Thomas William Nockles

Thomas W. Nockles, age 55, passed away in his home in the presence of his family on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014. Thomas was born on August 27, 1958 in Portland, Oregon. He fathered four boys, setting an example as a man who put service to God first, and his primary ministry was service to his family. He left his sons with no question of what was important in life, and his wife will remember him through the legacy he leaves with his sons and his undying love for her. His first grandchild is expected this May.

Tom took great joy in the wilderness and loved to travel. Before his body was struck by cancer, he regularly went out hiking, cycling, and dancing with his wife. He was most in his element while rafting. His family’s favorite memories include those which they shared on trips from places like New York, Yellowstone, Alaska, Peru, and Costa Rica.

One the most amazing qualities of Tom was his communication to his family. His whole family is honored to be left knowing just how proud of each of them he was and how much they were loved. He is also survived by his brother and four sisters. Although they are spread out across the country, he had time to speak with each of them before the time of his passing. He battled for two years with an unusually aggressive form of prostate cancer, but promised he would never give up fighting with every breath. He died trying to get up after falling out of bed, proving that his word was as good as his heart.

A memorial for him will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Mountainview Christian Church, 1890 NE Cleveland Ave., Gresham, OR., at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to My Father’s house, P.O. Box 1147 Gresham, OR 97030.