Thomas John Braden

A life well lived…

June 26, 1940 – December 30, 2024 – We lost a loving, dear and dedicated father, grandfather and adoring husband on December 30, 2024, Thomas (Tom) John Braden, 84 years old, passed away peacefully after a wonderful week surrounded by family and loved ones.

Tom was born in Portland, Oregon the son of Morey and Florence Braden. A graduate of Cleveland high school where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He then attended Oregon State University, where he was a member of the Fiji fraternity and a member of the OSU baseball team.

After college Tom served for two years in the US Army in Fairbanks, Alaska. He then returned home to work for the family business, Rodda Paint. He became president of Rodda Paint Co in 1975, where he expanded the business from three stores to 43 at the time of his retirement in 2008. He was always known for his generosity, kindness, and loyalty to his colleagues and employees.

Tom’s passions included fishing, golfing, hiking, and cycling, where he participated in Cycle Oregon multiple years. He married his beloved wife, Whitney Braden in 1980 and together they enjoyed traveling and spending winters in the desert, boating in the San Juans, and entertaining friends and family at their home.

Tom was an active member of Oswego Lake Country Club, Multnomah Athletic Club, Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, and the Oregon Chapter of YPO. He was on the board of Friends of the Children, Parry Center, and the Lake Oswego Corporation.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and grandchildren, Graham and Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Whitney Braden; his sister Beverly Olson; his children Todd (Carol), Kirsten Olsen (Ian), Adam Havens; his grandchildren Gunnar (Hailey), Braden, Lily, Rian, Finn, Jack, and Graham.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00PM – 4:00PM on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Oswego Lake Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Friends of the Children.