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Thomas Orton Obituary
Born May 30, 1951, Pasadena, CA, died March 14, 2017 at his home in Edmonds. Tom was preceded in death by his parents George and Frances Orton of Seattle. He is survived by his brother Steve, and partner Gail Longhi, of Seattle, brother Rob and sister-in-law Jane Orton of Gig Harbor, brother Patrick Orton and brother-in-law Richard Schlichting of Seattle, also by his niece Katherine and her husband Jordan Pomeroy and their daughter Ella Jane of Seattle and two nephews, David and John Orton, of Gig Harbor.
Tom grew up in Tacoma and Seattle, attended St. Joseph School in Seattle and Seattle Prep. He received a BA at Seattle University and an MA in creative writing at the University of Montana. He was a published novelist and free-lance writer. His book, Kenneth Callahan, on the northwest artist, was selected for specific mention in 2004 by the Washington State Librarian.
Tom kept his writing career alive by working at Elliott Bay Books, Beks Books and Second Story Books in Seattle. He loved literature and the physical presence of books and tried to convey this appreciation to others. In 1999 he publicly thanked his customers for "allowing him to put good books into their hands". Tom created the blog Rogue Rhythm: Parkinson's and the Rest of Life, an informative and often humorous account of his experiences with Parkinson's Disease.
Tom sustained friendships from grade school and every subsequent endeavor of his life. His many friends in turn sustained him in a seven year battle with Parkinson's Disease that in many cases went well beyond the requirements of friendship.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Orton
Sponsored by The Family.
Kelly Courage
May 30, 2017
So sorry to here of your sad loss of such a generous spirit. Tom and I became friends at Seattle Prep when I was a freshman. He disappeared my sophomore year. I presently live in greater Missoula. I've been here 36 years. I noticed his memoriam in the U of Montana magazine today. My daughter graduated from Montana. I was searching for Tom in the last year on google and gave up too easily.I wish I had known of his illness and his successful life.I would have loved to show him my support and encouragement. Thank you Tom for being a friend at a very difficult time for me.
Bruce Guenther
April 27, 2017
Heartfelt condolences for the loss of this bright spirit who brought grace and wit to every encounter. Tom's ready smile and always thoughtful observations about art, books, and people made life in our circle of friends richer intellectually and emotionally. Forever youthful on my wall in photographs by Marsha Burns, Tom has continued to spark a smile and the warmth of shared conversations for me over the years. Ars Longa, Vita Brevis.
April 25, 2017
Whenever I think of Tom, I remember the many times we laughed until tears came and we were gasping and choking on words. XO
Jan
April 10, 2017
To Tom's family,
My deepest condolences with the loss of Tom. He became a friend at the Park Vista, and we occassionally shared "happy hour" together. I loved his wit and irreverent sense of humor, He lent me books and made great recommendations.
His Parkinson's blog was wonderful, especially the story about the day he gave up wearing socks. I know he was much beloved by his many friends.
Sincerely,
Lonnie Martin
McGuigan
March 31, 2017
Thankful for all the great family memories.
Slainte'
Pat
Alexia Smith
March 26, 2017
As a neighbor I always found Tom soft spoken but with a wise voice, quick sense of humor, and the kindest of regards. I am glad that I have known him.
Lorne Canfield
March 26, 2017
Condolences to the entire Orton Family. Great people and great neighbors back on the Hill. Bless all of you.
Dan Layman
March 24, 2017
To the Orton Family you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Tom and Pat from the Capitol Hill days running thru their folks yard. I also remember Tom as the Person who could find any book at Elliott Bay
March 24, 2017
The Seattle Prep community sends its condolences to the Orton family at the death of Tom Orton, class of 1969. Father Paul Fitterer, SJ has offered mass in memory of Tom. Tom's name has been placed in The Book Of Remembrance on the altar in Our Lady Of Montserrat Chapel at Seattle Prep. We are very sorry for your loss.
Margaret Ryan
March 24, 2017
Hi Pat and family. Grace and Ease as you process and grieve the death of Tom. I send you prayers and love ❤ across the Cascades from my home in Walla Walla.
Peggy Fawthrop
Kathy Conroy O'Hara
March 24, 2017
Dear Orton family, I'm very sad for your loss. I knew Tom from St. Joe's. When we were in (maybe) 5th or 6th grade or so, we both played violin in the HNA Orchestra. Tom was a super nice guy, and an excellent writer. I hope he forgave me for forgetting to return his advance copy of "The Lost Glass Plates of Wilfred Eng". I think of him often, and I hope you can find comfort in happy memories of your lives with him. Kathy (Conroy) O'Hara
George A. Mead
March 23, 2017
I'm so sorry for the Orton family. Our family lived across the street and a few houses north and we all regarded the Ortons as indispensable in our young lives.
All the best to you, Pat. I hope our paths cross before too long
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