Mr. Thomas J. Eddy of Portage, Michigan.
An extraordinary man, Thomas James Eddy had a zest for life that was contagious to all who knew him. He loved his work, his community and myriad hobbies, but his true passion was his beloved family. There was nothing that made Tom's heart swell with pride more than the children and grandchildren he shared with his life's partner, Carol. Oh, and sports, which had an influence even on the day he was born.
Ten-months after the end of World War II, Raymond and Cadais (Owen) Eddy arrived at a Grosse Pointe, Michigan, hospital with anxious anticipation for an addition to the family. The mother-to-be drifted into delivery slumber with the familiar sounds of Tiger baseball floating from the transistor radio. Upon waking, Cadais asked, "is it still 1-0?" "No dear," said the father, "it's actually 2-0." Thomas J. preceded his twin sister, Marilyn, into the world by ten minutes on the afternoon of July 1, 1946. Because of those ten minutes, Tom would be the middle child, raised with his twin and older brother, Ray, in the family home on Pemberton Street in Grosse Pointe Park.
While a typical boy in most ways, Tom was challenged with a significant stutter — which is hard to imagine, given Tom's love of public speaking as an adult. As a young adult his Dale Carnegie Award for speech marked a significant and highly personal achievement. Tom went on to attend Grosse Pointe High School, referred to in that small Lake St. Clair community as "The High." Most important in high school was Tom's introduction to Carol Libby, the young woman with whom he would share the next five decades.
Tom and Carol became a steady couple when he became a freshman at Ferris State College, where he studied marketing. He also enjoyed college life with his fraternity brothers at Theta Xi.
After Tom earned his degree at Ferris, he and Carol were married on April 5, 1969. The newlyweds returned to the east side of the state, where Tom took a teaching position at St. Isaac Jogues School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He loved his work and was highly revered by students and staff alike. Tom and Carol went on to welcome two sons, Robert in 1971 and Tyler in 1975. Right before Rob's birth, Tom took a position in industrial sales to better support his family. Because of this successful career move, in 1981 he accepted a management position that brought Tom and his family to Portage.
With two growing sons came the strong Eddy gene for sports. Tom was very active in their athletic teams. He coached. He umpired. Tom sat on the Board of South Portage Little League. He also made countless trips to the ice rink as a hockey parent. And this support for sporting activities lasted well past Tom's sons' high school years. He was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his involvement as "The Voice" of the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League for ten years.
Just as important, all who know Tom agree that he was a man of integrity. Someone who firmly believed in giving to others, Tom was a strong heartbeat in the Portage community. He combined his love for his community of more than 30 years with his passion for education. With just a three-year break he served on the Portage Public School Board of Education from 1996 until the time of his death. His first term on the board spanned from 1996 through 2008, during which he served as vice president from 2002 to 2003 and as president from 2003 to 2006. After a three-year hiatus beginning in 2008, he was re-elected in 2011 and had been currently serving as secretary with his term set to expire in 2016. Tom was also a past chairman of the Portage schools District Advisory Council.
Tom also was an active member of the Rotary Club of Portage, always eager to do what he could to advance the projects of the club for the benefit of Portage Rotary charities, especially his valuable service and insight on their scholarship committee.
Several years ago after retiring from sales, Tom was able to return to his passion, teaching. He was a favorite substitute teacher for area schools and loved being involved with the community alternative high school students.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed pursuing many interests. He loved golfing with his boys and his buddies. He was a voracious reader whose chosen material included everything from Stephen King and Tom Clancy to business, professional development, and biographies. Friends and family would often be recipients of his sharing highlighted passages from what he was currently reading.
Tom also loved all things University of Michigan — especially U-M football and he quoted "Bo" often. Around the house he took great pride in tending to his yard and raking leaves. Just this past April, Tom and Carol bought a house on Austin Lake where he spent the summer enjoying lakeside living and almost perfected the art of docking his pontoon boat.
And while Tom was a devoted father, it was easy to see that his granddaughters were the apples of Papa's eye. Even the grand-dogs and grand-tortoise were not overlooked by Tom, as he had plenty of room in his heart for all he held dear. He was a true "people person" who was just as comfortable in a group as he was one-on-one with friends and associates.
Life will not be the same without Tom's presence, but surviving family and future generations will carry on his legacy proudly. Passionate, hardworking, genuine, Tom was a vibrant gift to all who were blessed to enter into his company.
Thomas J. Eddy, of Portage, died on December 7, 2013. Tom's family includes his wife, Carol, sons Robert (Laura), and Tyler; granddaughters, Kyra, Ella, and Avery; twin sister, Marilyn (Ken) Rowe; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and his brother, Ray, preceded him in death. Visit with Tom's family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) and at 10 a.m. Friday until funeral services at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. Please visit Tom's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where friends and family can archive a photo or memory and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Portage Education Foundation, Portage Rotary Charities, or Portage District Library.
*Courtesy of Life Story Networks Inc.*
An extraordinary man, Thomas James Eddy had a zest for life that was contagious to all who knew him. He loved his work, his community and myriad hobbies, but his true passion was his beloved family. There was nothing that made Tom's heart swell with pride more than the children and grandchildren he shared with his life's partner, Carol. Oh, and sports, which had an influence even on the day he was born.
Ten-months after the end of World War II, Raymond and Cadais (Owen) Eddy arrived at a Grosse Pointe, Michigan, hospital with anxious anticipation for an addition to the family. The mother-to-be drifted into delivery slumber with the familiar sounds of Tiger baseball floating from the transistor radio. Upon waking, Cadais asked, "is it still 1-0?" "No dear," said the father, "it's actually 2-0." Thomas J. preceded his twin sister, Marilyn, into the world by ten minutes on the afternoon of July 1, 1946. Because of those ten minutes, Tom would be the middle child, raised with his twin and older brother, Ray, in the family home on Pemberton Street in Grosse Pointe Park.
While a typical boy in most ways, Tom was challenged with a significant stutter — which is hard to imagine, given Tom's love of public speaking as an adult. As a young adult his Dale Carnegie Award for speech marked a significant and highly personal achievement. Tom went on to attend Grosse Pointe High School, referred to in that small Lake St. Clair community as "The High." Most important in high school was Tom's introduction to Carol Libby, the young woman with whom he would share the next five decades.
Tom and Carol became a steady couple when he became a freshman at Ferris State College, where he studied marketing. He also enjoyed college life with his fraternity brothers at Theta Xi.
After Tom earned his degree at Ferris, he and Carol were married on April 5, 1969. The newlyweds returned to the east side of the state, where Tom took a teaching position at St. Isaac Jogues School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He loved his work and was highly revered by students and staff alike. Tom and Carol went on to welcome two sons, Robert in 1971 and Tyler in 1975. Right before Rob's birth, Tom took a position in industrial sales to better support his family. Because of this successful career move, in 1981 he accepted a management position that brought Tom and his family to Portage.
With two growing sons came the strong Eddy gene for sports. Tom was very active in their athletic teams. He coached. He umpired. Tom sat on the Board of South Portage Little League. He also made countless trips to the ice rink as a hockey parent. And this support for sporting activities lasted well past Tom's sons' high school years. He was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his involvement as "The Voice" of the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League for ten years.
Just as important, all who know Tom agree that he was a man of integrity. Someone who firmly believed in giving to others, Tom was a strong heartbeat in the Portage community. He combined his love for his community of more than 30 years with his passion for education. With just a three-year break he served on the Portage Public School Board of Education from 1996 until the time of his death. His first term on the board spanned from 1996 through 2008, during which he served as vice president from 2002 to 2003 and as president from 2003 to 2006. After a three-year hiatus beginning in 2008, he was re-elected in 2011 and had been currently serving as secretary with his term set to expire in 2016. Tom was also a past chairman of the Portage schools District Advisory Council.
Tom also was an active member of the Rotary Club of Portage, always eager to do what he could to advance the projects of the club for the benefit of Portage Rotary charities, especially his valuable service and insight on their scholarship committee.
Several years ago after retiring from sales, Tom was able to return to his passion, teaching. He was a favorite substitute teacher for area schools and loved being involved with the community alternative high school students.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed pursuing many interests. He loved golfing with his boys and his buddies. He was a voracious reader whose chosen material included everything from Stephen King and Tom Clancy to business, professional development, and biographies. Friends and family would often be recipients of his sharing highlighted passages from what he was currently reading.
Tom also loved all things University of Michigan — especially U-M football and he quoted "Bo" often. Around the house he took great pride in tending to his yard and raking leaves. Just this past April, Tom and Carol bought a house on Austin Lake where he spent the summer enjoying lakeside living and almost perfected the art of docking his pontoon boat.
And while Tom was a devoted father, it was easy to see that his granddaughters were the apples of Papa's eye. Even the grand-dogs and grand-tortoise were not overlooked by Tom, as he had plenty of room in his heart for all he held dear. He was a true "people person" who was just as comfortable in a group as he was one-on-one with friends and associates.
Life will not be the same without Tom's presence, but surviving family and future generations will carry on his legacy proudly. Passionate, hardworking, genuine, Tom was a vibrant gift to all who were blessed to enter into his company.
Thomas J. Eddy, of Portage, died on December 7, 2013. Tom's family includes his wife, Carol, sons Robert (Laura), and Tyler; granddaughters, Kyra, Ella, and Avery; twin sister, Marilyn (Ken) Rowe; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and his brother, Ray, preceded him in death. Visit with Tom's family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) and at 10 a.m. Friday until funeral services at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. Please visit Tom's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where friends and family can archive a photo or memory and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Portage Education Foundation, Portage Rotary Charities, or Portage District Library.
*Courtesy of Life Story Networks Inc.*
Mr. Thomas J. Eddy of Portage, Michigan.
An extraordinary man, Thomas James Eddy had a zest for life that was contagious to all who knew him. He loved his work, his community and myriad hobbies, but his true passion was his beloved family. There was nothing that made Tom's heart swell with pride more than the children and grandchildren he shared with his life's partner, Carol. Oh, and sports, which had an influence even on the day he was born.
Ten-months after the end of World War II, Raymond and Cadais (Owen) Eddy arrived at a Grosse Pointe, Michigan, hospital with anxious anticipation for an addition to the family. The mother-to-be drifted into delivery slumber with the familiar sounds of Tiger baseball floating from the transistor radio. Upon waking, Cadais asked, "is it still 1-0?" "No dear," said the father, "it's actually 2-0." Thomas J. preceded his twin sister, Marilyn, into the world by ten minutes on the afternoon of July 1, 1946. Because of those ten minutes, Tom would be the middle child, raised with his twin and older brother, Ray, in the family home on Pemberton Street in Grosse Pointe Park.
While a typical boy in most ways, Tom was challenged with a significant stutter — which is hard to imagine, given Tom's love of public speaking as an adult. As a young adult his Dale Carnegie Award for speech marked a significant and highly personal achievement. Tom went on to attend Grosse Pointe High School, referred to in that small Lake St. Clair community as "The High." Most important in high school was Tom's introduction to Carol Libby, the young woman with whom he would share the next five decades.
Tom and Carol became a steady couple when he became a freshman at Ferris State College, where he studied marketing. He also enjoyed college life with his fraternity brothers at Theta Xi.
After Tom earned his degree at Ferris, he and Carol were married on April 5, 1969. The newlyweds returned to the east side of the state, where Tom took a teaching position at St. Isaac Jogues School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He loved his work and was highly revered by students and staff alike. Tom and Carol went on to welcome two sons, Robert in 1971 and Tyler in 1975. Right before Rob's birth, Tom took a position in industrial sales to better support his family. Because of this successful career move, in 1981 he accepted a management position that brought Tom and his family to Portage.
With two growing sons came the strong Eddy gene for sports. Tom was very active in their athletic teams. He coached. He umpired. Tom sat on the Board of South Portage Little League. He also made countless trips to the ice rink as a hockey parent. And this support for sporting activities lasted well past Tom's sons' high school years. He was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his involvement as "The Voice" of the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League for ten years.
Just as important, all who know Tom agree that he was a man of integrity. Someone who firmly believed in giving to others, Tom was a strong heartbeat in the Portage community. He combined his love for his community of more than 30 years with his passion for education. With just a three-year break he served on the Portage Public School Board of Education from 1996 until the time of his death. His first term on the board spanned from 1996 through 2008, during which he served as vice president from 2002 to 2003 and as president from 2003 to 2006. After a three-year hiatus beginning in 2008, he was re-elected in 2011 and had been currently serving as secretary with his term set to expire in 2016. Tom was also a past chairman of the Portage schools District Advisory Council.
Tom also was an active member of the Rotary Club of Portage, always eager to do what he could to advance the projects of the club for the benefit of Portage Rotary charities, especially his valuable service and insight on their scholarship committee.
Several years ago after retiring from sales, Tom was able to return to his passion, teaching. He was a favorite substitute teacher for area schools and loved being involved with the community alternative high school students.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed pursuing many interests. He loved golfing with his boys and his buddies. He was a voracious reader whose chosen material included everything from Stephen King and Tom Clancy to business, professional development, and biographies. Friends and family would often be recipients of his sharing highlighted passages from what he was currently reading.
Tom also loved all things University of Michigan — especially U-M football and he quoted "Bo" often. Around the house he took great pride in tending to his yard and raking leaves. Just this past April, Tom and Carol bought a house on Austin Lake where he spent the summer enjoying lakeside living and almost perfected the art of docking his pontoon boat.
And while Tom was a devoted father, it was easy to see that his granddaughters were the apples of Papa's eye. Even the grand-dogs and grand-tortoise were not overlooked by Tom, as he had plenty of room in his heart for all he held dear. He was a true "people person" who was just as comfortable in a group as he was one-on-one with friends and associates.
Life will not be the same without Tom's presence, but surviving family and future generations will carry on his legacy proudly. Passionate, hardworking, genuine, Tom was a vibrant gift to all who were blessed to enter into his company.
Thomas J. Eddy, of Portage, died on December 7, 2013. Tom's family includes his wife, Carol, sons Robert (Laura), and Tyler; granddaughters, Kyra, Ella, and Avery; twin sister, Marilyn (Ken) Rowe; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and his brother, Ray, preceded him in death. Visit with Tom's family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) and at 10 a.m. Friday until funeral services at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. Please visit Tom's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where friends and family can archive a photo or memory and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Portage Education Foundation, Portage Rotary Charities, or Portage District Library.
*Courtesy of Life Story Networks Inc.*
An extraordinary man, Thomas James Eddy had a zest for life that was contagious to all who knew him. He loved his work, his community and myriad hobbies, but his true passion was his beloved family. There was nothing that made Tom's heart swell with pride more than the children and grandchildren he shared with his life's partner, Carol. Oh, and sports, which had an influence even on the day he was born.
Ten-months after the end of World War II, Raymond and Cadais (Owen) Eddy arrived at a Grosse Pointe, Michigan, hospital with anxious anticipation for an addition to the family. The mother-to-be drifted into delivery slumber with the familiar sounds of Tiger baseball floating from the transistor radio. Upon waking, Cadais asked, "is it still 1-0?" "No dear," said the father, "it's actually 2-0." Thomas J. preceded his twin sister, Marilyn, into the world by ten minutes on the afternoon of July 1, 1946. Because of those ten minutes, Tom would be the middle child, raised with his twin and older brother, Ray, in the family home on Pemberton Street in Grosse Pointe Park.
While a typical boy in most ways, Tom was challenged with a significant stutter — which is hard to imagine, given Tom's love of public speaking as an adult. As a young adult his Dale Carnegie Award for speech marked a significant and highly personal achievement. Tom went on to attend Grosse Pointe High School, referred to in that small Lake St. Clair community as "The High." Most important in high school was Tom's introduction to Carol Libby, the young woman with whom he would share the next five decades.
Tom and Carol became a steady couple when he became a freshman at Ferris State College, where he studied marketing. He also enjoyed college life with his fraternity brothers at Theta Xi.
After Tom earned his degree at Ferris, he and Carol were married on April 5, 1969. The newlyweds returned to the east side of the state, where Tom took a teaching position at St. Isaac Jogues School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He loved his work and was highly revered by students and staff alike. Tom and Carol went on to welcome two sons, Robert in 1971 and Tyler in 1975. Right before Rob's birth, Tom took a position in industrial sales to better support his family. Because of this successful career move, in 1981 he accepted a management position that brought Tom and his family to Portage.
With two growing sons came the strong Eddy gene for sports. Tom was very active in their athletic teams. He coached. He umpired. Tom sat on the Board of South Portage Little League. He also made countless trips to the ice rink as a hockey parent. And this support for sporting activities lasted well past Tom's sons' high school years. He was recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his involvement as "The Voice" of the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League for ten years.
Just as important, all who know Tom agree that he was a man of integrity. Someone who firmly believed in giving to others, Tom was a strong heartbeat in the Portage community. He combined his love for his community of more than 30 years with his passion for education. With just a three-year break he served on the Portage Public School Board of Education from 1996 until the time of his death. His first term on the board spanned from 1996 through 2008, during which he served as vice president from 2002 to 2003 and as president from 2003 to 2006. After a three-year hiatus beginning in 2008, he was re-elected in 2011 and had been currently serving as secretary with his term set to expire in 2016. Tom was also a past chairman of the Portage schools District Advisory Council.
Tom also was an active member of the Rotary Club of Portage, always eager to do what he could to advance the projects of the club for the benefit of Portage Rotary charities, especially his valuable service and insight on their scholarship committee.
Several years ago after retiring from sales, Tom was able to return to his passion, teaching. He was a favorite substitute teacher for area schools and loved being involved with the community alternative high school students.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed pursuing many interests. He loved golfing with his boys and his buddies. He was a voracious reader whose chosen material included everything from Stephen King and Tom Clancy to business, professional development, and biographies. Friends and family would often be recipients of his sharing highlighted passages from what he was currently reading.
Tom also loved all things University of Michigan — especially U-M football and he quoted "Bo" often. Around the house he took great pride in tending to his yard and raking leaves. Just this past April, Tom and Carol bought a house on Austin Lake where he spent the summer enjoying lakeside living and almost perfected the art of docking his pontoon boat.
And while Tom was a devoted father, it was easy to see that his granddaughters were the apples of Papa's eye. Even the grand-dogs and grand-tortoise were not overlooked by Tom, as he had plenty of room in his heart for all he held dear. He was a true "people person" who was just as comfortable in a group as he was one-on-one with friends and associates.
Life will not be the same without Tom's presence, but surviving family and future generations will carry on his legacy proudly. Passionate, hardworking, genuine, Tom was a vibrant gift to all who were blessed to enter into his company.
Thomas J. Eddy, of Portage, died on December 7, 2013. Tom's family includes his wife, Carol, sons Robert (Laura), and Tyler; granddaughters, Kyra, Ella, and Avery; twin sister, Marilyn (Ken) Rowe; and many nieces and nephews. His parents and his brother, Ray, preceded him in death. Visit with Tom's family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) and at 10 a.m. Friday until funeral services at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. Please visit Tom's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where friends and family can archive a photo or memory and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Portage Education Foundation, Portage Rotary Charities, or Portage District Library.
*Courtesy of Life Story Networks Inc.*
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