Thomas Alfred "Tom" Vandehey

Thomas Alfred Vandehey, 81, loving father and long-time resident of the Forest Grove and Tillamook communities, passed away on July 14, 2024 at home (an adult care home).
Tom was born on February 10, 1943 in Forest Grove, OR. He was the fifth of eleven children born to Alfred "Red" and Mildred "Millie" (Hulsman) Vandehey. He was raised on a small farm on Thatcher Road outside of Forest Grove. He attended Visitation Catholic School and graduated from Forest Grove High School with the class of 1961.
He married Maureen Wieber on November 25, 1967 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Forest Grove. The two made their home in Forest Grove, where they raised their three daughters. They later divorced. Tom moved to Tillamook when he retired in 2008, where he enjoyed the home he built on the Wilson River. After suffering a stroke in 2020 that affected his ability to live independently, he moved back to Washington County so he could be nearer to his daughters.
Tom was a firefighter with the Milwaukie Fire Department for a few years beginning in 1964. He then worked for Rodgers Organ company in 1967. Tom soon transitioned to becoming an electrician in order to better provide for his family. Tom was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union. As an electrician, he was very satisfied to have contributed to the construction of: The Portland Building, U.S. Bancorp Tower (aka "Big Pink"), Portland Center for the Performing Arts, and the first installation of colored lights, projected on the Morrison Bridge piers in 1987. Tom served his country in the Army National Guard in his younger years.
Tom enjoyed fishing and hunting, though in retirement, gave up the latter, preferring to take pictures of wildlife and feed the many animals that made their home in and around his property on the Wilson River in Tillamook. Tom also used the property as a fun, family gathering place, gladly hosting yearly family reunions. Tom had a passion for woodworking and was a master craftsman, making furniture and cribbage boards. He took pleasure in playing cards, tinkering and keeping his property in order. He listened to country music, enjoyed BBQing with his Traeger grill and was known for making his own jerky. Tom was generous with his time, often helping travelers in need, friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother and brothers-in-law Jens Robinson and Ken Ehler.
He is survived by his three daughters, Maura Vandehey of Hillsboro, OR, Leisa Vandehey of Everett, WA, and Sarah Vandehey of Portland, OR.; ten siblings and their spouses, Connie (Doug) Kunkle, Kay Robinson, Mike, Linda McCoy, Fred, Dena (Alan) Smith, Mark (Barbara Jo), Christie Dalton, Jan (Brian) Long, and Jill (Mike) Breinholz; and numerous nieces and nephews.