Tomas Rafael Garreton

Garreton, Tomas Rafael 25 Oct. 18, 1986 Sept. 03, 2012 Tomas Rafael Garreton came rushing into this world on Oct. 18, 1986. He was born in Ames, Iowa, where his parents lived at the time. He was a cheerful and happy baby who grew into a mischievous boy that constantly pushed against the limits imposed on him and regularly challenged the status quo. From the time he was a small child, he was acutely aware of the inequalities and injustices in the world and tried to right wrongs wherever he could. Music was one of his greatest joys and he was a talented musician, proficient on drums, banjo, and mandolin-- his favorite instrument. He was the lead singer/songwriter for his band, Profane Sass at the time of his death, and his band mates and fellow traveling musicians, are all mourning his loss. Tomas loved to travel and spent lots of time living on the streets of Mexico, Canada and Guatemala. He wrote and sang in both Spanish and English and the lyrics of his songs often referred to the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the incarcerated. He led a purposeful life, without money or material possessions, believing that the typical first-world lifestyle was unsustainable. He hitchhiked, rode freight trains and walked for transportation. He rarely sat still, never watched TV and believed that people should always stay focused on the important things in life such as family, staying positive, making people happy and finding ways to make the world a better place. Tomas died on Sept. 3, 2012, while riding a freight train in Philadelphia on his way to the band's next concert venue. Fellow riders describe seeing a bright light and suddenly Tomas was gone. Currently, traveling musicians and friends from all over the world are gathering in Hillsboro to pay their respects to his memory. Tomas is survived by his brother and fellow band mate, Nico Garreton; his baby sister, Isabel Sofia Garreton, who he always described as his one true love; his broken-hearted mother, Toni Rock Garreton; his maternal grandmother, Sharon K. Sherwood; and his father, Tomas E. Garreton; as well as various cousins, aunts, uncles and adopted family far and wide who Tomas described as his "tribe." His dog, Lona, acquired in Mexico when she was a pup, is also lost without him. Tomas lived the life he chose and loved the life he lived. His philosophy of life can be seen in these verses from a circle poem he wrote in one of his journals: Witness something amazing in a journey without fear. In a path illuminated by light and pure love. Love the ones you meet and of course you will meet the ones you love already. Witness true magic and use it wisely. Take time to see, hear, taste, touch and remember to take the time to put everything aside and meditate, pray, give thanks and never take anything for granted. A celebration of his life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Helvetia area at 21309 NW Phillips Rd in Hillsboro. People who are interested in his music can access it through the band's Facebook page: Profane Sass or through Soundcloud.com. There are also dozens of videos on Youtube under his name, under Soulfire Project or under Profane Sass. A Memorial Fund has been established at US Bank In his name: Tomas Rafael Garreton Acct# 153665335318