Thomas Michael Walker

Thomas Michael Walker, 70, passed away on December 16, 2023 in Portland, Oregon after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Tom was born in Bend, Oregon on July 9, 1953 to George and Bonnie Walker. He was the third of four children. The family moved to Portland, Oregon, where Tom lived for the remainder of his life. He attended Ockley Green Elementary School and graduated from Jefferson High School. Tom played football and baseball while attending Clackamas Community College for a brief time.

Tom worked in the shipyards as a bricklayer as a young man, and then as a longshoreman. He was a member of the ILWU Local 8, retiring in 2013.

Tom enjoyed sports and was an excellent athlete. Baseball was his favorite sport, and he was a life-long Boston Red Sox fan. Tom spent many years playing baseball, first as a boy, then in high school playing varsity baseball. Later, he played on softball and mushball teams, and shared his love of the game with his daughters and other kids by coaching Little League softball teams. He was passionate about teaching players skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for the game. Tom’s hobbies included gardening, watching sports, collecting sports memorabilia, home improvement projects, and hanging out with the grandkids. He loved to talk sports, have a beer (back in the day), and enjoy a laugh or two with good friends.

In 1974, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Cindy (Brown) Walker. One of Tom’s greatest joys was spending time with his family. Tom was preceded in death by brothers Gerald and Kyle. He is survived by wife, Cindy; daughters Kelly Eileen and Katie Anne; grandchildren Madison, Alivia, Daniel, Avery, and Nate; and great-grandson, Jaxon; sister Sally Champlin (Roscoe); Chuck, the family dog; and many nieces, nephews, old and new friends.

A celebration of life will take place with family and friends at a later date.