Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Thomas William Oswald, affectionately known as “Tiny,” passed away Saturday, April 4, 2009.
A service to mourn his passing and celebrate his life is planned for noon Saturday, April 11, at Idlewilde Cemetery. Viewing is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Thomas was born Jan. 29, 1955, in Hood River, Ore., to Elbert Thomas Oswald and Mary Fern Taylor. He is a life-long Hood River resident; attending schools here, and a graduate of Hood River Valley High School, class of 1973.
He worked for the aluminum plant in The Dalles for a short period before starting his career with the City of Hood River Public Works Department. He worked for the city for 22 years but it was while at the aluminum plant that a friend coined the nickname “Tiny,” and it stuck.
On May 27, 1977, he married Eula Cornelia Hester in The Dalles and to this union was blessed a son, Thomas Wesley Oswald. Tiny loved his family and any opportunity or excuse to be with them; his untimely passing leaves much sadness in their hearts.
Tiny had many hobbies, memberships and activities: he was a member of the Elks lodge and the Eagles lodge; a volunteer for the Hood River Fire Department and, more recently, the West Side Fire Department, where his son is also an active volunteer.
Tiny enjoyed the great outdoors around Hood River in many ways; from hunting and fishing to riding dirt bikes and ATVs. He was a black powder rifle enthusiast and enjoyed RC cars and models.
Tiny had a heart of gold and was always there for his family and friends. He was a great listener and a great counselor. In all of his capacities in his life he was a collector of friends, and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Eula “Yo Yo” Oswald, and his son, Thomas Wesley Oswald, and his girlfriend, Kayla Young, who was very special to Tiny; and Kayla’s cat, “Ernie,” whom he called his grand kitty; other extended family and many, many, many friends. He will also be dearly missed by all of the birds that he enjoyed feeding around their home.
The family suggests that any memorials be made in his memory to the West Side Fire Department and sent care of Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; (541) 386-1000.
To plant a tree in memory of Thomas Oswald as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
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Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.