Thomas Ostrander

Thomas William Ostrander, 75, father of 5, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 15th. He was born to Roland (Oz) and Sybil Ostrander on July 20th, 1950 at Grace Hospital in Detroit, MI.

Tom grew up on the shores of Lower Straits Lake in the Walled Lake community in Michigan. He spent summers working as a caddy at the Edgewood Country Club across the street from his home, where he fostered his love of golf, a hobby shared with his brother John and Father Oz. Golf was a passion he carried for the rest of his life. He shared this love with his children on trips to tournaments such as the Masters, and long walks together on beautiful courses.

Tom attended the University of Michigan during a tumultuous time for the country, and was active in anti-war protests, not afraid to speak up for what he felt was right. He also cultivated lifelong friendships as a member of Theta Delta Chi.

Tom felt a deep connection with the core values at the heart of University of Michigan: the pursuit of excellence, equal access to education, and, of course, beating the Buckeyes. He lived these values through his work on the Dean’s Advisory Board and by starting a scholarship fund.

Tom was a member of the UAW from summers working in auto plants in between sessions at University of Michigan. He would keep his union card in his wallet long after he left the factory line, proud to be connected to the industry that is the lifeblood of his hometown.

The music of the 1960s resonated strongly with Tom, but he especially loved the sounds of Detroit’s Motown. He liked to sing along to Smokey Robinson, The Supremes & The Temptations while on Sunday drives with his children.

In the summer of 1969 Tom hitchhiked down to Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the launching of Apollo 11. He was always fascinated by the pursuit of human excellence and the advancement of the sciences. Later in life, he would share this interest in space and science with his children, visiting the Queens Hall of Science with them often.

After graduating from Michigan, Tom attended Harvard Business school. He took to his studies naturally, and was always eager to help students even outside of his section mates. He endeavored to learn more and share that knowledge with others, and always with a smile, bringing a humor and levity that could brighten the dreariest of classes.

In 1976 Tom moved to New York and started work as an investment banker at Kidder, Peabody & Co. He later joined Salomon Brothers (which became Citigroup), where he managed some of the largest deals between companies such as Chrysler, Kodak, James River Corporation, and Japan Tobacco, to name a few.

Tom loved New York, especially its vibrant art scene. He recalled seeing Keith Haring when the artist was just starting out, drawing and painting in Subway stations along Tom’s commute. Tom began collecting Haring’s work very early on, along with many other famous artists of the time.

His love of the arts also inspired him to serve as a board member for Ballet Hispánico. A modern ballet company based in New York, Ballet Hispánico offers a platform for Latin American choreographers and dancers in the city. Tom believed all forms of art should be accessible to everyone, and that human excellence should be nurtured wherever it can be found.

In 2004, Tom married Kelli Turner, and they had two children: Evan and Emily. Tom loved to travel with his kids to University of Michigan sporting events, Northern Michigan, Deer Valley, and they shared a very special trip to Croatia.

After his career in investment banking, Tom worked as the CFO of a paper company and also served on the boards of public companies.

In 2015, Tom moved to Nashville, TN with Kelli, Evan, and Emily, where he embraced his new home, soaking in the country music and the natural beauty of the Tennessee landscape.

Tom is survived by his brother John, his daughters Emily & Elizabeth, his sons Evan, Brian, & John, and his four grandchildren.

Tom’s family ask that gifts in his memory be given to the two organizations he held closest to his heart:

Tom’s scholarship fund at the University of Michigan, The Thomas W. Ostrander Hub Support Fund: The following link is the easiest way to donate, and continue Tom’s passion for the education U of M offers: https://donate.umich.edu/W5ZZm

To continue Tom’s mission at Ballet Hispánico and support the wonderful programming of the company, please follow the link below and select “Dedicate my donation” to give in his honor: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/722384/donate