Obituary of Thomas Bernard Gaffney

Tom Gaffney’s love of life did not come to end with his passing. Thomas Bernard Gaffney passed away on January 20, 2022 at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor him by living their hearts. Tom was born to John and Janet Gaffney in 1939 at Bay Shore, Long Island, New York. Tom completed his bachelor’s degree from ST. Bonaventure University. After graduation Tom was a representative for Munsingwear until the early 1970’s when he then became President of Tel Ad National Marketing. In 1997 Tom opened Gaffney and Associates and retired in 2006. Tom was on the board of the Oregon Golf Association for 30 years and golfed at Heron Lakes in Portland for over 30 years. Tom’s love of golfing took him all around the country overseas several times to Scotland and Ireland with tremendous memories being made with his brother John and great friends. Tom and his life partner, Sharon, traveled extensively all over the world, their favorite trips were the Greek Islands cruise and Kona, HI. He enjoyed sports one of his favorite past times was local winter hawks’ hockey games many memorable times were spent with his loved ones here. He loved road trips with tremendous adventures all over the United States. Tom was an avid shooter as well as a love of fishing, many fishing trips were had in the Sierra Nevada’s with his son Bud from a young child till now. Tom had such a big heart. The simplest pleasures in life brought him great joy. He loved time with family and friends along with great food. He offered a level of optimism that was honest, heartfelt which spilled over into all aspects of his life. He saw the world as it was and despite the challenges that existed, he still looked towards the beauty of life. Tom was generous, kind and business oriented. Tom was always on the go. It has been said by many that to meet Tom was to have a friend for life. We know that we can’t have you, but we take comfort knowing that you went to be with the Lord. Tom is survived by his children Bud, Roxanna, Granddaughter Brooke and three great grandsons Luke, Jacks and Eli. Sisters Mary and Ann, with many nieces and nephews as well as his life partner Sharon and her grandchildren Hayley, Carson and Madison. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brothers John and Jim, his sister Jane and his wife Dorothy Gaffney. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Please send your contact information to Brooke_Avila1@hotmail.com and when the memorial service date is set a notification will be sent to you. Donations in his name can be sent to: -St Charles church, 5310 NE 42 nd Ave, Portland, OR -St Labre Indian School PO Box 216 Ashland MT 59003 or 112 St Labre Campus Dr Ashland, MT 59003 -St Joesph’s Indian School P.O Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326 -United States Golf Association 77 Liberty Coner Road, Liberty Corner, NJ 09738 -Boys Town at boystown.org/give -Humane Society: Humanesociety.org/inspire