Thomas William Kurowski

Tom was born on November 28, 1961, in Springfield, MA and passed away on December 29, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; his siblings David, Barbara, Cheryl, and Stephen; daughters Amanda and Katherine; stepdaughter Stacey (Rich), and stepsons Robert (Mary Catherine), Denny (Patti) and Jon (Peggy); his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

The Kurowski family moved to Tucson for his father’s job in the 1970’s. The family was very active in the Catholic diocese in Tucson and Tom attended Sabino High School.

Tom became a stunt man at old Tucson Studios in his late teens, as an Explorer Scout. He tried his hand at bull riding, but as anyone who talked to him for a short period of time found, he always said he wasn’t very good at it. Tom moved to Montana in 1991 where he continued to develop his love of the outdoors, spending as much time hunting and fishing as he could.

Tom went back to his love of photography for the Southern Junior Bull Riders Association. He enjoyed taking pictures as much as he enjoyed helping the young cowboys hone their craft. Watching the boys grow into outstanding young men filled him with joy and pride. Double K Diamond Photography was born out of that collaboration and allowed Tom to spread his wings to taking pictures at SABRA barrel races, Queen Creek Junior Rodeo Association events, the Arizona State 4H Finals and various other events and arenas around the state. He was always ready to grab his camera and photograph an event, a family or a group. Rodeo royalty was one of his favorite groups and he was always glad to see royalty ride into an arena and smile and wave at the camera.

One of Tom’s greatest accomplishments was being able to be the “official” photographer for the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association. He took great pride in being at all of the lead sanctioned GCPRA rodeos during 2014 and looked forward to being able to take pictures at all of the lead and co-sanctioned GCPRA rodeos in 2015.

Tom’s spirit will live on in his pictures and in the hearts of those he touched in his 53 years with us. Giving a hand to people was always a high priority for Tom. Because if that, in lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the GCPRA Cowboy Assistance Fund.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4th, at 1:00 PM and Funeral Service will follow, beginning at 2:00 PM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road.