Thomas Herbert Bentley

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather and friend; Tom Bentley. Tom fought a hard battle with cancer and died in his home in Chiloquin, Oregon surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2019. Tom was born on October 17, 1949 in Thompson Falls, Montana, the 4th of five children, to John & Jean Bentley.  He lived the majority of his life ranching in Chiloquin but spent his early years on a dairy in Montana and moved to San Jose, California at a young age. During his childhood he was very active in the Almaden 4-H club where he was awarded the Santa Clara County 4-H All-Star. He graduated in 1967 from Pioneer High where he played football, baseball and water polo. He was proud to receive the John F. Kennedy physical fitness award. Tom also loved to swim. Tom attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and Modesto Jr. College where he received an AA in Agricultural Mechanics. After graduation he entered and excelled in the construction trade with an emphasis on interior trim. Tom and Jackie met in 4-H and married in 1972. Tom & Jackie had two children, Thomas and Jeffery.  In 1978, they moved to Chiloquin where he ran an alfalfa hay ranch for 40 years. In his off-time he continued construction work and ran a custom hay business on the old Tulana Farms. Tom always went out of his way to hire local high school students to instill the value of hard work; which also flowed over to his sons.  Tom loved hunting, fishing, camping and a good old western movie.  He also treasured his annual hunting trips with Rod & Ginny Blackman. Tom loved his family and friends dearly especially his grandchildren; even though he was called “grumpy grandpa”.  In January 2019 Tom hung up his hat and sold the ranch and purchased a beautiful home in the woods where he found serenity and contentment until his passing. For all that knew him, he will be greatly missed and never forgotten!

Tom is survived by his wife Jackie of 47 years and sons and wives, Thomas and Rachel, Jeffery and Jaime. Six grandchildren, Taelyn, Jema, Cyrus, Conrad, Ledger, and Clifford. Sisters Barbara Brucker, Kathy Chase and husband Bob, and Nancy Gregory. Brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Sue James. Nieces and nephews Michelle Ramey, Michael Brucker, Debbie Santoro, Shannon Rosales, Jeri Milanovich, Ryan Kraten, and Ariel Finn. Close cousin and wife, Stan and Julie Herbert, and sons Matthew and Brent.

Preceded in death by parents Jack and Jean, brother John, brother-in-law Mike Brucker, and in- laws Jack and Dora James.

Services will he held Saturday January 4th at 2pm in O’Hair-Wards Funeral Home in Klamath Falls with a BBQ gathering following at the Trappers Social Club, bldg. 130 Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon.  If desired send donations to Chiloquin High School-Athletic Fund P.O. Box 397, Chiloquin, OR 97624 or charity of your choice.