Thomas W. Orr

Thomas W. Orr passed away February 7, 2026 at the age of 67 at home in the Bay Area, CA. He was surrounded by his family after an almost 4-year battle with colon cancer that metastasized to his liver. Initially he was given no more than 2 years to live, but in typical Tom Orr fashion, he was a fighter and gave us the miracle being able to have him for an additional almost 2 years.

Born in Minneapolis, MN to Thomas and Barbara Orr, Tom grew up in San Rafael, CA. He attended University of Oregon for football, was a proud member of the SAE fraternity, and had an incredible career as a Long Term Care Continuing Education educator for the State of California.

Tom met Patra Knox-Orr in high school at San Rafael High, they attended UofO together, and they later married on September 3, 1988, sharing over 50 years together. They lived a wonderful life together in Sonoma/Glen Ellen, CA for over 30 years where they had their daughter Payton (30) and their son Gavin (28). Not a day went by where Tom’s love for his wife and children wasn’t recognized or felt. He was beyond an incredible father, and no words will ever begin to explain the impact of the volume of love he provided to his family.

Tom was a wild man. He lived a life where he was passionate for the things that brought him joy and fiercely loyal to his friends and family, stemming all the way back to his childhood on Bonnie Banks Way in San Rafael. Tom had a contagious laugh that could be heard from miles away, the brightest blue eyes and smile, paired with the kindest most distinct dimples. Like they say about the famous comedian Chris Farley who left this earth way too soon, “They say God made the mold and he threw it out the window when it came to him, there was no mold. There was just ether, stars, comets, precious jewels and gems” … that stands so true for Tom. He was a remarkable, one-of-kind, irreplaceable human being and life as we once knew it will never be the same without him.

It brings us an immense amount of peace to know that Tom is watching over us from above in a place where he is now free from all worldly pain and suffering. We know he is with his mom and dad, loved ones who have passed on before him, and his best friend and brother Ed.

Tom is survived by his wife (Patra), his children (Payton & Gavin), his dog (Riley), his brothers (Don & Joe), and his sister (Vonnie).

In the famous words of Tom Orr himself, keep the faith and know that this is never goodbye, but simply, see you later.