Dr. Thomas C. Bolton

Dr. Thomas C. Bolton
June 8, 1922-July 13, 2008

We lost our beloved Dr. Thomas C. Bolton on Sunday, July 13, 2008, after a short battle with cancer.

Dr. Bolton had a long and very distinguished medical career. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on June 8, 1922, to Thomas C. Bolton and Helen Davidson Bolton. He graduated from Princeton University in 1944 and continued his life-long passion of medicine at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1947. After medical school, Dr. Bolton interned at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, where he fell in love and married Helen Reidel in June of 1947. He served as Medical Officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1947 to 1949 on a hospital ship. After his U.S. Naval service, Dr. Bolton completed his residency at Northwestern Department of Orthopedic Surgery from 1949 to 1952. After his residency, Tom, Helen, and their first two children, Tom and Mary Ann, moved to Truth or Consequences, N.M., and spent three years at the Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children. Their third child, Jeff, was born in El Paso while the family was in New Mexico. At the strong suggestion of his life-long friend, Dr. Bill Mayer, he moved to Medford in 1955 and became the second orthopedic surgeon in Medford. He then founded the Medford Orthopedic Group, he and Helen had their fourth child, Barbara, and he continued to enjoy an active medical practice until his retirement in 1990. His kind and generous nature combined with his love and devotion to his work endeared him to his patients and staff.

During his career, Dr. Bolton was actively affiliated with many medical groups. He is a past president of the Jackson County Medical Society and Providence Hospital Board, past President of the Oregon Chapter of the Western Orthopedic Association and past Vice President of the North Pacific Orthopedic Association. He was also a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons and Sicot (International Society of Orthopedics).

Dr. Bolton's busy practice and involvement didn't preclude many community activities. He was continually giving back to the community that he loved so much. He was a Paul Harris Fellow in the Medford Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he served on the board of the Craterian Theatre, and for 15 years he was the team physician for the Medford Senior High football team. Dr. Bolton was a long-time devoted member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, was Senior Warden and a trustee of the Endowment Board.

Dr. Bolton had countless interests. First of all, he was a true "People Person" and had the gift of brightening a room just by being there. He would actively seek to acknowledge those around him and express his appreciation of them. He was a firm believer in education and would consistently ask young people "What are your plans?" and "Where do you go to school?" With his strong interest in education, Tom continued to work with Princeton, recruiting and supporting potential students. He enjoyed many sports and continued to play tennis on a regular schedule up until a few months ago. Fishing on the Rogue River was one of his many passions and recently had a successful day on the river with his dear friend, Dr. Mario Campagna.

Dr. Bolton's wife of 45 years, Helen, passed away in 1992. Dr. Bolton was blessed to fall in love and marry Arlene Cunningham in 1994, and has had a wonderful 14 years sharing their lives together. This brought new members to his family including: Scott and Vicki Cunningham of Medina, Wash.; Bruce and Kathy Cunningham of Lake Oswego, Ore.; David and MaryLou Cunningham of Boise, Idaho; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The combined families provided many graduations, soccer games, christenings and weddings.

In 2000, Dr. Bolton and Arlene moved to the Rogue Valley Manor and he quickly became involved in medical programs there. He was the chairman of the monthly luncheons and programs for all the doctors living at the Manor, and he directed the medical educational committee which provided programs for all residents.

Retirement allowed the joy for many travels with Arlene. A favorite destination was where they owned a condominium at the Inn at Spanish Head in Lincoln City, where he served on various boards for years up until his death. They also enjoyed many trips and cruises together.

Dr. Bolton will be remembered in many ways. He had much love, concern, and sharing with his beloved family, friends, and patients. Many have said that he is the best friend any of us ever had. One of the members of the Inn at Spanish Head recently wrote:"Thank you for being such a warm person. Over the years you have brightened up the hotel by being here because you're a friend to so many."

Dr. Bolton is survived by his loving wife, Arlene; his sons, Tom (Dell) of Raleigh, N.C. and Jeff (MiOK), of Seoul, South Korea, daughters Mary Ann Hopewell (Ky) of Federal Way, Wash. and Barbara Hopewell (Charles), of Chehalis, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth of Raleigh, N.C., Brad (Grace) of Washington D.C., Hillary (Jeff) of Spokane, Wash., Kimberly and Samantha of Chehalis, Wash., John of Charlotte, N.C., Ted of Seoul, South Korea; and one great-grandson, Julian, of Washington D.C.

A celebration of Tom's life and Memorial service will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church on Monday, July 21, 2008, at 2:00 in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Health Center, 14 Myrtle St, Medford, Ore. 97504, or a charity of choice.