Thomas Malepsy, 81, Medford, Ore.

Published 12:27 pm Saturday, February 19, 2011

Thomas Edward Malepsy, 81, died in Medford, Ore., on Feb. 10, 2011, with his family by his side. He was born in Nebraska City, Neb., on May 23, 1929, to proud parents Casey and Elsie Malepsy. He was raised in Albert Lea, one of eight children. On July 4, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Clarice Hansen, and together they raised two children: Mike and Mary, before relocating in 1973 to Medford, Ore.

Thomas Malepsy

He was a natural-born salesman, selling everything from sewing machines and vacuums to eventually real estate. He had great work ethic and, growing up in the Depression, knew the value of a dollar. Even in retirement, he had his own unique way of generously helping others in need, all the while teaching them the importance of personal accountability.

He was an active member of what his grandchildren referred to as the animal clubs: the Elks, Moose and Eagles organizations. He was also a proud member of the Poets Club.

A born extrovert, Tom knew no strangers and truly meant “the more the merrier,” when it came to family, friends and social events. He took great pride in his family and cherished his life long friends. For those who lived far away, he put notable effort to stay in touch with his love to talk on the phone. Whether in his Toyota heading to local garage sales to look for bargains, his motor-home headed to meet other “snowbirds,” his boat on mountain lakes or in his tank “Ty-Ota,” with 417,000 miles, off to Wyoming, he was always on the move. And, when the destination was unknown, one of his favorite past times was a country drive with family and friends looking for wild game and collecting “nickels.” In years he lived to 81 but in miles traveled he was timeless.

He was an avid golfer, hunter, skier and fisherman, a legacy he left to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to dance and sing and knew how to get a laugh or smile from an entire room with his many funny stories. One of his last special memories was upstaging a professional comedian by performing one of his unique songs, “Ball of Yarn.”

He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Clarice Malepsy, and his brothers: Stan Malepsy, Joe Malepsy and Robert Malepsy. He is survived with love by his two children: Mike Malepsy and Mary Vannice; his siblings: Virginia Tagliaccio, Helen Cormick, Jim Malepsy and Bill Malepsy; his grandchildren Casey Malepsy, Robin Burgess, Evan Malepsy and Allison Hendrix; his great-grandchildren: Taylor Burgess, Nathan Burgess, Sloan Malepsy, Ruby Malepsy and Bridger Malepsy; and his companion, Betty Jacobsen.

A special thanks to Betty Jacobsen for opening up her loving home to the Malepsy family, to nephew Tom Leland for traveling from Minnesota, and to Ashland Community Hospital Hospice nurse Brenda for their care and compassion in his final days. The family requests any donations be made to Ashland Community Hospital Hospice, in lieu of flowers.

We ask that friends and family celebrate the culmination and many great achievements of his life by joining us at the Rogue Valley Country Club in Medford, Ore., from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27.