Tom Garrison

He was a man of the skies, a lover of the great unknown. Tom Garrison was a, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He met Sally Findlay at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and together, they embarked on a journey as timeless as the mountains that surrounded them.  They grew a family of three boys that they were immensely proud to parent – Michael, Kelly and Collin.

Tom was no ordinary man; he was an aerospace engineer, a maestro of Apollo, Viking, MMU, Iridium and more. His work left an indelible mark on our understanding of the universe. And when the fateful Apollo 13 mission faced its darkest hour, his expertise and courage shone like a beacon. He was honored with the Medal of Freedom, a recognition richly deserved.

But Tom was not just a man of machines and equations; he was a man of passion. He loved the Rocky Mountains, and they, in turn, whispered their secrets to him. Railroads fascinated him, their tracks weaving stories of adventure and possibility. Bluegrass music, with its soulful melodies, moved him, and he tapped his foot to its timeless tunes. His love for animals knew no bounds, and he treated all creatures with the kindness and respect they deserved.

As a husband and father, Tom was a rock, a source of strength and inspiration. His presence brought joy and solace to his family, a testament to the depth of his commitment. Tom also got great joy from his grandkids, Isabella and Katie and will be sorely missed by them.

Today, we bid farewell to a man whose life was a symphony of curiosity, creativity, and compassion. In the vast expanse of the cosmos, his spirit now finds its home among the stars, a fitting tribute to a life well-lived.

A private memorial service to celebrate Tom will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores https://www.gallopinggoose5.org/donate or your local Humane Society
reflecting Tom's love for animals and railroads .

As we raise our glasses in his memory, let us remember Tom as a man who soared to the greatest heights, not just in the skies but in the hearts of all who knew him.