Tom Waterland

Tom was born Thomas George (Gorgeous) Waterland to Luther T. and Kate I. (Hahn) Waterland on April 24, 1928, in Camp Crook, South Dakota. On Christmas morning 2017, Tom passed quietly after a very brief illness in Pendleton, Oregon.

Tom was a teacher with the Pendleton School District for 27 years and worked simultaneously for the Umatilla County Sheriff's department (his dream job) as an officer and later as an investigator. He touched too many lives to count.

Tom is survived by his spouse, Marge Waterland (even though they were separated for many years they remained friends), his children, Richard, Judi Emerick, DiAnn Taylor, Michelle Williams, Michael, Dan Swanson, Sandi Collins and Rick Swanson; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Wanda Gundlach and Helen Fahrni; his brother, Luther Waterland; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ted; his son, George; and his special friend, Fern Levno.

A viewing will be held at Burns Mortuary of Pendleton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, from 1-5 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Pendleton on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow. The interment will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Olney Cemetery.

Burns Mortuary of Pendleton is in charge of arrangements.