THOMAS HERRON obituary

A celebration of his life was held in Oregon City on Dec. 22. Tom was born on July 9, 1945, in Havre, Mont., to Francis C. Herron and Mary Louise Herron. He spent his entire childhood in Havre, graduating from Havre Central High School in 1963. Tom served in the Army, which included a year-long assignment in Turkey, before moving to Seattle, Wash. In Seattle, he met his future wife, Marsha, and they married in 1970. Tom and Marsha lived in Seattle for several years, where Tom started his career in medical supplies. He worked for nearly 38 years in the medical supply business with companies in Omaha, Neb., Spokane, Wash. And Portland, Ore. Tom found his real passion in the garden. He ran a successful organic gardening business called "Growing Life Farms" for many years, growing and then delivering organic vegetables and herbs to restaurants committed to cooking with local produce. Tom loved to share his knowledge of gardening with anyone and used his business to help others who were in need of work or mentoring. Tom and Marsha have three children, Gabe Herron, who resides with his wife, Kristin, in Scappoose, Ore., Lindsay Herron, who lives in Denver, Colo.; and Grant Herron, who is attending Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. Tom is survived by his wife and children as well as a brother, Don Herron and wife Patti, of Olympia, Wash.; sisters, Joanie Evans and husband Clint, of Auburn, Wash., and Kathleen Herron of Sravasti Abbey, Newport, Idaho. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly. Tom's unforgettable laugh and passion for helping and supporting others will be greatly missed by all of those whose life he touched. Memorial contributions can be made to your local food bank or to Loaves and Fishes by calling (503) 953-8131. For further information on how to make a memorial gift, please contact Georgi Byer at gbyer@lfcpdx. Org.