Died December 26th, 2022 in Portland, Oregon of Natural Causes. Grew up and went to school in Centralia, WA as the 2nd youngest of 6 children. He was very athletic and played all sports, and especially loved Football. At age 42, he took up Golf and became a low handicap golfer. He loved animals and always had a Dog or 2, REX and TAG and ROCKY to name a few. Tom got the nickname Cowboy for his love of Horses. At one time He owned and took care of 7 Horses. He loved to ride.
He was a born salesman, at the age of 12 He sold more Magazines than any other kid in the State of WA and won an award. Then World War II started and cut his High School experience short. He knew he would soon get drafted so he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 at the tender age of 17. He went through Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. Then shipped out overseas to the South Pacific to go to WAR. He landed on many islands, and was Honorably Discharged in 1946 after earning awards for his expert marksmanship with pistols and rifles. World War 2, taught him to never let anyone or anything bother him again, to always look forward and take care of those around him.
Came back home and went to work in the Family Business started by His Father and then owned by his older brother. Not knowing what He wanted to do He took a break and went traveling all over the USA. Met His future wife Carmen in Florida and followed Her to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where they married. They returned to the West Coast in L.A. and had 2 sons, Tommy Jr. and Bruce.
Traveled back to the Pacific Northwest, and settled in Portland, where he started his Steel Distribution Business, “Tom Hartman Steel” in the early 1960’s. He was the Tree Trunk of the Family, shown through his strength, honesty and hard work ethic. In growing his business, everything was negotiable, and he always brought the Marine ethic of “adapt, overcome, improvise”.
He worked his business until 1996 when he retired. His retirement was 31 years in Arizona, Portland, and the Oregon Coast in Warrenton. His Wife Carmen passed away in 1998. He was introduced to Sally Sanvitale in the year 2000 and they stayed together for over 20 years until she passed away 2020.
Preceded in death by his wife Carmen and son Bruce. Survived by his eldest son Tom JR., Significant Woman Valerie, Grandson Harley, significant Woman Azucena, 3 Great Grandchildren, Andres, Harley Jr., and Amaia.
Forever loved, always with us, always giving us strength, missed by all of us every day.
Funeral Service and Reception at Finley’s Sunset Hills at 12 pm. 1-12-23, followed by Military Burial at MT. Calvary. Please send any donations to Oregon Humane Society.
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