In Memory

My sister and I worked together to write dad's obituary, here is a copy with the picture we submitted to the paper.

Thomas Gordon Sutton, age 59, died Friday April 22, 2011, at his home in Rogue River, Oregon.

Tom was born May 12, 1951, the third of six children to Gordon and Gladys Sutton. He grew up in Ventura, California and frequently joined his father, brothers and friends on motorcycle riding adventures. Tom followed in his father’s footsteps and began his career in flooring installation at the age of 16. Though Ventura was home for most of his life, in 2001, Tom brought his family to Grants Pass, Oregon to fulfill two life-long dreams: making a claim in the beautiful Northwest, and purchasing a John Deere tractor.

Tom was a loyal, hard-working man. He was gentle, kind and loving and was devoted to his children. Tom would tell you his most special memories were those in which he was spending time together with his family and friends, laughing, playing and teasing one another.

Tom is survived by his children Mark, Erin and Stephanie, his son-in-law, Ben, his mother, Gladys, his siblings Marianne, David (and Linda), Donna (and Chris), and Carol, multiple nieces and nephews, and close friends Phyllis and Doug. His father Gordon, his brother Ray, and his nephew Ryan preceded him in death.

Though his passing saddens us who loved Tom, we take comfort knowing he had an incredible faith and he is now at the right hand of the Father, rejoicing with the angels.

“When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Than I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim

My God, how great Thou art!”

The last verse was added after I saw Carrie Underwood's version of the hymn, "How Great Thou Art." It's beautiful and will bring tears to your eyes.