Thomas J. Burns was born in 1954 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Jack and Jean Burns. Tom lived in several states—New York, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois—before settling in Oregon in his early 20s. A Boy Scout from a young age, he carried a lifelong curiosity and love for nature and space.
As a child, Tom developed a deep passion for music. He taught himself to play guitar on an instrument with only two strings, a spark that grew into a lifelong devotion. Over the years, he played in many bands and touched countless lives through his talent, creativity, and love of music.
Tom was well known wherever he went and built a reputation as one of the most friendly and helpful people you could meet. He was, and always will be, deeply loved by many.
Tom is survived by his sister, Nancy; his brothers, John and Jimmy; his son, Benjamin; and his grandson, Tucker.
A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2026.