Thomas Patrick Kliber

Tom was born on March 29, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Alice and Ralph James Kliber.

He grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods, attending school at Our Lady Star of the Sea and later Austin Prep. Tom graduated from Villanova University ( Class of 1973), He also received a business degree and later a law degree from the University of Detroit. He practiced law in Grosse Pointe Woods with his father.

Tom was a scholar but his passion was photography. He was a gifted and recognized nature photographer, and won awards for his work. He was a member of the Grosse Pointe Camera Club and cherished the friendships he made there.

When he was three years old, Tom had a memorable adventure during a lightning storm. He witnessed a fireball come through the house, pass by him and out the window, striking another house and setting it on fire. That experience gave him a healthy fear of lightning, which lasted until he discovered how beautiful lightning can be when photographed. After that, Tom ran to lightning storms, with his camera and tripod. He captured stunningly beautiful images of lightning, many over Lake St Clair.

Tom traveled the world with his camera. Many will remember him early in the morning standing on the shore of the lake photographing sunrises. He loved being on the boat with his father, and spent many happy days at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club.

Tom was a kind and gentle man who truly walked in the footsteps of George Bailey. Like the character in “It’s A Wonderful Life”, Tom touched many lives and made the world a better place. He could always be counted on by his family and friends. He was a spiritual man and very grounded. There wasn’t a phony bone in his body. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish and St Paul on the Lake Catholic Church.

Tom is survived by his sister, Beth Kliber, and many extended family members who will miss him dearly. Tom was predeceased by his parents and brother James.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the A.H.Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236. A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 10:00 am, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church at 467 Fairford Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or to the Solanus Casey Center at 1780 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207. Tom was a great admirer of Father Solanus Casey.