Thomas Joseph Kemp

Thomas Joseph Kemp was born on November 16, 1984 at 9:45 pm at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon to Cecelia and Joseph Kemp. His Grandma Ruby provided daycare and he attended preschool at the Apostolic Worship Center and Children’s World. He began playing soccer at the age of 4 with Gresham Youth Soccer Club. That year, he sold the most pepperoni sticks (over 400 ) and won a bike, and a trike for his younger sister Tina and had his picture published in the Gresham, Outlook.  He played T-Ball for the Corbett Cardinals. He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and was selected to become a member of The Order of the Arrow. He attended Troutdale Elementary School. On his first day of Kindergarten, he was sent to the Principals office and his mother was called back to the school from work to pick him up due to his uncontrollable behavior. This would set the precedent for the remainder of his educational experience. He loved dinosaurs, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, his “Nosey Bear” and was an avid Nintendo player when he was not out at the fishing hole. He attended Reynolds Middle School and Walt Morey Middle School. He was a member of Gresham Chapter Order of DeMolay. He attended Reynolds High School and as a sophomore became a charter member of The Natural Resource Academy located at Springdale Ranger Station. He built the greenhouse, grew plants and held the annual plant sale that funded this program. It was very near and dear to his heart. During this time, he met the love of his life Jenny Korosi. He played football, ran cross country and was on the wrestling team. Thomas loved fishing and hunting. They were lifelong passions for him from a very young age and eventually led him to his career path. He was self-employed as a Hunting and Fishing Guide and a landscaper. He planned to take business classes at Mt Hood Community College to prepare himself to start his own Cast and Blast Guide Service. He spent years of his life mastering his outdoorsman skills building up to that dream. Thomas led a simple life. His favorite pastimes involved family and friends, often helping others. His favorite toys were his white Ford diesel truck and his Jon boat. He also loved animals, especially his golden retriever “Bear” and his black lab “Buddy”. Thomas was taken from us all too soon by a fatal accident on Old Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale on Saturday, June 29th, 2013 at 10:30 pm. He leaves behind his parents Cece & Jim Wilson of Troutdale and Joseph Kemp of Idaho. His sister Tina (& Ryan) Kemp of Damascus, Sister Tiffany Davis of Troutdale, Brother Jay (& Itzel) Kemp of California, Sister Kimberly ( & Adam) Simpson of Scappoose, Sister Jennifer Wilson of Portland, Brother Matthew Wilson of Ohio and Sister Angelina (& Susan) Wilson of Florida. Grandparents John and Helen Kemp of Washington, Pat Kennedy of Portland and Carol Davis of Corbett. Nieces and Nephews Chyanne Wilson, Tabitha Wilson, Rhionna Wilson, Katelynn Johnson, Hailey Johnson, William Simpson and Elizabeth Simpson. Aunt Patty (& Ed) Smith of Troutdale, Aunt Rory Staples of Gresham, Uncle Don (& Mary Lou) Staples of Portland, Uncle Ken (& Kathy) Staples of Donald, Uncle Richard (& Terry) Staples of Washington, Uncle Clarence (& Dejau) Kemp of Washington, Uncle Paul ( & Megan) Kemp of Washington, Uncle Allen Kemp ( & Shellie) of Washington, Aunt Carrie (& Jeff) Kemp of Washington, Aunt Janie (& Jim) Griffin of Lauterelle, Aunt Carolyn Kemp Mastney of Corbett, Aunt Eileen Hatten of Corbett, Aunt Maryanne (& Don) Bancroft of Oregon City, Aunt Nancy Davis of Washington and Uncle Scott (& Theresa) Davis of Scappoose. Cousins Lisa O’Dell, Becky (& Alan) Schmid, Jeffrey Staples, John Staples, Sheria Pittman, Johanna Hawkins, Kallistra Staples, Nathan Griffin, Philip (& Laura) Griffin, John Griffin, Jean Ann Griffin, Robert Hatten, Christopher Bernard, Drew (& Sharah) Bernard, Melinda Lepore, Jeff (& Gloria Bancroft), Mark (& Stephanie) Bancroft, Jamie Davis, Steven Davis, McKayla Davis, Catie O’Dell and Damien Schmid. He is also survived by his beloved “children” Bear and Buddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 am at Corbett Community Christian Church 34309 NE Mershon Road Corbett, Oregon 97019. Guests are encouraged to wear camouflage clothing in a special tribute to Thomas.

Memorial contributions in Thomas’ name can be made to the Association of Northwest Steelheaders – Sandy River Chapter PO Box 30114 Portland, Oregon 97294.