Thomas Andrew Telfer

Friends and family lost their hero, Tom Telfer, when he passed peacefully at home on August 3, 2014. We are sad to see him set sail, but happy that all who knew him will carry Tom in their hearts forever.

Tom was born October 31, 1941, the first child—and adored son—of Robert and Lenora Telfer. Tom was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and was in the first graduating class of Borah High School (l959). Tom’s early interests included playing drums, racing cars and fishing and bird hunting with his father. Tom attended Boise College and served in the Idaho National Guard for six years.

Tom began his career in retail at Baker’s Shoe Store in Boise, Idaho, and was later transferred to Reno and Phoenix, with the Edison Brothers Corporation. In 1976, Tom was named “Manager of the Year” and was featured on the cover of the company’s journal. Tom was at the forefront of the retail “club membership” concept, and was a key figure in the development of Pace Membership Warehouse. He rose to the rank of Vice President of Operations in the company and he traveled throughout the country. His work ethic and management skills were admired throughout the industry.

Tom has been married for 30 years to his beloved wife Rose.. “Rosie” and he traveled the world and spent many years sharing adventure, friends and their beloved dogs. Tom’s joy centered around his wife, his two children, Rob and Kelly, and his four grandsons.

Tom was an enthusiast of good food, good drink, and good living. Some of Tom’s best days were those he spent on his sailboat, sailing the Sea of Cortez, the British Virgin Islands, Chesapeake Bay and the California Coast. His love of golf was highlighted by many Sunday mornings with his golf buddies, playing Pebble Beach with his son Rob, and competing in the “Bud Cup” with Rob and friends.

Tom is survived by countless friends and a family whose love for him was without measure. A special thanks to “The Posse” and the Monday night poker buddies for their enduring friendship to Tom and Rosie.

Tom leaves a loving family—his beloved wife Rose; his daughter, Kelly Kae Telfer and her sons, Eric and Jacob; and his son, Rob and his wife, Carleen, and their sons, T.J. and Grady. Tom’s two sisters, Diane Powell and Susan Durst, join many cousins, nieces and nephews in wishing him Godspeed.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, to the Arizona Humane Society or the UofA Cancer Center at www.arizonacancercenter.org. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Resthaven Park, 4310 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042 on Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 pm. Hawaiian shirts optional.