He was born on August 19, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up on Fillmore Street near Sugarhouse Park. His parents, Gene and Carol, showered him with love and sparked in him a love of learning and reading. He was also blessed with wonderful siblings—David, Eileen, Jerry, and Bob.
From a young age, Tom possessed special gifts and talents, including self-discipline, a keen intellect, a loving disposition, and a great sense of humor.
Tom’s family moved to Ogden in 1962. He attended Ogden High School, where he excelled academically and worked in the Weber County Library. In 1970, he entered Brigham Young University as a David O. McKay scholar. He graduated with high honors in 1976 and was the student speaker at commencement. His speech may be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/yhLYOgL0Mvo
Soon after BYU graduation, Tom was set up on a blind date with Kathy Fisher. They fell in love and Tom proposed on Valentine’s Day. They were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on May 26, 1977. A few months later, Tom and Kathy moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Tom attended Harvard Law School and taught early-morning seminary.
Tom’s life was blessed when he became a father. He found great joy in his new role and showed special love and attention to each of his five children; they adored him and reciprocated his love. Tom most powerfully expressed his love for his children in the way he loved and cherished their mother.
In 1989, while working as a young attorney, Tom received a job offer from June Morris and David Neeleman to be the general counsel at Morris Air. The career change was the start of a challenging and exciting 21-year career in the airline industry. In 1998, David Neeleman, Tom, and others co-founded JetBlue Airways. For 12 years, Tom served as a senior executive, including five years as general counsel. A JetBlue colleague wrote that “Tom helped, counseled, quietly brokered peace, never sought credit or accolades and made a difference to so many.”
Tom was a faithful and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From 1971 to 1973, he served as a missionary in the Italy North Mission. Later in life, Tom served in many callings, including as both a bishop and stake president for young single adults. His most cherished and meaningful calling was serving with Kathy as mission presidents in the Italy Rome Mission from 2010 to 2013. They loved their experiences in Italy and built lasting friendships with the more than 400 missionaries that served alongside them.
Tom was a talented golfer and enjoyed many rounds of golf with family and close friends. He enjoyed taking vacations with family, especially to Kauai. He loved taking walks around the neighborhood with his sweetheart and talking around the kitchen table late at night with his kids, often over a bowl of ice cream. He authored two books, A Father’s Gifts and Olivia’s Choice, and an Ensign Magazine article, Ye Are the Temple of God.
Tom will be most remembered for his Christlike character and ability to show love and concern for others. A dear friend and mentor once wrote to him: “the capacity to radiate God’s love is the ultimate virtue. The Greeks called it charisma. That, my dear friend, is your special gift.”
Through word and deed, Tom taught us the importance of loving each other. He believed if we cannot love imperfect people, we will live a life without love.
Although his capacity was diminished during the last stages of his life, Tom’s light and love continued to burn brightly until his last breath. All who have cared for him have been amazed and inspired by his dignified and loving presence. We wish to express sincere gratitude to the many family, friends, and loving caregivers who supported Tom during his final chapter, with special thanks to his hospice nurse, Angie Mack, and his longtime friend and physician, Grant Hawkins.
Through it all, his primary and most loyal caregiver has been his sweetheart, Kathy. Her love and support of Tom has been truly amazing. Their love has deepened as they have experienced a lifetime of joys and hardships together.
Tom had great faith in the power of Jesus Christ to heal, strengthen, and redeem. He believed the Resurrection of Jesus to be the true, and ultimate cure.
Tom is survived by his wife, Kathleen; five children, Paul (Christina), Emily (Bruce), Ryan (Paige), David (Kiersten), and Matthew (Jessica); and 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his older brother, David, who died after birth, and his parents, Gene and Carol.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4 at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1830 East 6400 South, Murray, UT 84121. A viewing will be held prior to the services at 10:30 a.m.
A separate viewing will be held on Friday, March 3 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. The address is 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106. Interment will be at the Memorial Holladay Cemetery.
The funeral service will be broadcast on Zoom and can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81396044750?pwd=SGFaVnNxYnE2dGd4bjYwT05Fb2h3QT09
If you have a story or memory of Tom you would like to share with the family, please email them to [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, enjoy a chocolate shake with someone you love, extend your love to an imperfect person, and consider donating to the Utah Food Bank.
