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Tom Vasbinder Obituary

Tom Vasbinder
Tom William Vasbinder, age 70, passed away on Oct. 18, 2013, at the Evangelical Home Saline with his wife, Leda Ricci, by his side.
Tom was born in Dover, Ohio on July 23, 1943, and was the son of James William and Virginia Vasbinder, who preceded him in death.
Tom graduated from Dover High School in 1961. He attended Tri State University in Angola, Ind., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. He was a member of Sigma Phi Delta fraternity and served in the military from 1967 to 1970.
After working as a test engineer at General Motors and as a design/development engineer at Chrysler, Tom worked for 30 years at Ford Motor Company from 1972 to 2002. While at Ford he managed the Vehicle Safety Assurance Department in the Automotive Safety Office and he retired from Ford Motor Company as Manager of the Occupant Protection Department in Ford's Automotive Safety Office. Following his retirement, he formed Vasbinder Safety Consulting Company and was a member of the Ford GT40 design and development team.
Tom's interests included land development, woodworking, residential construction, gardening, racecars and motorcycles, and spending time with friends and family. He was an avid reader and loved music, especially the music and energy of the young Saline Fiddlers who brought joy, happiness, and life to Tom during his illness. Tom was a generous and multitalented man who loved his country and was a dedicated employee.
There was a special place in Tom's heart for his nieces, nephew, godchildren, and his beloved dog, Louie. Tom's wonderful and special smile will always be remembered by caretakers, friends, and family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Leda; his sister, Judith of Dover, Ohio; his brother, Richard of Canal Winchester, Ohio; his nieces, Daniela and Jacqueline Bishop and Rebecca and Rachel Marino; his nephew, Michael Bishop; and his godchildren, Christopher and Allison DiVirgilio.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2270 East Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The family will receive friends at St. Francis Church from 9:00-10:00 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to the Saline Fiddlers, P.O. Box 315, Saline, MI 48176. Sincere gratitude is extended to the gifted and blessed caregivers, nurses, and staff at the Evangelical Home Saline for the patient, compassionate, and dignified care they gave Tom. Arbor Hospice and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church are gratefully acknowledged for providing kind guidance and support.

Published by The Times Reporter on Oct. 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Lida,

I am another who just found out about Tom's death this morning, although during a trip to Dover in August I'd heard he wasn't doing well.

I deeply regret hearing of his passing and further regret that I hadn't made an expedited attempt to see him in Saline. It was something I always intended to do but less important things got in the way.

Although I didn't really know Tom in Dover (he was "a little kid my sister's age"), I certainly made up for it at Ford. We enjoyed many a laugh together over the foibles of our coworkers as well as the company and its politics. Tom really had deep insights into human nature and as a result could on occasion deliver kernels of sound advice or reproof without being "preachy".

Ann and I also appreciate the way Tom facilitated finding a summer job for Andy at UMTRE through you. It was a great experience for him.

Because of Tom and another friend who was at the Evangelical home we have been contributing to that organization for several years and will continue to do so.

In addition, thanks to violinist Ann's endorsement of the group we'll also be sending a remembrance to the Saline Fiddlers.

May the peace of God be with you!

Jim Wagner

November 27, 2013

Dear Leda,
I didn't learn of Tom's passing until today. The 30 years Tom, Jim Wagner and I worked together in the Automotive Safety Office were often tempered with fun-filled stories of their boyhood growing up in Dover. Tom was a trusted co-worker and friend and his loss is immeasurable. May God ever hold him in the hollow of His hand!

Mina Brewer

November 27, 2013

Tom was a great resource as we were both building our houses. Though he never lived in his dream house, he was a friendly, thoughtful neighbor. He will be missed. We pray that you find comfort in your memories.

Nial and Patricia Raaen

November 1, 2013

Dear Leda,
Peace, and happy memories, be with you.
Lynn

October 31, 2013

Leda, I was so very sorry to read of Tom passing away. I don't think I ever met him but you're such a swell gal, he had to be special! You were blessed to have so many years together.
fondly....

Suzann Roberts

October 30, 2013

On behalf of the Saline Fiddlers please accept our condolences and humble gratitude.

Saline Fiddlers

October 29, 2013

Dear Leda, I worked with Tom at Ford Automotive Safety Office. I remember him very well – very knowledgeable, very intelligent, great sense of humor. Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband Tom. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mikhail Malkin

October 29, 2013

Dear Leda, I'm really sorry to hear this sad news. I wish you and your family much strength in the coming period.

Jac Wismans

October 29, 2013

I worked with Tom on the GT program. His knowledge and mentorship was invaluable to me as a young engineer. I'm sorry to hear that he's gone. He was a good man and had a great sense of humor.

Ari Caliskan

October 28, 2013

Leda, it was a privilege to work with Tom at the Ford Motor Company. He was a wonderful person. May God's light shine on his soul for all eternity.

Mike Tokarsky

October 28, 2013

I am very sorry to hear this Leda. He is under the care of God now and for ever. Time is the best healer and hope family and friends around you will give you the needed comfort.

Yoga

October 28, 2013

Leda: I am very sorry for your loss. Tom was a great boss and I enjoyed working for him in the safety office.

Peter Ducharme

October 28, 2013

I am very sorry to hear that Tom is gone. We worked together on the safety of the Ford GT and I am grateful for his knowledge and commitment.

Richard Jeryan

October 28, 2013

Leda,Deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband Tom. You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

James Prybylski

October 28, 2013

Leda - I wish you strength at this difficult time. Tom's laugh and good nature were always uplifting. He will be missed.

Tony Laituri

October 28, 2013

Leda- I'm so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Much love, Beth & Chris

October 28, 2013

Leda: I am so very sorry for your loss. May the sorrow slowly turn to peace and all the good memories remain.

Frank Pintar

October 28, 2013

Leda -
My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband Tom. This is a heavy loss for his family, friends and the community he contributed so much to.

Peter Sweatman

October 28, 2013

Leda, We are all saddened by Tom's passing. We have such nice memories of him, especially at Thanksgiving. Please know you are in our prayers and we send you love and comfort from our family.
Joe, Angie, Mary, and Lucy

Angie Bernas

October 28, 2013

To Leda
Very sorry to hear of your loss. May God's grace be with you.

Tom McDole

October 26, 2013

I remember Tom when I was growing up. He was always very kind. I knew Judy (Vas) better and graduated with Dick. Love, hugs and prayers to you. May God bless you with wonderful memories!

Rhonda Kollar Glidden

October 26, 2013

To the family, sorry for your loss. Didn't know Tom personally, but I do know Judy and Dick. If he was anything like them, he had to be a great person

colby Byrom

October 26, 2013

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