Thomas Edward McGurk Jr.

Dr. Thomas Edward McGurk, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 5, 1939, Thomas lived a life marked by intellect, humor, and devotion to his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas E. McGurk and Ellen McGurk; his in-laws, Mr. Hubert and Clara Prenger; and his son-in-law, Todd J. Kazmierski. He is survived by his cherished wife, Albertine, his sister, Margaret Jones (Brent), and his loving children: Thomas McGurk, Daniel McGurk (Joyce), Kathleen McConville, Colleen Bulach (Andrew), and John McGurk (Katie). He was a proud grandfather to Crais and Lawson McGurk, Murphy and Kevin McConville, Kylie, Grant, Noah, and Chase Kazmierski, and Jack, Finn, and Emmy Lou McGurk, as well as four step-grandchildren, Levi, Elizabeth, Luke, and Lola Bulach.

Tom graduated from St. Louis University High School before earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas, where he studied medieval Russian history. Unsure of what career path to take, he took the MCAT on a whim and scored so well that he was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Missouri Medical School - forever changing the trajectory of his life. He went on to complete his internship at Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, Texas, and his residency in psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. During the Vietnam War, he served his country in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

He practiced psychiatry for over 30 years, profoundly impacting the lives of countless patients. It was not uncommon for the family to be out at dinner when a cook or dishwasher would emerge from the back of the restaurant just to shake his hand and thank him for his help. He also believed in showing his children the complexities of the world, often bringing them along to breakfast meetings with patients to offer them a broader perspective on life.

A lifelong learner, Tom was an avid reader who enjoyed delving into history, philosophy, and literature. He found joy and comfort in classical music. He also had a passion for travel, exploring the world with Albertine by his side and immersing himself in different cultures.

In retirement, Tom played golf every morning - often so early that he had to use glow-in-the-dark balls to track his shots in the pre-dawn darkness. Ever the practical thinker, he meticulously tracked the cost-effectiveness of his annual golf pass, maintaining a spreadsheet to calculate the exact cost per round. With each early morning tee time, he took pride in watching that number shrink, proving to himself that he was getting the absolute most out of his membership at his beloved Minor Park Golf Course.

Though he practiced his Catholic faith more privately in his later years, it remained a central part of his life. He prayed the Rosary daily, finding peace and reflection in its familiar rhythm.

He was a dutiful spectator at all sporting events, always willing to drive across the Midwest for his daughters’ soccer tournaments. Road trips - both planned and spontaneous - were a staple of life with Tom behind the wheel, navigating the highways with a cigarette in hand. His habit of flicking hot ashes out the window sometimes led to smoldering surprises for the kids in the backseat, a memory they would come to laugh about in later years. While driving, whether across the country or just around the city, he was known for his signature monotone whistling along to the radio - a sound as familiar and constant as the hum of the car engine.

A man of many contrasts, Tom was known for his quick wit and deep intellect. He was both thrifty and generous, reserved but the life of the party when convinced to go out. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always supporting his wife in her charitable endeavors and finding joy in the company of his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Villa St. Francis (16600 W. 126th Street, Olathe, KS 66062) or Ladies of Charity (P.O. Box 480753, Kansas City, MO 64148).

Services for Tom will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS 66209 with Ladies of Charity Rosary at 9:30 AM and visitation to follow until Mass begins at 11:00 AM.

Tom will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, humor, and intellect will live on in all who knew him.