Thomas Gordon Goman, 1944-1986

Publication Year: 1987.

THOMAS GORDON GOMAN 1944-1986

Tom Goman died on Mount Hood May 14 while leading a climbing group from the Oregon Episcopal School. Father Tom, as he was called by his students, was bom in 1944 in Corvallis, Oregon. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1966 and went on to Oregon State University to do graduate work in chemical physics and spectroscopy. This led to geophysics and gravity field studies of Mount Saint Helens and the Wenatchee Mountains. Goman then concentrated on his interest in theology and enrolled in Harvard University Divinity School, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1970. He was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1972 and taught physics, chemistry and ethics at various institutions from 1970 to 1978 while also serving as vicar and chaplain for missions of the Episcopal Church. In 1978, Father Tom joined the Oregon Episcopal School. He continued to teach mathematics, physics and ethics as well as being Chess Team coach and coordinator of student climbing and outdoor activity.

Tom first climbed at age 13 and subsequently made multiple ascents of most of the major Oregon and Washington peaks along with innumerable rock climbs. He enjoyed the outdoors and, along with climbing, took equal pleasure in scrambling and hiking mountain trails. He joined the American Alpine Club in 1982.

His students have provided ample testimony to his sound instruction and leadership. Teaching calculus in high school and simultaneously giving classes in leadership and ethics was a large order, but he still saved time to write on purely religious subjects.

Father Goman is survived by his wife, Mar, whom he married in 1968, his mother, LaVerne Goman, as well as his brother, Jon and sister, Sybil.

Lewis L. McArthur