Dec. 15, 1953 – April 22, 2013
Thomas O. Rye, 59, of Sweet Home died April 22, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born Dec. 15, 1953 in Richmond, Calif., the son of Loren H. and Betty I. (Buxton) Rye. He was raised in California and later moved to Oregon.
Mr. Rye attended Lebanon High School and married his high school sweetheart, Connie. He served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and was stationed in Korea for a year. He worked for Linn County Dog Control for 30 years, from which he gleaned many interesting stories.
Mr. Rye had a wonderful sense of humor, a twinkle in his eye and his laughter was very contagious. He loved all kinds of music and passed his love and gifts on to his family.
He enjoyed the outdoors, camping with his family on the Oregon coast and in the mountains. He will be missed!
Mr. Rye is survived by his wife, Connie; mother Betty; daughter Candace and son-in-law Mike; one granddaughter, Loren (whom he raised); sisters Carol and Pat; and several nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. Rye’s name to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport or the Oregon Zoo in Portland.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.