Thomas Joseph Niedermeyer

Niedermeyer, Thomas Joseph 79 Jan. 25, 1935 Aug. 16, 2014 Thomas Joseph Niedermeyer, passed away Aug. 16, 2014, at the age of 79. The 13th of 15 children, Tom, affectionately known as "Earl" to those closest to him, leaves a lasting legacy of quiet generosity, quick wit, unrelenting kindness and unconditional love. He will be remembered and deeply missed by all. Tom was the youngest son of Bernard and Tessie Niedermeyer. He grew up in Northeast Portland, where he graduated from Madeleine grade school, Columbia Prep High School and the University of Portland. It was in the sixth grade at Madeleine where he met the love of his life, Barbara Whitehead. After a long courtship, the two married in 1958, and began to start a family. They were the proud parents of wonderful children, Thomas Joseph, Todd Michael, Eric Paxton, Sara Marie, Jon Frederick, Emily Louise, Mark Gerard and Monica Anne. Tom considered his children's spouses as his own, Elisabeth, Deborah, Laura, Kathleen, Laura, Greg Ausman, Trevor Becker and John Denler. Being a husband, father and grandfather were the proudest roles of his life. The success in his professional life closely rivals the impact he had on his family. He learned the lumber business from an early age, working in the sawmills, lumber yards and treatment plants of Niedermeyer-Martin, eventually becoming a partner and executive vice president. This role led him to travel the world, meet dignitaries of state and inspire an incredible work ethic in his own children. His entrepreneurial spirit, drive to succeed and belief that anything was possible impacted all who knew him. His greatest contributions were hardly known by most. His understated generosity was demonstrated almost daily, whether it was coaching little league teams, launching foreign language programs at his kids' schools, supporting the educations of family and friends or just offering a smile, hug or a joke to whomever was extra at the dinner table. He was a fabulous athlete, wicked card player and constant joker. He was always up for an adventure and loved nothing more than bonfires on the beach, trips to Vegas and countless trips to Sun Valley. His favorite times were when he had his family together. Tom is survived by seven of his siblings; wife, Barbara; children and their spouses; and 21 grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Gary Clements for his friendship and care of Earl this past year. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, and a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014. Both will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 3525 S.W. Patton Road, Portland. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Thomas More Church.