I’ve been a reader of The Oregonian/OregonLive since delivering newspapers as a kid on my bike. It’s been about 43 years. Reading of Tom Hallman Jr.’s retirement is not unexpected, but it does come with some sadness, (“After 43 years of capturing joy, tragedy and love, a writer bids farewell,” July 1.)
Tom’s stories have had an impact on me for years, and I’ve even reached the point I can usually tell his stories from the headline. I became a fan of his work when reading “The boy behind the mask” stories. He has brought tears to my eyes and smiles to my face for decades, while writing about everything from lost dolls to the greatest losses people have experienced.