Thomas Paul Ferrero

Tom grew up in Southern California with his parents; Charles Fredrick Ferrero Sr. and Mary Elizabeth McDonald, and brother; Charles Fredrick Ferrero Jr. Tom loved body surfing in the Pacific and playing football. His time as a lineman for the Monroe Vikings, class of 1969, brought him great joy and great friends. During the 1970’s Tom was active in the anti-war movement. In the late 70’s he and his closest friends moved to Oregon to start a new life. Tom attended the University of Oregon where he received a bachelor of science in Geology. Tom eventually relocated to Ashland, Oregon where he settled for 25 years. He raised a family, coached his son’s sports teams, and owned and operated a successful geologic consulting business. He loved being in nature and had explored much of the wilderness of the great Pacific Northwest. Tom mapped much of the Northern California and Southern Oregon mountainous forestland for the Forest service during the 1980’s and 1990’s. During a time when geographical mapping technologies were limited to aerial photography, Tom hiked through treacherous landscapes and made observations on the local flora, fauna and geologic features to complete forest service resource and topographical mapping of these areas. After raising his sons in Ashland, Tom made a life changing journey back to California in 2006. Upon his return he was offered a position in the office of Mined Land Reclamation where he excelled and rose to the top in leadership. During that time he was able to spend time with his granddaughter Sophie whom he treasured and shared a love of fossils and rocks. His final journey was to Albany, Oregon to lead a team as the Assistant Director of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Tom was excited and enthusiastic about this new challenge in his life and his return to Oregon. He was a kind, attentive and loving father who always looked out for the best interests of his children in every way. He was funny, intelligent, a huge fan of music and sports. His love of the Oregon Ducks and Jazz music was a huge part of who he was. He gave himself completely to the causes he believed in and never thinking of himself he gave to his family, dedication and support. Tom was admired professionally and personally for his integrity and honesty. He was a mentor for many young geologists and athletes. Tom’s quick wit, gentle nature, articulately soft spoken manner and always encouraging ways will be sadly missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know him. A staggering loss, Tom is survived by his wife Carlene, Daughter Lia Story (Dylan), sons Andreu and Martin, Brother Chuck, his Granddaughter Sophie Bell, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Tom’s Celebration of Life will be held at March 7, 2015 at 12 pm at the Community Center in Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon. Please come to share your memories and stories.