Thomas H. Ormsby's Obituary
Thomas H. Ormsby passed away suddenly on October 3, 2013 at the age of 75. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy, his daughter Lynn and his Son-in-Law Ray Lupi; daughter Lisa Kendall; and grandchildren Rodger Lupi, Collin Kendall, and Ben Kendall. He is preceded in death by his son Scott in 2009. Tom was born on July 7, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio. The oldest of three, Tom leaves behind brother Richard Ormsby and sister MaryLu Pocatko.
Tom graduated from North Olmsted High School and shortly after graduation began working at 3M Company where he met Nancy. Tom and Nancy married in 1959 and settled in Bay Village to start and raise their family. Tom was a devoted family man and enjoyed summer camping vacations traveling around the United States.
After years in the Abrasives industry, Tom purchased his own abrasives company, Haleco, and together he and Nancy ran the business for 27 years. He had a special interest in medicine and was known to carry a suitcase-sized first aid kit in the car at all times. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross for over 15 years, teaching CPR and was always a first responder ready to assist anyone in need, wherever he was.
Tom was involved in Scouts from the time Scott was young, enjoying Indian guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts – meetings, activities and camping. He continued to participate when his grandchildren joined as well.
He was a jack of all trades, able and willing to fix anything in need. Whether it was cars, electrical, plumbing, computers or roofing, he knew what to do and was more than willing to do it. He was an expert wood worker, building detailed doll houses, furniture, train sets, tree houses and more for family and friends. He delighted in teaching his grandchildren the art of wood working at an early age.
Tom was a long time member of the Clague Road United Church of Christ where he and Nancy were married. He was a member of the church choir and men’s club and enjoyed lifelong friendships with fellow church members.
Tom had a lifelong love of flying and took several vacations with his son to a week long air show in Wisconsin. Shortly before passing, when Scott was taking flying lessons, he was able to take Tom up for a flight of his own. A memory of their time Tom held dearly.
Tom wasn’t only a great husband and father, but he was an exceptional Grandpa, going to soccer games, ski slopes, fishing and more. Always willing to teach and listen and enjoy their company.
Tom was a good man. He was patient and kind, loving and respectable to all. He left his mark. He had a good marriage, raised a good family, developed lifelong friendships, and enjoyed life. His passing is a loss to all who were blessed to have known him and created memories with him. And although each of our lives have been touched by Tom in a different way, we are all better for having known and loved him and we will always carry a part of him with us.
We love you Hon, Dad, Grandpa, Tom, Tommy, Uncle Tom and Mr. O. Until we meet again, soar together with Scott and fly free.
Friends may call in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted from 5-8 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2013. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 12:00 noon in the Chapel. Donations may be made to Clague Road United Church of Christ, 3650 Clague Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070
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