Dr. Thomas Braithwaite

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Matthew Braithwaite, age 57, died Thursday, August 28th in the comfort and love of his home "having fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith" in his Lord, Jesus Christ. Tom was born October 21, 1956 to Richard and Martha Braithwaite in Sioux Falls. He graduated from Washington High School in 1974 and from Augustana College summa cum laude in 1978. He married Tacey Eneboe on September 6, 1981. They had the joy of raising two children, Arianne and Matt, as well as welcoming their son-in-law, Jeff Lehn and daughter-in-law, Caitlin Polgreen to their family.

He received his M.D. degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, graduating summa cum laude in 1982. He became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society during medical School. An Internal Medicine residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals/Clinics and Board Certification in Internal Medicine were completed in 1985. That summer he joined the Internal Medicine Clinic in Sioux Falls and was a dedicated physician in private practice for 18 years. Tom had the best of both medical worlds leaving his love of private practice in 2003 to start a hospitalist program at Sanford USD Medical Center. He loved working to help patients and families in acute crises, as well as teaching and mentoring both medical students and physician residents. In 2010 he was nominated by his colleagues and named one of the Top 10 Hospitalists in the country by the American College of Physicians. Throughout these later years, Tom bravely faced many health challenges in the form of lymphoma, as well as an aggressive bone marrow cancer. Tom continually evolved through these challenges, taking on a new role as Chief Quality Officer of Sanford Health, where he strove to ensure that patients received care of the highest quality and safety.

Tom was active in his community through leadership roles in First Presbyterian Church, American Heart Association, United Way, and the SD Symphony Orchestra Board. Tom loved music, especially singing with his church choir and the SD Symphony Chorus. Also an avid runner, Tom regularly met a special group of running friends on Saturday mornings, ran both half and full marathons, and passed on this passion of running to his children. He used his running to support Team In Training and Be the Match - organizations helping those with lymphoma and leukemia. Nothing, however, gave Tom greater joy than the sacred relationships he shared with his family.

Tom is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tacey, Sioux Falls; children, Arianne (Jeff) Lehn , Ft. Wayne, IN; Matt (Caitlin)Braithwaite , Iowa City, IA; mother, Martha "Marty" Braithwaite; sister, Mindy; Braithwaite; brother, Tim (Mary) Braithwaite; niece, Alison Braithwaite; along with great nieces, Raelyn & Rian, all of Sioux Falls. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Braithwaite; grandparents, Gale & Beth Braithwaite; and aunt, Betty-Lou Handy.

A memorial worship service followed by a reception will be held Tuesday, September 2 at First Presbyterian Church of Sioux Falls, 2300 S. West Avenue. A time of visitation and remembrance with family present to greet community, friends, and co-workers will be held Wednesday, September 3 at at 5:30 p.m. in the Dakota Room of the Sanford Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Sioux Falls, Augustana College/ Tom Braithwaite Scholarship Fund, and Feeding South Dakota.

www.millerfh.com

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Published by Argus Leader on Aug. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Braithwaite

16 Entries

Maria Williane

March 26, 2025

Thomas tinha um coração bondoso, agora está do lado do pau celestial , não o conheci pessoalmente mais ele foi padrinho de minha irmã pela fundação de crianças carentes soprafi aqui no Brasil e sei do seu coração gigante ,uma família maravilhosa minhas condolências família Braithwaite

Doug DeLong

August 26, 2020

"running is the rhythm of life". that tape plays in my head often on my solitary runs that are now more jogging than running. Tom really was special person in so many ways. I remain saddened by his premature death but at the same time appreciative of life lessons he imparted to me.

Diane Davey

September 14, 2014

Tacey and family: Tom and I were classmates at WSHS, and played in band and were in many other classes. I remember him fondly from those days and am glad that we could reconnect later. I am very grateful to the care that he gave to my parents, Don and Cara Lee Davis as their personal physician, plus my grandmother Hazel Cornelius. I know you have all been wonderful friends to my brother John Davis and his daughter Anne. I am just so thankful that Tom and I were able to talk one more time at the WSHS 40th reunion this summer. What a talented and wonderful man, we will all miss him, and the world will not be the same.
Diane Davis Davey

Bill Hoff

September 4, 2014

I met Tom through BSF and was impressed with his humility and integrity. He was always warm, friendly and cheerful. He handled his illness with grace and class. He was a wonderful person and he will leave a void in many people's lives as well as the medical community and the community of Sioux Falls. My prayer is that God's grace will surround you and sustain you and that His peace will uplift you.

September 3, 2014

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Braithwaite to his family and the community. Though I didn't know him personally, I heard of his caring ways through his mom and the news; a loss in this life for all.

September 2, 2014

Tacey,
I remember you and Tom from Augie. My brothers and I (Dick, French horn; Bob, trombone; and me, flute) got to be around Tom as part of the musical family there. I have good memories and am not surprised that he did so many things to help people. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so grateful for Tom's life.
Peace,
Jeanette Burgess
Augie 1979

Deb Stottlemyer

September 2, 2014

Dear Tracy and family,
I weep with you in your grief, even though it is not the same grief of non-believers. I have absolute confidence, as do you, that Tom had unshakable faith in his heavenly Father. God is very much present with Craig and me in our grief journey and I know He is with you in yours as well.

Tracy, I will miss seeing Tom and you in Chicago. It had been my hope to be able to see you and share notes about our journeys, but it was not to be. Instead, I hold you up in prayer today as you celebrate his life and will continue to hold you up in the weeks and months to come.

In His love,

Deb
ACP Class of 2016

September 2, 2014

To the Braithwaite Family and Medical Community of South Dakota,
On behalf of the American College of Physicians I would like to express the deepest sympathy to the entire Braithwaite family and to the medical community of South Dakota on the passing of a great physician and citizen of humanity. Tom was an amazing and inspiring person, physician and colleague whose values and passion for life were truly galvinizing to all lucky enough to be part of his mission in life and medicine. He ran the amazing race for the medical community and his patients. We are all better for having him raise everyone's game and will carry forward everything he practiced and taught. The ACP wants to thank the Braithwaite family for sharing Tom and all the contributions he made. His legacy will continue to make an enduring and perpetual difference in the lives of all he cared for and touched along the way.
With deepest sympathy,
Darilyn Moyer, Chair, American College of Physicians Board of Governors

Karen Schultz

September 1, 2014

Tom was such a sweet man. My condolences to his family, especially Mother Marty.

Phyllis/Bob Koob

September 1, 2014

Dear Braithwaite Family,
So sorry for your loss. Tom was a gentle soul and I'm sure he will be missed by so many. We will be praying for you all.

Sincerely, Bob and Phyllis Koob

jeffrey reetz

August 31, 2014

Tim,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I know what it is like to lose a sibling. Your brother was so young, but acheived so much in his years living. Remember the great days you spent together with him and remember he is still with you in spirit. peace be with you my friend.

Robert Birch

August 31, 2014

Each of us deal with loss in different ways; husband, father, son, brother, friend, acquaintance…labels among so many. Yet none of them speak to the totality of the person you all loved dearly and who has gone before us. For Marty, Mindy and all the family, my heartfelt condolences and prayers that Tom's strength and goodness enlighten us all.
Bob Birch

August 31, 2014

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our sympathies to the entire family. Sue and Bob McDowell.

Bill and Tori Thorn

August 31, 2014

Please know we are with you in thought and prayer! Wish we could be there for you! WE are so sorry for your loss!Love Tori and Bill

Carol Engelhart

August 31, 2014

May God's glory shine as Tom is walking with His Savior in Heaven .May we hold fast to that eternal faith.

Julie Cadarette

August 31, 2014

I didn't know Tom, but I think back maybe I did through Arrianne. He must have been a very good man. Keepng prayers and thoughts to the family.
George and Julie Cadarette.

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