Thomas Alan Ries

Thomas A. Ries (Tom) was born on January 22, 1957, in Sonoma, California, to Theodore and Doris Ries. He died on April 25, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Tom was a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine for approximately 25 years at his TV Highway Chiropractic clinic in Aloha, Oregon.

Tom graduated from Sonoma Valley High School where he pursued interests in skiing and tennis. He worked as an auto mechanic after high school but eventually moved to Oregon with his best friend Reagan. In Oregon, he worked in construction and sustained a back injury that changed his future. Inspired by the chiropractor who treated his back, Tom formulated a passionate plan to become a chiropractor himself. He returned to California for pre-med schooling, journeyed back to Oregon to study in Gresham, and bought the Aloha clinic. His patients praised his compassionate, caring manner and his ability to explain, in laymen’s terms, the complex conditions suffered by his patients.

Tom married the love of his life Midgann Maddix in 1991. They celebrated 32 years together in their Portland and Naalehu, Hawaii homes. After retirement in 2013, Tom turned his boundless energy into remodeling their Hawaii home. He volunteered his medical experience on behalf of the Discovery Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. He worked a couple days each week for Vacation International at their Sea Mountain Resort.

Tom never did anything half way. He took up golf as a hobby but also caddied at important tournaments, absorbing tips from the pros. His special interest in flying radio-controlled (RC) airplanes led Tom to build and fly many in Hawaii and Oregon. He treasured numerous hours of flying time with his beloved buddies in the Sky Knights Club in Portland.

Tom is survived by his wife Midgann, brother Ted, sister-in-law Vergie, nephews Russ, Brian and Trevor Ries, and great-nephews and nieces: Christopher, Casey, Derek, David, Gavin, Jasmine-Marie, Elizabeth and Taylor Ries.

From Tom’s brother Ted: “Dr. Tom was a loving, independent brother with a big heart. He and Midgann hosted many memorable backyard gatherings for our whole family, enjoyed by all. Tom maneuvered life with deliberate plans and achieved his goals admirably. He will be missed.”

From Tom’s wife Midgann: “Fly high, Babe!”

A celebration of life will be held this summer. Donations can be sent to: Canine Companions, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 (include on Memo line: “Independence”).