Thomas Franklin Steiner

1948 - 2022

Thomas Franklin Steiner

April 21, 1948 -

May 21, 2022

Thomas Franklin Steiner passed away at the VA Hospital in Portland, Oregon on May 21, 2022, of B-Cell Lymphoma Cancer. On his death bed he stated that he had 74 wonderful years and he was ready to let go of this life. It had been less than a month since he was diagnosed but his wish was not to linger, and he was granted that wish.

He is survived by his three children from California, daughter Heidi Sanchez and husband Jeff of Ferndale; his daughter Shawneen Steiner of Rio Dell; his son Chad Steiner of Fortuna; and his two grandchildren, Rayah Sanchez and Joshua Sanchez of Ferndale. He is also survived by his sisters Linda Hamel and husband Joel of Bayside, California; Pam Conley of Eugene, Oregon; and Penny Boatright of Mansfield, Arkansas. Tom had two very close friends, at the time of his death, Cheryl Lee of Medford, Oregon and Rich Latimer of Beaty, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Steiner and Margaret Miner and his two brothers Jack Miner and Lloyd Steiner.

Tom was born in Olympia Washington on April 21, 1948. His family moved to Eureka when he was a toddler. He spent a few years during grammar school in Fortuna, before moving to Arcata where he graduated from Arcata High School in 1967. He was a Viet Nam veteran and was inducted into the army in January of 1968. His honorable discharge was in December of 1969 as a Sargent, having received many awards and commendations for his service.

Tom lived in the Fortuna area, in his early adult years, working as a carpenter then a security guard. For a few years, during that time, he enjoyed hauling scrap metal to the bay area. Tom moved to Medford, Oregon in 1998. He had a great appreciation for Medford and for many years he explored the surrounding area, where he loved to bike ride and fish before his health prohibited his ability to continue with those activities.

His passions were old movies, old music and playing the Oregon State Lottery using combinations of his children's birthdates as his numbers. He always showed value to people by being gracious, generous and by treating everyone with respect. Tom prided himself in his memory of names and made it a point to call everybody by their first name, whether it was a waitress, a clerk or the person sitting next to him at a casino playing slots. He was a big tipper, and it made his day to help someone out of a financial pinch. He also had an amazing memory of events that occurred throughout his life. He could tell a story about something that happened decades ago like it was just yesterday.

Tom is already missed immensely by all the family and friends who loved him. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the care, kindness and appreciation of Tom's service by the VA Hospital staff in Portland, Oregon.