Thomas Edward Dent Sr.

Tom was many things to all numbers of people. There was no denying the twinkle that always shone through his eyes. His humor and love were clearly visible through those portals to his soul. He could be feisty, but then can’t we all.

Although Tom was born in Portland, OR he spent most of the years of his youth growing up in Gresham, OR.

His passions were history, genealogy and Volkswalking, where he met his wife Joy. Tom made it his goal to walk all 50 states of the union which he did. He loved to share his knowledge and you better be listening because he would quiz you on what you retained from the wealth of information he would pass on to you.

Tom discovered a love for cruise ship touring with his wife Joy and they traveled to many corners of the world enjoying and discovering new places and the adventures that cruising brought to them after retirement.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon in 1958. In 2010 during the senior part of his life, he achieved a Master’s Degree in Military History from Norwich University. This was a very proud moment for him. Tom retired as a commissioned major from the US Army.

Tom leaves behind his wife of 28 years Joy Dent, and five children: Valerie Dent, Thomas E. Dent Jr., Bonnie Barker, Susan Lampley and Kelsey Jones. Tom’s extended family through Joy, Todd and Lisa Duvall, along with their children and grandchildren were very loved by him. Tom would want to say something special to Marilyn McGovern for all the love she gave of herself for many years to both he and Joy. Tom Jr.'s wife Eileen Dent has also been a source of support and of love to both Tom and Joy.

Tom had acquired so many friends and acquaintances throughout his life it would be his wish to say something special for each of them but that might entail writing a book. Extreme thanks go out to Tom’s team of Hospice workers from Kaiser. They developed close relationships and went above and beyond to help Tom as he moved on to his next journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kaiser Hospice. For details please visit: www.rosshollywoodfuneralchapel.com