Thomas (Tom) Molloy aka "Big Tom"

Tom was born on September 20, 1945, to Thomas and Lillian Molloy. He was an only child.

Tom went to ride with the Big Bike Rider in the sky on March 20. He passed at home like he wanted to, peacefully in his sleep. He had two aunts and an uncle who dearly loved him: Janos (uncle) and Aunt Josephine Kiss. Also Miss Elizabeth Reese (aunt), who never married and spoiled him rotten. They preceded him in death.

Tom and his parents moved and lived all over the U.S. His father was a professional painter.

The family moved to El Cajon, California from Cleveland in the 1960s. He attended a mechanic trade school in L.A. during the riots. Discovering he was allergic to petroleum products, he didn't pursue that profession. In 1966, he and a best friend Roger enlisted in the Marines. Tom served from 1966 to 1969. He finished his enlistment as a sergeant, battalion armor, in Vietnam.

Tom went to Grossmont College upon returning from the service, and worked at the family business, El Cajon Travel Bureau. Tom and "Goofy" (Jill Paulus) met in 1971. Goofy was a blind date; they went to a Sha Na Na and Lydia Pitts concert. The rest is history with them. They moved in together to save money for a trip to England and Europe. They went to England in 1973 for six weeks, traveling first-class rail pass for three weeks on the continent and three weeks in England. They had such a great time, upon returning, they saved for a year to go back. Returning to England in 1975, they lived on a sheep farm in a caravan without running water or electric. During the summer for three months, they again traveled the continent, also going to the Scandinavian countries.

Upon returning home, they lived with Tom's parents in El Cajon, saving to buy their first home together in Santee, California. A good friend (Mic Harris, deceased) talked Tom into coming to visit and moving to Sisters. It took Tom until 1984 to talk Jill into the move! They sold their home and came to Sisters. Tom's parents moved from Cleveland to Sisters, following in their footsteps. Tom worked any jobs he could; that was part of the promise. Jill also got a new '84 Honda Car of the Year and a trip to Hawaii as part of the bribe.

Tom and Jill were together over 30 years, owned a house on Crooked Horseshoe. They split up for a time but always remained close and good friends, helping each other.

They had "Goofy's Cleaning Machines" cleaning business, previously working at the B Bar B, Hrdlicka Construction, night janitor at The Gallery, and in construction.

Tom and Jill were back together when, in October, he hit his head from a fall and had a brain bleed. He was in the hospital a week, and Jill brought him home. Unfortunately, Tom went downhill from there.

Tom is also survived by a stepson, Michael Paulus (Beth) and granddaughter Ashley Metz, both of Spokane, Washington.

Tom loved riding his Harley most of all. He participated in the teddy bear runs and was a sponsor. He was a loving, caring, strong, brave man, definitely unique in his own way! He will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 15, at 1 p.m. at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church, 123 Trinity Way, in Sisters. Reception immediately following. RSVP "Goofy" (Jill) at 541-797-3106 or cherokeejill53@aol.com.

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-tom-molloy-for-funeral-expenses?sharetype=teams&member=26260531&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet