another sailboat. Family, great friends...music and fast cars have kept the fun meter in my life on High!...I Love It All! I guess maybe this is a little long...but that is what you want when it comes to life...

Tom is survived by his wife Renee, daughter Theresa of Pendleton, daughter Jackie of Salem, son Troy of Corbett, stepson Tim of Portland, stepson Paul of Corbett; grandchildren Mariha, Justin, Allison, Jackson, Jaden; great grandchildren Jayda, Kaylee, and Morgan; brother Marty, brother Mark, brother Mike, and sister Lisa. He was preceded in death by his father Robert K. Falconer, mother Violet Brown, sister Collette Kramer, and sister Penny Lowe.

A Celebration of life will be held at Corbett Community Church January 21st at 1:00 pm. The family suggests any memorials be made in Toms name to a local chapter of the Red Cross.