Thomas Marvin Rykert

Tom grew up in Modesto, California and graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in history. He then spent two years in an internship program at Peninsula Bible church in Palo Alto, Ca.

He moved to Oregon to attend two years at Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. After which, Tom enjoyed a wonderful career of 35 years, as a State Farm Insurance agent from 1977 to 2012 and loved the people he served.

For the last 15 years of his life Tom volunteered at a local elementary school helping the youngest children learn to read. He believed that reading is the most critical skill they needed to learn. He loved those kids.

Tom loved being active, from holding a pole vaulting record, for 20 years at his high school…. to golfing, camping and waterskiing with his girls, fishing, snow skiing, singing in the choir, dancing and cycling in Cycle Oregon with his wife Karol.

He is survived by his wife Karol of 23 years; his 3 daughters, Jessica Holt (Scott), Naomi Morton (John) and Katy Pollock (Jason); his step-children Kris Herold (Tom) and Dan Eckton; and his 9 grandchildren Sam, Lucy, Piper, Dylan, Austin, Trask, Ella, Anders and Annalena; as well as his brother Joe Rykert (Tammy) and sister Susan Johnson (Rodney).

In place of flowers, please donate to Tom's favorite Charity: Remembernhu.org