Thomas G. Nycum passed away on July 20, 2021, at his home in Fruita, Colorado, after a long battle with health issues. Family members were with Tom when he left this life. Tom was born on October 14, 1944, in La Junta, Colorado to George and Virginia Nycum, both deceased. Tom’s two siblings are Judy (Ron) Roberts of Maxwell, Nebraska and Danny Nycum who is deceased. He married Vicki Richards Nycum on August 1, 1964, in La Junta, Colorado. His one son, Ture Nycum, is married to Colleen Nycum. His three grandchildren are Tristan, Calvin, and Maggie Nycum.
He led a remarkable life in higher education. At Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, he received a degree in mechanical engineering. At University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, he received a Master of Business Administration and completed course work toward a Ph.D. in Business Administration. He worked at the University of Nebraska as the Director of Physical Plant. During his time in Nebraska, he achieved the designation of Professional Engineer. He became the Director of Physical Plant at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He then moved to California to become the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management at the University of California, Berkeley. To further his career he moved to Riverside, California to be Vice Chancellor – Administration at the University of California, Riverside. He made another huge step when he became of Vice President for Administrative Services at the University of Utah. In Utah, he was involved in the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. His career ended with being Vice President for Business and Finance/Treasurer at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tom was affiliated with many University Boards and Committees and was active teaching in his field.
Even with all responsibilities in higher education, he loved his family and friends. He was always kind, generous, and interested in every person who surrounded his life. He loved to play golf, fly fish, travel throughout the world and be with his family. He was especially proud of his family’s accomplishments in life.
On August 14, 2021, at 10 a.m. a Catholic mass will be said at the Saint Patrick and Guadalupe Church in La Junta, Colorado. This will be followed by a farewell to Tom in the La Junta cemetery. After the formal proceedings, all are invited to a celebration of Tom’s life at the Fairway Restaurant in La Junta.
The family would like memorial contributions to go to HopeWest in Grand Junction, Colorado, or to The Woman’s Club of Colorado Springs.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Nycum family.
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