Thomas "Tom" Patrick Hughes

“So, can you work hard? Are you loyal?” asked Strasser.

“Yes, sir.” Tom responded.

And with that, Tom cultivated his work ethic and unflinching loyalty in Portland’s genesis as an athletic footwear hub into a 35-year career in sports, marketing and brand building. But Tom’s true calling was in service to the community—and especially to youth—who could not have asked for a more loyal ally.

On June 15, Tom Hughes—devoted father, friend, and loyal community ally—died at his home in Portland. He was 58.

The son of Nancy and Tom Hughes, Sr., Tom grew up in Eastmoreland with his sister, Kathleen. He attended Jesuit High School, graduating in 1982, then went on to earn a BA in Communications from Pepperdine University in 1986.

Out of college, he worked for Anhueuser-Busch, then after the successful interview with Strasser in 1989, Tom got into the footwear business. First with Nike for a year, then to Sports, Inc. with Strasser, then to adidas America when Strasser and Peter Moore brought it to Portland in 1992.

Tom’s 31 years at adidas saw him in many roles, including on-site with the company’s 1994 World Cup initiatives and in marketing efforts around adidas’ college sports partners. His final position at adidas was Corporate Affairs Manager, where he interfaced with business groups and political organizations, and was the liaison with the local community and neighborhood organizations during the expansion of adidas’ Greeley Avenue campus.

It was during his time at adidas that Tom developed his knack for helping others. To quote his LinkedIn bio:

I network. I build alliances and partnerships …

I am loyal to a fault.

I value family, friends and community above all else.

With these core values, Tom was able and positioned to assist community organizations with his time, effort, business expertise and natural networking talents, and provide them access to adidas products and gear.

It was a perfect combination for Tom, as he became a fixture on the boards and in the trenches of charitable causes throughout the region. His legacy remains on organizations such as New Avenues for Youth, Bald Faced Truth Foundation, Portland Rose Festival, Project Lemonade, Stand for Children Oregon, Carlton Soccer, The Madeleine Parish, and many more.

Said Sean Suib, Executive Director of New Avenues for Youth, “Tom was a wonderful community connector … who truly cared for the Portland community. He supported New Avenues and the at-risk youth we serve for the past 20 years.”

John Canzano, founder and president of the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, recounts, “Tom would always pop up out of nowhere and do the kindest things. Whatever the charity needed. He got it done.”

Canzano continues, “He sat on the charity’s board, volunteered at events, and often said, ‘What more can I do to help?’ once there. He was especially involved in Camp Exceptional, [the charity’s] annual summer camp for special-needs and typical kids. His impact on the event was immeasurable.”

Tom was fiercely devoted to his sons, Thomas and Michael. A hands-on father, Tom’s connections and networking also allowed him to treat the boys to special experiences— including Notre Dame football games. He especially loved a great afternoon of golf with the boys at their Sunriver home.

As a friend, Tom was there with whatever you needed, sometimes even before you knew you needed it. A set of golf clubs, a football helmet or autographed memorabilia for your kids, custom Oregon Ducks golf shoes…Tom’s generosity was legendary.

And if you happened to mention your mom was in the Peace Corps, Tom was there as well. “Tom and I were chatting after school about the need for shoes and clothing for the very poor Roma families,” remembers friend Mary Hoglund. “Next thing I know he had shipped two HUGE boxes of shoes and clothing to Satu Mare, Romania for my Mom to hand out to families. Once that supply dried up, he sent ANOTHER two huge boxes.”

Mary sums it up perfectly, “Such a good, generous, kind man.”

In addition to sons Thomas and Michael, Tom is survived by his sister Kathleen Hughes (Scott Williams), and cousins John Edward Hughes and Carol Ronningen.

A funeral Mass for Tom will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church (The Madeleine), 3123 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Tom’s name to Bald Faced Truth Foundation, www.baldfacedtruth.org, or New Avenues for Youth, www.newavenues.org/donate.