Thomas Scott Klix took his final bow before joining some of his favorite angels in heaven on December 4, 2019. Tom was born in Detroit on September 11, 1953 to Frances and Herman Klix. He was beloved by his sisters Dianne (the late John) Nordberg and Connie (the late George) Mercer. Adored by his three daughters and sons-in-law Kaetlin (Brendan) Breen, Lindsay (Evan) Giedrimas, Shannon (Nick) Paradis. His eight grandchildren all loved their “Papi Chulo”: Ashlyn, Keira and Brendan Breen, Lillyana, Caden and Silas Giedrimas, Madeleine and Benjamin Paradis. Tom was blessed to have a second family in his mother’s marriage to the late Dr. Albert Huegli and extended family. Tom wholehearted loved all of his nephews and nieces, as well as their children. He was an exemplary father figure for many other individuals throughout his life.
Tom created new friendships with ease and fostered them into meaningful lifelong relationships. These friendships led to a life full of adventures, incredible stories and plenty of mayhem. He was a 1971 graduate of Rochester Adams High School, where he played football and baseball. Tom was very involved at his Alma Mater, Hillsdale College, where he made lifelong ATO friends. After college, he moved to Colorado and spent time skiing, ultimately coming back to Michigan to begin his career.
Tom returned to assume leadership of the Whims Insurance Agency, which has been in the family since 1917. Whims owes its continued success to Tom’s dedication, and his efforts there will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
While his interests included cars, skeet shooting and reading, his greatest passion was undoubtedly music. Tom was always listening to his iPod, going to concerts, sharing his talents as a member of several bands or making mix tapes for his radio station KLIX 109 FM North Platte, Nebraska.
Tom’s endless jokes made the world a brighter place. He began conversations with “Have you heard the one about...” or simply started telling a story, which surprisingly ended in a punchline. There was never a dull moment with Tom; however, one could always rely on him to deliver sound advice during moments of sadness or difficulty. He had an innate ability to connect with people, which was arguably his greatest trait.
The family invites you to join them on Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI from 4-8pm. Tom would be pleased with the party we have planned - friends, music, food - a true celebration of life. As such, please dress in a way that you feel will honor Tom’s memory: a concert t-shirt, Hillsdale garb, or anything else that would make him smile. A private burial is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rochester Adams High School Music Department or the Hillsdale College Scholarship Fund.
