Update: 

Tom passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday February 7, 2026. 

We cannot thank everyone enough for all of your continued support during this time. 

Please send your love and prayers to Patra as she navigates this road ahead of her. ♥️

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Original:

Thursday, January 22, we received the news that our one-of-a-kind dad, husband, and loyal friend, Mr. Tom Orr, has limited time left with us on this earth. For the last almost 4 years, Tom has battled stage 4 colon cancer that metastasized to his liver early on. Initially, he was given around 2 years and has outlived all expectations, allowing us to have the most amazing last few years with him.

Up until the last 6 months, Tom's cancer progression was deemed slow and “unremarkable,” but since then, he's faced a gradual, yet seemingly quick decline. Both Tom and Patra run their own businesses; Tom, a leading Senior Care Insurance instructor for the state of CA and across the US, and Patra, a senior care aide throughout the Sonoma Valley for her loving clients. With Tom abruptly having to step away from his business, and Patra attempting to balance caring for her husband and her clients, it has been quite difficult for them both during this time.

We, as their children Payton (30, WA) and Gavin (28, OR), are constantly visiting home to assist and provide as much as we can, but with this sudden news of Tom’s limited time left with us, we want to make sure my mom and dad feel supported. Between accumulated and unexpected medical costs, preparation for Tom’s end of life (celebrations of life, funeral, etc.), and ensuring our mom, Patra, doesn’t have to worry and can rebuild her own life after being with Tom for almost 50 years since high school, we wanted to put together a fund for her to show our love and support for them both.

We also would love to read and see any stories or memories you have, anonymous or not, with/about Tom so we can share them with him in these last few weeks.

We cannot thank everyone enough who has already reached out for their love, thoughts, prayers, and support. It means the world to our family during this time.

In the words of Tom himself, always continue to find brightness through obscurity and never forget to keep the faith.

Thank you ♥️