In 1949, Thomas (Tom) Joseph William Coogan was born a triplet in Newark, New Jersey to parents Lee and Don Coogan who met in Quantico, Virginia while serving as marines. Fraternal twins Tom and John (Jack) survived while their brother William only lived a few hours. The Coogans moved to the west coast in 1956 when Don got a job with RCA. Tom fondly recalled going to work with his dad to hear Elvis Presley record in the studio. Tom thrived as a California boy and became an avid surfer and sailor.
He was drafted into the Vietnam War while on a break from college. Despite being a peacemaker and opposed to the war, Tom dutifully served his country as an Army combat medic earning a Purple Heart, sustaining two gunshot wounds, and bravely finishing his tour. He disliked discussing his military era but fondly recalled being given a watch by his brothers in arms on his 21st birthday while hunkered down during a firefight. Tom's fierce loyalty to his comrades, country, family, and friends proved a defining trait during his lifetime, as was his ability to survive extreme situations like car crashes, skydiving, cliff jumping, and falling overboard while sailing solo in frigid weather.
Tom was drawn to healthcare and relocated to Oregon with his first wife Lynn in 1974 to work for Medicare in the same year their daughter Cassandra was born. The couple split in 1977 but remained lifelong friends and unified parents. Tom went on to work as a paramedic, general manager of an ambulance company, medical equipment salesman, vice president of a regional medical company, and legislative advocate for those ailing or disabled. Tom fancied himself a ladies' man and spent a decade as a bachelor until Cathy Flanagan tamed his restless soul.
He fell hopelessly in love with his "Dahling Cat", and the pair married in 1991. They laughed often and had many adventures camping, sailing, hiking, and traveling with their family. Known as Papa and Marmie to their granddaughter, it was hard to tell who was the kid as they would play dress up, binge on Hallmark movies, transform their home into a Halloween attraction or Christmas wonderland, and host lots of parties. Tom would bound about like a labrador bringing fun and joy to every occasion and was relentlessly positive.
He faithfully cared for his beloved wife until she succumbed to cancer in 2017 and waged his own fight until departing on February 10, 2025. During the last two years of his life, Tom was buoyed by the support of his family, the outstanding care at OHSU led by Dr. Jeremy Cetnar, his Catholic faith, and the encouragement from his many friends. He is survived by his daughter Cassandra, son-in-law Miles, stepsons Brandon and Dustin, daughters-in-law Britney and Patricia, grandchildren Emma, Daphne, and Liam, brother Jack, and sister Donna.