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Obituary for Kenneth D. "Ken" Tams
Gold Beach native Ken Tams, 56, passed away at his home in Gold Beach on June 29, 2014. Ken was born August 16, 1957 in Gold Beach to Frederick and Geraldine (Cribbins) Tams. He grew up in Gold Beach and graduated from Gold Beach High School. Ken began his career working with his father in the family lumber business, Tamco, and later worked in the oil industry in Wyoming and Texas. He and Pamela Snyder were married by Ken’s father in Gold Beach on September 24, 1983. Ken and Pam started their own sawmill business in Gold Beach called Western Hardwoods. They merged the business with Ken's brother and later moved it to Reno, Nevada. Together, Ken and his brother operated Warren Applicators where they had patented paint roller manufacturing technology. After selling the business in 2000, Ken and Pam returned to Gold Beach in 2006 where they purchased a ranch in Cedar Valley. Ken was a self-taught man. Though he did not have the formal education, he had the mind and skills of an engineer that he put to use in providing for and blessing his family. He worked hard but enjoyed what he did. Whatever he set his mind to he accomplished. This included, most recently, learning to play the drums. He played in ministry for the youth and the worship team at First Baptist Church of Gold Beach where he and Pam were members. Ken also enjoyed windsurfing, woodworking, designing projects and finding ways to improve the home and land that God had blessed him with. Most of all, though, he loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchild and studying the Bible. Survivors include his wife, Pamela of Gold Beach, son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Kelly Tams of Colorado Springs, Colo., daughter and son-in-law, Tarah and John Traut of Gold Beach, son, Garrett Tams, currently enrolled at OSU in Corvallis, grandson, Titus Traut (and one more grandchild on the way), brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Roberta Tams of Nevada, Gary and Debra Tams of Alaska. Ken was preceded in death by his sister, Diane Nading. A memorial celebration of Ken’s life and potluck will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Buffington Memorial Park, Caughell St. in Gold Beach. Private interment was held at Rogue River Cemetery in Gold Beach. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
