He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and served in the US. Army where he was deployed to Vietnam. Tom later graduated from Ferris State College with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. He received his Master's of Architecture Degree from University of Michigan.
Tom started his career at WBDC Architects and in 1979 he joined Design+ and later became a partner there. Of the many projects he worked on, he was proud to have designed much of the Grand Valley Campus including the belltower, arch, and dorms.
A passionate University of Michigan fan, he held season tickets for 54 years and he never missed a game. He enjoyed golfing, photography, hunting for Petosky stones and spending time at his condo in Frankfort, MI.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Connie Roode; sister, Ruthann Koets (Ronald); brother, Donald Roode; parents-in-laws, John and Lois Van Straten; brother-in-law, John Van Straten III; and nephew, Alex Noragon.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dianne Roode; daughter, Sara Murray (Adam); grandchildren, Ella-lynn Murray and Maven Grace Murray; brother-in-law, Tom Van Straten (Brenda); sisters-in-law, Cindy Kostylek (Phil), and Jackie Van Straten; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his beloved dog, Blue.
