Tom Eiland

Tom Eiland
Date Of Birth: 11/16/1950
Date of Death: 12/05/2024
Eiland, Thomas A. (November 16, 1950-December 5, 2024)
Tom was born in rural Anniston, Alabama. After graduating from the University of Alabama-Huntsville, he moved to Washington, DC where he served as press secretary/speech writer for Member of Congress Bill Nichols (Alabama). Tom subsequently received his MBA from The George Washington University and worked in a series of marketing and sales management positions. A position with General Electric brought him to Portland, Oregon, in 1985 where he lived the rest of his years.
An entrepreneur at heart, Tom created Eiland Research in 1993 with a focus on customer and voter opinion research. The company merged with Conkling, Fiskum and McCormick in 2001. Tom was an early adopter of online customer research using this technique for clients including Providence Health System, PeaceHealth and NW Natural. His public sector research was instrumental in gaining voter approval of more than $2 billion in public financing to support transportation and infrastructure as well as new school buildings and facilities for more than 80 school districts throughout Oregon and Washington. He volunteered and donated to organizations that focused on youth sports, homelessness, food security, healthcare and public libraries.
Tom retired at the end of 2019 enjoying his free time bicycling, fishing, golfing and playing with his grandchildren. Above all else, Tom lived the life he wanted – personal and professional – with humor, grace and no regrets. Tom is survived by his partner Dana Tierney, brother David, sons Eddie and Jake, daughter Emily and grandchildren Fred and Faye.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or to one of Tom's preferences: Providence Cancer Institute, Multnomah County Library, Transition Projects, Blanchet House, The Dougy Center and Legacy Hospice Services. No public memorial service is planned.