Obituary of Thomas Dempsey

Thomas Dempsey passed away on December 21, 2023 at his Eastco Diversified Services Group Home, Willow House, in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends. Born on August 9, 1965 to Michael Dempsey and Christine ‘Monika’ Dempsey (maiden Urbanietz) in Moetsch near Bitburg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Tom or Tommy, as he was known to friends and family, was 58 years old. Tommy is survived by his step-mother Fran Dempsey; brother, Stephen Dempsey (Delinda) of LaCenter, WA, and sisters Sarah Dempsey (Craig Tyler) of Seattle, WA and Emily Dempsey (Scott Dandurant) of Kailua, HI. He leaves behind his Uncle James ‘Jed’ Dempsey (Evelyn); Uncle Ralph ‘Tom’ Dempsey, and Uncle Grady Dempsey; and his dear cousin Steve Armstrong (Anne). He was blessed with a niece, Heather Wall (Ryan) and a nephew, Michael C. Dempsey, and two great-nephews, Logan Ryba and Mason Wall. He was preceded in death by his mother, Monika, and father, Michael, and his grandparents. Tom was rich in friends and family and he treasured the time he spent with them. Tom was born with Down Syndrome, but he never let his extra chromosome hold him back. Tom grew up in Portland and enjoyed spending time outside with his dad, brother, Cousin Steve, aunts and uncles. He loved Johnny Cash and could dance all night and play a mean air guitar. Tom graduated from Reynolds High School in 1986 and went on to attend a life skills program at Mt Hood Community College. In 1988, when Tom was 20 years old, he moved out of his childhood home and into a group home called, “Bush Street” which was operated by Eastco Diversified Services, transitioning again to another Eastco home, “Willow House” in 2008. Over the course of 35 years, as part of the Eastco Family, the friends Tom met were numerous, and brought him so much joy. Tom loved his Eastco roommates and caregivers, and in many ways, they were all extended family for Tom. With his Eastco ‘family’ he traveled to Disneyland, the Oregon Coast, and enjoyed many other fun vacations. Tom also worked a variety of jobs with Eastco, one of his favorites being the opportunity to work at Burger King. Tom loved a cheeseburger, fries, and a diet coke! He also participated in the Special Olympics, earning a gold medal in swimming. Tom enjoyed bowling, making art, eating good food, helping around Eastco, and laughing with friends. Wherever Tom went he brought a sense of joy, making people smile. You could often find Tom wearing a big grin and his favorite Gresham Firefighter jacket, courtesy of Shane Bemis, CEO of Eastco Diversified Services and former mayor of Gresham. Tom was a kind and thoughtful soul. He will be remembered for the way he loved everyone he met and the way he could always bring a smile to their faces. He lived a good life and was blessed to have loved and been loved by many. Tom’s absence leaves a big hole in the hearts of his many friends and family. He will be dearly missed. It’s not the same here without him, but we are comforted that he joins loved ones in Heaven, renewed in Christ. Tom’s life will be celebrated on January 3, 2024 at the Eastco Facility at 215 SW Wallula Ave in Gresham, Oregon, from 11:00 am – 1:00 PM. His family and friends will gather to share memories of Tom, dance to Johnny Cash, and enjoy a cheeseburger and diet coke in his honor. In lieu of gifts please make any donations to Eastco Diversified Services in Tom’s honor.