Thomas Walter "Tom" Smalley

Thomas Walter Smalley passed away on April 6, 2023, peacefully surrounded by family. He passed too young, at the age of 77, from complications of a stroke. Born May 5, 1945, to Marjorie and Clyde Smalley, followed by his sister, Carol. Tom is survived by his wife, Linda of 59 years, his children Tamera (Gary), Michele (Mark) and son Matthew (Jennifer), grandchildren, Stephanie, Joshua, Addison, Emily, Taylor, Reid, and Carter as well as six great grandchildren.

On March 26, 1964 he married his one and only love, Linda in Bandon, Oregon. He moved to Ashland, Oregon to attend college in September of 1964, and he finished his pharmaceutical education at Oregon State University.

Tom began his career with Payless Drug Store in North Bend, Oregon in 1968. Tom and Linda moved to Aberdeen, Washington in 1972 where Tom went into management with Payless. In 1978 they moved to Springfield, Oregon, and ultimately ended up in Paradise, CA as a manager with Payless from 1984. In 1990 Tom returned to Oregon as a pharmacist in Brookings, and retired in 2008 after 40 years with the same company.

During their time in Brookings, Tom and Linda got to watch Tammy’s family grow. Then at the beginning of retirement Tom and Linda moved to Chico, CA to be with Michele and her family. They then moved to Nampa, Idaho to be with Matthew and his family, where they reside currently. Tom was a pivotal member of Nampa Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon, an elder, and the chair of the personnel committee. Here he established committed, fun, and loving friendships.

Tom loved his many Labrador Retrievers, model trains, fly fishing and old western movies. He played basketball and baseball in high school, as well as keeping stats for football and baseball games for the local newspapers. He was the vice president of the Bandon High School student body, and the king of the Senior Ball, because he was a friend to all. He loved watching his Golden State Warriors on T.V. Tom enjoyed shooting at the range, water skiing, and was the king of Easter Egg coloring. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports.

Tom is loved and admired for his charismatic, intelligent wit that lit up a room and left a smile on the face of many. Tom was fiercely loyal as a husband, father and grandfather. He was the much appreciated and trustworthy rock of his family because of his wisdom, compassion, and reliability. 

His grandchildren speak of his honest, supportive, sincerity. Tom will always be appreciated for being his authentic self. He was the grandfather that swam with and played on the floor with his grandchildren.

Tom was a foxy red neck in the best of ways, and an unsurpassed husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, a love for God, family and friends. A service will be held at Nampa First United Presbyterian Church on May 6th, 2023 at 11am.

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