Thomas M Dyer
January 24, 1970 ~ January 1, 2021
South Portland - Thomas M. Dyer, 50, passed at Maine Medical Center on January 1, 2021 after a courageous 4-month battle with acute pancreatitis.
Thomas was born in Portland, the son of Thomas and Debbie (Burton) Dyer. He grew up in South Portland and went to Holy Cross School and graduated from South Portland High School, in 1988. Thomas attended the University of Southern Maine where he received his BA degree and graduated Suma Cum Laude in 1992. While in college, Tom was proud to be a part of the USM basketball team, and as a freshman participated in the NCAA Division III Final Four Tournament in 1989.
In 1992, Tom met Debra (Deb) Hamlin and they married in 1996. Together, Tom and Deb built a wonderful life in South Portland with their two children, Zachary and Emily.
Tom worked in the fields of Human Resources, and Facilities & Warehouse Management for Sweetser, Cuddledown and Pierce Promotions. Tom grew to enjoy a job that kept him physically active, and when he acquired a full time position with the City of South Portland Parks and Recreation, he really found his passion working outdoors.
Tom loved the outdoors and living in the great state of Maine. He shared this passion with Deb and their kids when frequenting their camp at Moosehead Lake. Tom loved to be a host to his friends and family, and spend time hiking, kayaking, hunting, boating, and cooking over a large fire pit he built by hand. He liked foraging and finding great deals on items for the camp that he could restore or repurpose for everyone to enjoy. He also enjoyed reading books, particularly historical non-fiction and great western novels.
Tom was a man with a great presence; tall, rugged and physically strong, but also was a kind-hearted, compassionate man who was respected by those who knew him. He had a way of sharing his wisdom, dry wit and "Dyer charm" with those he cared about the most. Most of all, he loved, protected and cared for his family, especially Deb, Zach and Emily whom he did not want to leave.
Tom is survived by his wife of 24 years, Deb, and their children, Zach and Emily Dyer of South Portland; parents, Thomas and Debbie Dyer of Scarborough; his brother, Scott Dyer of Somerville, MA; his father in-law, Richard Hamlin; sister and brother in-laws, Michael and Donna (Hamlin) Whelan, Diane Hamlin, and David Hamlin; and his niece and nephew, Alisha and Tom Whelan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held later in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Toms obituary page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to: The South Portland Land Trust https://www.southportlandlandtrust.org/donate
The Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum in Greenville https://www.katahdincruises.com/support/
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Tommy was my best friend when I was right or nine the summers we spent in Maine. We’d share cartoons we ‘d drawn, and Tommy showed me the secret screenplay he was working on, See the Pretty Girls,(and Watch Them Die). We were not politically correct, we were only eight or nine. We would go to the mom and pop stores and split up our Charlie’ s angels trading cards. One night, muggy and hot, I lay awake a sleepless night next to his bed. He would eat hot dogs and French fries, that is it, it’s a wonder he became the star athlete he did. He was a great guy,and had his son Zach recite the law of supply and demand. My thoughts go out to his wife Debbie, children Zach and Emily,and parents Debbie and Tom and brother Scott.
– David James Callan
In memory of a wonderful friend.
– Mark Dysinger and family
I’m so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
– Michelle
Tom’s passing is hard to believe. I fondly remember Tommy from middle school and high school. Always such a great friend and kind person. My condolences to his family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~Julie Darling Barrett
– Julie Darling Barrett
Tom, Debbie & Scottie and family- Having grown up next door on Goudy St I will always remember Tommy as a friendly, kind teenager. Years younger he always said a friendly hello. To you all, his wife and children, my sincere condolences. May he rest in peace and be your guardian angel. Love, Danielle Bartlett (Donnini)
– Danielle
To Deb Emily Zachary Thomas and Debbie, I was so sorry to hear of Thomas the son passing. So sorry he was sick. So sorry for the family. Dad grandpapa and grandma
– kristen Tully
Tom was the perfect teammate. He worked hard every day and always encouraged us. I loved his laugh and he was such a genuine , good natured guy. We are all blessed to have shared parts of our lives with Tom. God bless. Jeff Bowers
– Jeff Bowers
Tom was a gentle giant who will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
– Bonnie Wilson
Tom was a Co-Worker and Friend to me but I always admired him most as a family man who clearly put his loved ones above all else. Will miss the occasional run in around SoPo. Will remember the many breakfast for lunches watching the Price is Right at the counter at Kathy and Daves. Tom was a great guy, always able to pull up some obscure movie quote and always with a big smile. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his Family during these hard days.
– Mark Nelson
My prayers and sympathy to Tom’s wife, children, parents and brother Scott. Tom was a nice young kid when I knew him as a student at Holy Cross School. May God’s graces and blessings be with you during this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.
– Sister Margaret A. Coyne
I went to school with “Tommy” in South Portland and remember him as a really good guy. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, but I remember him fondly. My condolences to his family. Deb Doane
– Deb Doane
Tom was such a kind man ,always smiling and friendly. Thoughts and prayers for Deb , Zach and Emily. Thinking of you Jon ,Becky and Noah McHugh
– Tribute Store
I wa saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Wishing your family comfort and strength for the days and weeks ahead. I’ll be praying for all of you. Thoughtfully, Stacey Manning
– Stacey Manning
Thoughts and prayers for Deb, Zach, and Emily. I’m so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts.
– Ryan Caron
And Scott the brother. So sorry for the loss of your brother. Kristen Tully
– kristen Tully
Tom was the best neighbor and friend anyone could hope for. I first met him while struggling with a carpet I had dragged out of my house. I heard a voice asking, “hey, can I give you a hand with that”? And he never stopped asking. I am so fortunate to have shared glad times and sad times with the Dyer family. My heart breaks for Deb, Zach and Emily. And for his parents and brother. For everyone that knew him there will be an empty place inside that will never be filled. Most fondly, Lynne T
– Lynne Thompson
Debbie, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Although I never met Tom, I can see what a truly fine man you raised and how very proud of him you all are and will be. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you have these past several months. Most sincerely, Laurice Viens Mortenson
– Laurice
To Thomas Scott and Debbie, I was so sorry to hear of Thomas passing. He was a nice person. And a good dad. Take care, So sorry for Scott brother. Kristen Tully
– Kristen tully
Such a loss of a young man who I connected with years ago. Tom was a student in my Drivers Ed.school and came from a family,well known and respected in my home town. Seeing mom at Shaws Super Mkt always drew a smile and ‘hello’. At a state track championship,years ago,Tom was the head official in the javelin event. A young man I coached made the finals. He was seeded last and after the trials,was in third place and I was pleased. This guy would go on to win the NCCA as a junior in college. On his final throw in the state meet,Nick threw further than the first place athlete. However,attempting to avoid stepping over the foul line,he touch the line to the left. I saw it as well as Nick. Sad but happy for a young man’s work ethics. I walked over to Tom to thank him for a wonderful job. He said to me,’Buzz,I don’t want to make the call. I looked him in the eye and asked how he would live with that. He smiled and thanked me. I’ve told that story to many young officials and reminded them that their job was to be honest with their decisions no matter what. Reading Tom’s obit,I was pleased to see what he did with his life. A good kid who grew into a fine adult. He will be missed and I am so sorry for your loss. At this time,we need as many good people as we can find. RIPand God bless all of Tom’s family and friends.
– Buzz Maloney
Debbie and Tom I was so sorry to hear of Tom’e passing! My condolences to you and Tom’s family! God Bless! Pat Buck
– Pat Buck
Your spirit will live on. My deepest condolences to the family and Mr. and Mrs. Dyer .
– Jeff Bowers