In Memoriam

Aug. 14, 1927 - April 15, 2023

Thomas C. Buell, teacher, artist, actor, and poet, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Hopewell House in Portland, Ore. He was 95.

Born in Newport, R.I., Tom graduated from South Kent School and Princeton University before embarking on a teaching career that eventually would bring him to Portland, where he taught English at Portland State University for over 40 years.

His sculptures, paintings and drawings have shown at local galleries and museums, and are included in many local collections. He acted in productions by the American Theater Company, and he was also a published poet.

Tom's life and work were infused with a playful sense of humor, a perpetual curiosity, and a seemingly unshakeable open mind.

Although born and raised in New England, Tom came to consider himself a westerner. He loved camping, hiking, and flyfishing. A lifelong love of sailing took him exploring the waters of the Salish Sea with family and friends, and twice across the Atlantic Ocean.

Tom's world was alight with love. He is survived by Joan, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years with whom he loved to travel far and near; son, Tom (Jamie Elsbury) of Port Townsend, Wash.; daughter, Hester Carr (Leonard) of Portland; and son, Dexter (Keri Butler) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by siblings, Bill, George, Becky and Sammy.