Published in the Eugene Register-Guard Jan. 31, 2021 Sunday paper and online: Thomas P. Kelly, Jr. Obituary

 

Tom Kelly passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter at his side. He leaves a big hole in the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

Tom was born in Los Angeles, the oldest of three boys. His parents, Evalene and Tom Kelly, Sr., moved the family to San Mateo, CA when he was in fourth grade. He graduated from Hillsdale High School with a letter in track and field and, although he was big and athletic, his passion was drawing - and muscle cars.

The Kelly family became very close friends with their neighbors, the Periats and the Rowells. The families spent their summers vacationing at Clear Lake in CA. However, at 6'4", the waterski boats for rent were not powerful enough to pull Tom out of the water. So, what did he and his enterprising high school friends do? They built a boat - fast, loud and powerful enough to pull Tom out of the water on one ski. The legendary story of building "The Boat" is still told by three generations. The families continued to vacation together at Lake Shasta for reunions, every year, until 2007.

After high school Tom packed his bags and drove Highway 99 from CA (I-5 didn't exist) to Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity where he made many close friends. But he was so quiet his nickname was ironically, "Words". Tom took a break from school between his sophomore and junior year to travel the roads of Europe with a college friend in a small Fiat. Spending five months abroad and visiting some of Europe's most renowned museums and historical sites opened his eyes to the world and expanded his appreciation of travel, art, and beauty. Upon his return to Whitman he met his first wife, Marilyn Styrwold. They both graduated in 1966; Tom with a degree in Fine Art. They were married that same year and immediately joined the Peace Corps. It began with three months of intensive training, including learning Swahili, and was also where they made many life-long friends. They spent the next three years in small villages in the countries of Tanzania and Uganda. Their daughter, Susan, was born in Uganda in 1969. Tom always said his time in Africa was one of the best things in his life.

Back in the States, on advice from friends in the Peace Corps, Tom moved his family to Eugene in 1970 where his son Ryan was born in 1973. Eugene was perfectly located between family in CA and WA so they made it their home.
Tom met another graphic artist, Rob Anderson, in 1973. Together they started Design & Illustration. They were a dynamic team who raised the bar on graphic design in the region. Tom became sole owner in 1979 when his partner Rob relocated overseas. He continued to run the firm as Tom Kelly Design for another seven years creating countless logos, brochures, print advertising campaigns, posters, and more. He was exceptionally talented with remarkable ability to convert words and ideas into beautiful imagery and effective communication. In 1986 he joined Cappelli Miles Wiltz, an advertising agency, as the Senior Art Director and part owner. He resigned in 2008, but worked with select clients from home for another six years, when he fully retired. Many of Tom's logos can still be seen around town: SaniPac, Prince Puckler's Ice Cream, Relief Nursery, Summit Bank, and the original Oregon Country Fair peach, to name a few. He was a constant artist and doodler. He would put his mark on just about everything he could reach with a Niji Stylist pen. He was a joy to work with, always welcoming, generous, and mentoring to designers entering the business of graphic design.

The non-profit community was also well rewarded by Tom's generous spirit. He donated enormous amounts of time and talent to many fundraising events and capital campaigns. For over 20 years he created the invitations for the Relief Nursery Main Events. He also served on the Board of Directors for Direction Service and, although he rarely attended board meetings, he designed everything they needed; logos, brochures, newsletters, display booths, presentations and more. Tom was a tender and sweet man who generously and selflessly shared his tremendous talents with many community organizations.

In 1982, Tom married Kathy Wiltz. Not only did they make a good business team, they were consummate hosts and their home was often filled with friends and numerous stray dogs and cats. Susan and Ryan's friends were also always welcome and included on many vacations (including Kathy and Tom's honeymoon). Tom was an exceptional Dad. He worked hard at balancing work and family, took time to listen, gave advice if asked, and set a good example of what it is to be a good father. He was incredibly kind, gentle and loving.

He and Kathy loved playing sports such as softball, volleyball and Twister… and they absolutely loved whitewater rafting. Summer vacations were spent rowing the Salmon and Rogue Rivers with family and friends. Tom loved to laugh. His deep baritone laughter was contagious. And if you were voted class clown in high school he would seek you out at a party and sit next to you. He had a quick wit, incredible vocabulary and was a master of non sequiturs!

Tom was a giver, a lover and a helluva good man. He is greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Kathy; his daughter Susan (Kurtis) and son, Ryan (Maia), and 4 grandchildren, Spike, Ben, Owen and Fang Fang; his brothers Steve (April) and Mike (Marsha); sister-in-law Sarah (Lee) and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. And Monkey, his rescue kitty who slept with him every night.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled as soon as it's safe to gather his family and many friends together. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Direction Service:  www.directionservice.org