Thomas Survilla

Thomas Richard Survilla slipped away at his home in Portland, OR, on March 8, 2026. Born in Kalamazoo, MI, to Walter and Helen (Roberts) Survilla, Tom grew up in the new Milwood neighborhood during a time when all children filled their free days with outdoor games and adventures. Summers were spent on the shores of Gourdneck Lake, and winters offered ice skating there. Tom attended Milwood Schools through 9th grade en route to Kalamazoo Central when Loy Norrix High School was being built due to the burgeoning post-war school population. He became part of the inaugural graduating class of Loy Norrix High School in 1961, contributing to school musicals and the building's cornerstone. During his high school years, Tom, as did most teens, held a part-time job, at Schensul's cafeteria on the new Mall.

He began his college career in Boston before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Penguin, a submarine rescue vessel based in Key West, FL. After his service, he joined the Peace Corps, teaching electronics at a vocational high school in Shiraz (the city of roses), Iran.

Upon returning to the United States, Tom explored the Pacific coast and ultimately settled in Portland (also known as the city of roses), captivated by Oregon's proliferation of trees and greenery. He completed degrees at Portland State University and UCLA, pursuing his passion for languages and communication. His career included computer projects with the Army Corps of Engineers and an administrative role with the U.S. Postal Service.

In his later years, Tom developed a deep interest in genealogy, tracing his family lineage back 15 generations to England in the early 1500's. He had respect for every individual he encountered and ultimately became the front porch denizen of his northwest Portland neighborhood.

Tom is survived by his sister, Carolyn (Survilla) Hornev; nephew Michael Hornev; great-nieces Sophia and Amelia Hornev, all of Portage, MI; and niece Christina Hornev of Tonopah, AZ. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Wednesday, June 17, where vehicles will form a processional line at the entrance from 1:00 to 1:15pm. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Trail Endowment Fund at Portage Parks Foundation, c/o Portage Parks & Recreation, 320 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002, or online at PortageParksFoundation.org, "Donate," yellow "Donate" button, Gifts to the Park, Trail Endowment Fund.