Thomas H. Pace

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents; his mother, Sarah “Sally” Hislop Pace; his father, William “Bill” Greenville Pace III, MD; his brother, William “Scott” Greenville Pace IV; and his uncle, Charles Huston Pace.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Pace; his daughter, Sarah Pace; his sister, Nancy Pace MD and her husband, Melvin “Mel” Kaneshige; four nieces and a nephew; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing him.

Tom attended The Columbus Academy and graduated from the Academy of the Rockies. He owned German Village Print Shop and subsequently spent many years as an electrician with Jess Howard Electric before semi-retiring and beginning a second career as a school bus driver for New Albany-Plain Local Schools, where he worked until his retirement.

Service to others was an important part of Tom’s life. A proud Kiwanian for more than 20 years, he served multiple terms as president of two different clubs and as Lieutenant Governor of Division 10S from 2012–2013. He devoted countless hours to spaghetti dinners, golf outings, trivia nights, fundraisers, and community service projects.

Perhaps no project captured his spirit better than the Christmas Cruise through Whitehall. Tom would cover his motorhome in Christmas lights, gather volunteers dressed as Santa, Rudolph, and elves, and travel through the community delivering Christmas to families in need. It was a tradition that combined so many things Tom loved—helping others, bringing people together, and having a little fun along the way.

Tom was a Buckeye through and through. He began attending Ohio State football games as a young boy, and as an adult became known for his legendary tailgates. Each week, friends, family, and fellow Buckeyes gathered to eat, laugh, celebrate, and cheer on the team he loved.

Tom truly knew no strangers. He could walk into a room knowing no one and leave with several new friends. He loved talking to people, making them laugh, and bringing people together.

He also loved traveling and camping in his MCI motor coach, affectionately known as “Big Bus.” But of all the places he traveled, none meant more to him than the family cottage on Lake Temagami in Northern Ontario. It was his favorite place on earth, and many of his happiest memories were made there during the summers with family, enjoying the outdoors and getting away from it all for a while.

Tom leaves behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, traditions, and memories. For those fortunate enough to have known him, there will always be a Buckeye game, a string of Christmas lights, a motorhome on the highway, or a summer day at the cottage that brings Tom to mind.

O-H.