Thomas Edward Vala was born October 30, the eldest of five children of Edward and Maxine Vala. He developed a strong work ethic early, delivering papers and working for a veterinarian to help pay his Jesuit High School tuition.

In 1963, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Karlene Miller, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Portland while raising their children, Jeff and Jill. He later joined Rader Companies, where he spent his entire career and served as vice president.

In 1977, Tom married Janice Sites and, with his son Jeff, helped raise her sons Scott and Jason. A lifelong outdoorsman, Tom loved climbing, golfing, skiing, fishing, hunting, boating, and collecting artifacts. In 2000, he and Jan built a home on the Sea of Cortez, where they wintered together.

Tom will be remembered for his generous spirit, love of family, and willingness to help others.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jill, and is survived by sons Jeff, Scott, and Jason; siblings Scott, Patrick, Valerie, and Julie; grandchildren Ian, Sean, Cody, Amber, and Alejandra; great-grandchildren Bradley and Ethan; and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jesuit High School Chapel on SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. in Portland, Oregon