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Thomas Martin Holce Jr., age 74, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife Becky and daughter-in-law Debbie after a well fought battle with prostate cancer on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.
Tom was born in Portland Ore., April 16, 1942, to Thomas M. Holce, Sr. and Gladys I. Holce. He was born the youngest of three children and lovingly nicknamed “Buster” by his father. Tom was born and raised in Portland, Ore., graduating from Benson Poly Technical High School in 1960. One of his first jobs was as an Oregonian carrier where he won a trip to Disneyland.
The majority of his career was in the Aluminum industry in production starting with ConMet, RAMCO and ending with NW Aluminum. He was a production worker, production manager and cell line worker. Before retirement, he attended Clark Community College and Mt. Hood Community College and earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics. Not one to sit around, in retirement he went to work part-time for Enterprise Rent-a-Car and loved it.
Although they did not attend the same high school, Tom married Carol Anderson, his high school sweetheart, and they had four sons. Thomas Holce III (Renee) of Portland, James (Bobbi) and grandson of Vancouver, Anthony (Debbie) and two granddaughters of Dallesport, Wash., and Joseph and granddaughter of Houston, Texas.
In the summer of 1974 Tom met his "Olblister" Becky Goforth and they were married in 1976 in Reno, Nev.
Tom had a great love for hunting and fishing, Caribbean cruises, trips to Reno and San Diego, and anywhere his "Olblister" wanted to go. He was a member of The Elks Lodge, American Legion, and The Eagles and The Moose Lodge.
Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, his four sons and their families, his sister Ilene Larson of Beaverton and cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his father, mother and sister Edwinna. Tom will always be lovingly remembered by all.
There will be a Celebration of Life and potluck at The Dalles Moose Lodge for family and friends on Nov. 5, 2016 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
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