Tomáš Svoboda
1939 - 2022
Tomáš Svoboda
1939 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
Tomáš Svoboda Obituary
Dec. 6, 1936 - Nov. 17, 2022
Tomáš Svoboda, Professor Emeritus Portland State University and internationally renowned composer passed away Nov. 17, 2022. A celebration of life with music will be held in 2023.
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stephen Davis
September 5, 2023
As a music major at Portland State in the early 70s I was having a hard time with music theory, until he became the theory professor. My understanding and grades elevated overnight. I didn´t use my education professionally, but became an apprentice to a master piano technician for two years and went on to be the head technician and minor partner at Moe´s Pianos. I didn´t see Thomas again until after I became the chief concert technician for the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Oregon Symphony in 1985. There I would run into Thomas backstage time and again over the years. Although he didn´t know me well, he always treated me as a friend with his wonderful smile and quick laugh, which was always a great honor for me. He was a brilliant man but it was his humility, his warm spirit and kindness that I admired most. I am proud to have been blessed with those few moments I spent in his presence.
Ulrich Hardt
January 11, 2023
I still remember the buzz in the Portland music scene when Tomas Svoboda played his first piano concert after his arrival. The excitement didn't stop there, and we at Portland State University were proud to be his colleague and friend, celebrating as he became the most performed Oregon composer, beloved teacher, and multi-talented performer.
Tony Greiner
January 1, 2023
I didn't know Mr. Svoboda well, meeting him only a couple of times at parties, but I have a clear memory of him attending a party we threw with a beer garden theme. We had various foods and grilled sausages, and various condiments. I was a bit worried about Svoboda, because being from central Europe I knew he knew beer gardens.
My worries disappeared as he came through the serving line, and reaching the condiments, turned to his wife and exclaimed: "Look! Three kinds of mustard!"
He always was interesting, and kind, and while his music could be complex and difficult, it also always had meaning and humanity in it.
Flip Reisberg
December 27, 2022
Professor Svoboda was my music education professor at Portland State in the late 1980's. One Christmas holiday I had to leave town early to visit my relatives which meant I would miss playing in the PSU Concert Band concert. Professor Svoboda was kind enough to fill in for me on snare drum in the concert band. I've never forgotten that.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jonathan wills
December 25, 2022
Tom was a huge influence on me, through his teaching, his energy, his enthusiasm. I will carry him with me forever. My condolences to Jana and the family.
Terry Rohe
December 25, 2022
Farewell to this talented and accomplished PSU professor. As a librarian at PSU I was always aware of this remarkable musician. He was widely respected. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
LuAnn Kastner
December 21, 2022
My condolences to the family. I remember him as the organist at the Methodist Church in Maywood, California where my family and I attended.
I was only 11, but I really enjoyed church and listening to him play the few years he was there. The church seemed to wake up whenever he played. We moved up to Hillsboro, OR in 1973.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Tomáš Svoboda's name
How to support Tomáš's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Tomáš Svoboda's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
