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Thomas Aggson Obituary

Thomas Leland Aggson passed away Monday morning July 29, 2013 at La Posada Hospice, Las Cruces, NM. Tom was born the son of Leland and Gertrude Aggson on March 25, 1932 in the northwestern Rocky Mountain town of Kalispell. As a Montana boy, Tom enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors, and was a trail boy in Glacier National Park. Tom attended the University of California at Berkeley receiving a degree in nuclear engineering, and later a Ph.D. in physics. In 1957, Tom took a year off from graduate school to serve as the only civilian scientist aboard the USS Arneb (AKA-56) during its deployment to Antarctica as part of the International Geophysical Year. Upon graduation, Tom spent several years working in Paris, France, and his career as a respected scientific researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center spanned over 30 years. Tom especially enjoyed field work, often traveling abroad for rocket launches in such places as Canada, Norway, Peru, and Kenya. Upon retirement, he and his devoted wife of over 42 years, moved to Las Cruces, NM where they enjoyed the community and loved playing tennis with friends. Tom enjoyed a lifelong attachment to Ashley Lake, Montana, and his summers were spent canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing and making music with his family and friends. Next to his family, he was passionate about physics and pursued the study of cosmology even into his retirement. Tom was loved as a warm and supportive husband, and was the proud father of five children and four grandchildren. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Gertude Aggson; as well as his brothers, Willard and Alan Aggson. He is survived by his wife Betty and his children and grandchildren: Laura Holland (Bob), Upper Black Eddy, Penn., Marie Ryan (Richard) and Rachele and Riley, Old Lyme, Conn., Kitty Prendergast (Tom) and Dylan and Katie, Brewster, NY, Alan Aggson (Susan), Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Josh Aggson, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and a special niece Peggy Aggson Koen (Phil) of San Jose, Calif. His family wishes to thank the Mesilla Valley Hospice and staff of La Posada. Memorial donations may be made to the Mesilla Valley Hospice Foundation, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005; or to the charity of one's choice. Family and friends will meet together at Tom's beloved Ashley Lake next spring to remember and to celebrate his life. His noted charm, humor, and independent spirit will be sorely missed by all. For online condolences go to www.la-pazgrahams.com

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Aug. 3, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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I enjoyed many enjoyable conversations with Tom. I loved to hear him discuss his field of physics. He was a good man. He and Betty were a lovely couple.

Richard Magee

July 30, 2014

Betty and family hosted a beautiful celebration of life for Tom at Ashley lake on 8/26/2014. It was wonderful to see so many family and friends gathered there in his honor. It is obvious that Tom will continue to be remembered fondly.

Aleta Ash

July 30, 2014

I always enjoyed Tom and he was wonderful to my children.We remember him singing, playing the harmonica, playing games, telling tales, going on hikes, and his love of nature. I loved him because he made my sister Betty so happy - they had a wonderful marriage and lots of good times together. Tom was a brilliant, one-of-a-kind guy. I will miss him and remember him fondly. Ron and I send our love to Betty Kay, Josh and family.

Aleta Ash

August 8, 2013

Tom was always a great friend to my father and mother, and all of us, at Ashley Lake. I will never forget Tom's easy, giving and enthusiastic friendship. He was a big part of the joy of our summers. It was always special to talk and make music together. We are thinking of you, Betty, Josh, Alan, and send our best thoughts and remembrances to your family.

Rich Stout

August 7, 2013

Tom is unforgettable. Our bridge nights were always animated and our friendship will always be cherished. . Our lives will never be the same without Jerry and Tom. My prayer for you, Betty, is that your sorrow will soon be turned to joy and your mourning soon be turned to laughter as you remember your life together. Our lives have been truly blessed to have been able to call you and Tom friend.

Mitzi Kidd

August 6, 2013

The last time I saw Tom was when you were pushing his wheelchair into the Mesilla Valley Mall. It saddened me to see Tom so sick. I truly valued knowing him and recall with great joy our discussions of cosmology, which Tom knew intimately and I pretended to. Judy and I enjoyed having both of you over for dinner once. Betty, my heart goes out to you.

Richard Magee

August 6, 2013

Betty,
We are so sorry about your loss. We enjoyed Tom as a friend and neighbor. Mel remembers going to NMSU basketball games with him and they had such fun. He was a wonderful person and we will miss him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Virginia Acosta

August 5, 2013

I knew Tom as an excellent friend and neighbor. He had an enthusiasm for life that was inspiring. Always fascinating to talk to, always working on some project that kindled the imagination, and always interested in everyone else. He was kind, generous, and creative. A brilliant man! He will be sorely missed. Now he has entered the cosmos and will no doubt be involved in even more fascinating projects. My deepest condolences to Betty and their family.

John Pearson

August 5, 2013

Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss. Once upon a time, I enjoyed playing tennis with you, Tom, and Bob Brown a few years back. Tom was always so nice despite my continuous bad shots, and I enjoyed knowing him! Please know you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer Jones

August 4, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Perches - Graham's Funeral Home (La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home)

555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005

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