Services for Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy, 77, Hood River set for June 22 — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

Apr 26

Apr 26 Services for Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy, 77, Hood River set for June 22

Thomas (Tom) Leo Murphy, 77 years of age, passed away peacefully on a quiet Thursday afternoon, November 16th 2023, next to his devoted wife, Joyce Murphy at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, OR.

A friend to many, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a grandfather, an enemy to none, and an all-around charismatic man; Tom was someone who left his imprint on each person he encountered. He not only touched the souls of many but managed to make his burning passion of being an airplane mechanic and pilot his life’s work. Tom lived out his last days dedicated to his craft, loving those around him, and making others smile.

Tom was born on September 4th, 1946 in San Bernardino, California to his parents William A. Murphy Senior and Ruth C. Murphy. Tom also shared memories of his childhood with his two brothers, William A. Murphy Jr. and Robert M. Murphy who predeceased him in death. He’s survived by his wife, Joyce, his children, Kyle D. Murphy of WaiKoloa, Hawaii, Sheila C. Murphy of Meridian, Idaho, Darren N. Bates of Fairview, OR, and Kimberly J. Millhollin of Fairview OR. He’s also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Riley I. Murphy, Tyler J. Murphy, Mackenzie M. Bates, Alexis E. Bates, and Ayla R. Bates.

Tom earned his wings as a pilot at the age of sixteen before he got his driver’s license. As a teenager, he would ride his bike miles to the airport to help restore antique airplanes. After graduating from Lodi Union High School in 1964, he attended one year at San Joaquin Delta Jr. College. Never steering from his dreams, Tom then transferred to Sacramento City College where he graduated with his A+P Certificate in 1967.

In the late 70’s Tom went to work for Orchard Machinery Corporation whose owner eventually became the founder of the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automotive Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon. There he maintained the corporate fleet and restored antique airplanes. He continued doing this when he moved to Hood River in 1981 working for Hood River Aircraft. In 1996 he moved to Troutdale, Oregon, where he was self-employed at airports in Troutdale and Estacada. Later on, he and his wife moved back to Hood River where Tom continued restoring aircraft, as the WAAAM Museum was being built. He was the Director of Restorations there for 10 years. At least 40 of these airplanes that Tom restored, including the Curtiss Jenny, are in Hood River’s WAAAM Museum today.

50 years of dedicated service in aviation safety led to him receiving The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot Award”, as well as the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award from the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. One of his proudest accomplishments was in 1995 when he successfully flew a replica of a 1912 Curtiss Pusher off of the top of the Multnomah Hotel building in downtown Portland to Pearson Airpark in Vancouver, WA. This was a famous reenactment of Silas Christofferson’s same flight in 1912.

Services for Tom Murphy are planned for 1:30 PM, Saturday, June 22, 2024, at WAAAM (Hanger #3 Behind the Museum) (1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR 97031). A Graveside Committal Service was on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at Idlewilde Cemetery (970 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Hood River Foundation (PO Box 149, Hood River, OR, 97031) or Online Providence Foundation please specify on memo: Support Cancer Patients in honor of Tom Murphy or to WAAM Museum (1600 Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR 97031) or Online:WAAAM Museum please specify on memo: In Memory of Tom Murphy.

Tom left everyone’s lives he touched with many good memories. His impeccable attention to detail was his trademark. He was a humble man and an inspiration to many. His passions in life were his family and friends, flying, his work, animals, and his little dog Tucker. Always willing to lend a hand, he will be greatly missed. Tom once said…”Flying is the greatest freedom in the world”. May he fly high and rest in peace.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.