Thomas John Whitehouse

Thomas John “Tom” Whitehouse, 77, passed away on July 20, 2026. He was born on August 26, 1948, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his father, George W. Whitehouse, and his mother, Doris Allen Whitehouse.

Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Dawn Quesenberry, and her husband, Jonathan; his grandsons, Jonah, Nolan, and Riley; his brothers, George Whitehouse and his wife, Kathy, and David Whitehouse and his wife, Debbie; and his sister, Lynn Birney, and her husband, Allan, as well as several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Liberty High School in 1966, Tom attended Pennsylvania State University before leaving college to volunteer for service in the United States Army.

Tom served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972 as a member of the United States Army Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets. As a first lieutenant, he served with Detachment A-413, where he became the detachment’s executive officer. He was later promoted to the rank of captain before completing his military service.

During his service, Tom received the Army Commendation Medal and Air Medal for meritorious achievement, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat. His years in the Army remained an important part of his life and reflected the loyalty, humility, and sense of responsibility that he carried with him throughout his life. Years later, he made the trip of a lifetime back to Vietnam as part of a delegation that included his father and brother.

After returning home, Tom resumed his studies at Penn State, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended the University of Miami School of Law and earned his law degree. He practiced as a defense attorney in the Miami-Dade area before eventually making his way west to Portland, Oregon.

In Portland, Tom joined The Oregonian, where he met Marilyn Hooker, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and a deep commitment to the people around them.

Tom spent approximately 30 years with Portland’s award-winning newspaper. He began his career in the advertising department and through years of dedication and hard work, ultimately became the company’s Director of Human Resources and a member of its senior management team. His work extended well beyond policies and personnel matters. Tom was known for supporting the people around him, recognizing their potential and helping create opportunities for them to succeed.

That generosity extended far beyond his professional life. In one particularly meaningful act, Tom donated bone marrow to a young boy in need. The two formed a lasting bond, and the young man remained a lifelong friend.

Music was another constant throughout Tom’s life. In 1982, he became a founding member of Rock Residue, a classic-rock cover band formed with a group of friends. The band performed throughout the Portland region for more than 20 years, giving Tom the opportunity to share his love of music and performance with countless others.

Later in life, Tom’s grandsons, Jonah, Nolan, and Riley, became a treasured source of happiness and family unity. Whether spending holidays together, attending football practices, or gathering for weekly dinners, the time he shared with them became one of the most meaningful parts of his life. He proudly wore a unique tattoo for each of them, keeping them close to him always.

Tom’s life was marked by quiet generosity, service, loyalty, and devotion to those he loved. From his military service in Vietnam to his professional career in Portland, his love of music, and above all his commitment to his family, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed.

For those that would like to donate to a cause that was meaningful for Tom please visit The Special Operations Fund @ https:// www.specialoperationsfund.org/

If you would like to join us in celebrating Toms life there will be a Celebration on October 18th from 1pm-4pm @ Ironlight 525 Third Street, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.