Thomas Alfred Goldsmith

83. Tom's parents, Hans Goldschmidt (original spelling) and llse Neumann, immigrated from Germany and settled in the Upper West Side of New York City. Tom, their only child, was born on July 27, 1941. When Tom was nine, the family moved to Daytona, Florida. Tom graduated from high school in 1959 and went on to earn a B.A degree from the University of Florida in 1963 followed by a JD degree in 1966. Tom also earned an M.A. in Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada. Tom enlisted in the Navy and served in the Judge Advocate General's Corp (JAG). His professional career took him across the country to San Francisco where he worked with marginalized groups who were under-represented in the legal system. Tom shared that he felt this was his favorite and most valuable work.. From there he went to Telluride, Colorado in 1973 where he built and owned his own bath house. Tom spent many years in the high country (Gunnison, Telluride, Montrose) serving as a municipal judge and a district judge before moving to the Denver Metro area in the 1990's. Tom spent a year working for the Jeffco County Sheriff in 1996 and was also a certified EMT. While living in the Baker neighborhood of Denver, Tom was the founder and curator of the Denver Jazz on Film Festival soliciting the help of many friends and showing films at the old Cameron Church. Tom was an avid hiker and bicyclist (who also rode a motorcycle). He loved to travel and would frequent museums wherever he went. His favorite destination in recent years was San Clemente, California. In the early 2000's Tom moved to Longmont. He continued his active life-style and was regularly at Gold's Gym. Tom said he went there to socialize and work-out, in that order. It was an important part of his routine. What never waned in Tom's life was his love of music, particularly jazz. Tom loved a band with a horn section. As one friend said, he was often seen at Niwot Rock and Rails, Bootstrap Brewing, Nissi's, Hoffbrau, Lincoln Road House, etc. enjoying great music by some very talented musicians and often commented how lucky we were to have such extraordinary local music. Tom was an excellent dancer and always up on the floor swinging a lovely lady around with the grace and ease of a professional. He is dancing among the stars now and deeply missed. Tom fought a short but fierce battle with cancer and decided in April "not to fight the river" any longer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by friends. In lieu of flowers or contributions, find someone to dance with and enjoy the music in his honor. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 6-9pm at Nissi's Entertainment Venue, 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Lafayette, Colorado, with music by The Nic Clark Band and light hors d'oeuvres.