Our indomitable, irrepressible, irreverent husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, Tom Easthope died surrounded by his family and with the same spirit of adventure, sense of humor and kindness he had always shown throughout his life.
The beloved youngest of six, he was born with infectious energy and a can-do attitude. His large extended family, and so many more that he adopted as family, were the center of his life. His six children and eight grandchildren from his first marriage to Mary Easthope, and the three additional children and five grandchildren he embraced from his second marriage to Donna Winkelman, each felt like they were his favorite. He was devoted to his beloved wife of 31 years, Donna, and his whole universe of family, including nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances all over the world.
A first generation American from immigrant parents and a father who fought in WWI, and later for union rights, Tom continued the family tradition of fighting for justice, advocating for the marginalized, and serving his country as an Aviation Cadet during the Korean War.
Curious about the world, and interested in every experience he could have, Tom and Donna traveled to every continent, chartering sailboats to sail the seas, and in his sixties, served in the Peace Corps in Ukraine for two years. Later, Tom got his pilot's license in order to fly, and at 75 decided he wanted to skydive for the first time.
His heart on his sleeve, Tom engaged everyone he met with love and generosity. It was not uncommon for him to make friends at the grocery store, or the boat repair shop, or wherever he might be. He continued many of these friendships, and was always adding more to his giant web of connections, celebrating and supporting so many during both joyful and difficult times.
His professional life was wide-ranging and included administration for Bendix Aerospace in Ann Arbor when they were designing equipment for the Apollo Program. He was an administrator in the Office of Student Services at the University of Michigan for nearly two decades. Later he was a managing partner of a venture capital firm that worked to spur entrepreneurial business development to revitalize the Michigan economy, and later still, he worked as a realtor, helping so many people get into homes.
Tom loved being engaged in the rough and tumble of civic life and was always a strong progressive, advocating for the marginalized and the different. He had strong views about the importance of justice in the world, which he was delighted to share and discuss. Throughout his life, Tom engaged in social justice activism including for civil rights, to end the Vietnam War, and in support of striking farm workers. He stayed engaged and supported political causes throughout his life.
Sports was his love, and he avidly followed the sports careers of his children and grandchildren. Some were better at sports than others but he was quick to support everyone’s efforts, not just on the field. He wanted each to be confident and believed in them, often more than they believed in themselves.
Tom loved Michigan teams, and boating, sailing and fishing. He made stained glass windows. He could Macgyver almost anything, and tried his hand at whatever needed doing, or whatever looked fun. He was forever young in curiosity and love. He was kind until the end. He will be dearly missed.
Funeral arrangements can be found on the Muehlig Funeral Chapel website.
DONS
It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Thomas Easthope may do so by making a contribution to The Capuchin Kitchen or a charity of your choice. 1820 Mount Elliot St, Detroit, Michigan 48207
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