Thomas Niedermeyer

Thomas Niedermeyer Obituary

Thomas Joseph Niedermeyer, passed away at the age of 79 on August 16, 2014. 13th of 15 children, Tom, affectionately known as Earl to those closest to him, leaves a lasting legacy of quiet generosity, a quick wit, unrelenting kindness, and unconditional love. He will be remembered and missed deeply by all.

Tom was the youngest son of Bernard and Tessie Niedermeyer. He grew up in North East Portland, where he graduated from Madeleine Grade School, Columbia Prep High School, and the University of Portland. It was in the 6th grade at Madeleine that he met the love of his life, Barbara Whitehead. After a long courtship, the two married in 1958 and began to start a family. They are the proud parents of eight wonderful children: Thomas Joseph, Todd Michael, Eric Paxton, Sara Marie, Jon Frederick, Emily Louise, Mark Gerard, and Monica Anne. Tom considered his children’s spouses as his own: Elisabeth, Deborah, Laura, Kathleen, Laura, Greg Ausman, Trevor Becker and John Denler. Being a husband, father, and grandfather were the proudest roles of his life.

The success in his professional life closely rivals the impact he had on his family. He learned the lumber business from an early age working in the sawmills, lumber yards, and treatment plants of Niedermeyer-Martin Company, eventually becoming a partner and executive Vice President. This role led him to travel the world, meet dignitaries of state, and inspire an incredible work ethic in his own children. His entrepreneurial spirit, his drive to succeed, and his belief that anything was possible impacted all who knew him.

His greatest contributions were hardly known by most. His understated generosity was demonstrated almost daily–whether it was coaching little league teams, launching foreign language programs at his kids’ schools, supporting the educations of family and friends, or just offering a smile, hug, or a joke to whomever was extra at the dinner table. He was a fabulous athlete, a wicked card player, and a constant joker. He was always up for an adventure and loved nothing more than bonfires on the beach, trips to Las Vegas, and countless trips to Sun Valley. His favorite times were when he had his family together.

Tom is survived by seven of his siblings, his wife Barbara, his children and their spouses, and his twenty-one grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Gary Clements for his friendship and care of Earl this past year. There will be a Rosary on Wednesday, August 20th at 7 p.m., a Funeral Mass on Thursday, August 21st at 2 p.m. Both will be held at St. Thomas More Church, 3525 SW Patton Road, Portland, OR.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Thomas More Church.

Born: January 25, 1935 Death: August 16, 2014Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.

Services

You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Thomas Niedermeyer

Plant a tree in memory of Thomas

One reply on “Thomas Niedermeyer”

Karis Stoudamire-Phillips
To the Niedermeyer Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather and celebrate his life. May your wonderful memories of this great man, give you peace of heart, mind and soul. God bless your family.

08/20/2014
Annamarie
I have fond memories of Mr N, while so many of us(!)were guests in the Gearhart beach house. Mr. N certainly put up with all our comings and goings while he was in the front room of that house.

He was a good sport and will be missed.
Hugs to all.

08/20/2014
Henry, Bob & Sherri Clemo
We are so sorry for your loss