Tom Wheeler
1947 - 2018
Tom Wheeler
1947 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
Tom Wheeler Obituary
February 10, 2018
Tom Wheeler was happy throughout his life. He prioritized what mattered most to him - family and friends - and was admirably nonmaterialistic.
His love for music started at a young age. As a child, one of his favorite things to do was listen to the radio as early Rock and Roll pioneers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry defined an era. The emergence of groups like the Beatles catalyzed a question that Tom held core in his worldview: how can we live peacefully?
After earning his bachelor of arts from UCLA and law degree from Loyola School of Law in Los Angeles, Tom established a successful career as a journalist, guitar historian, and college professor. He epitomized what it means to follow one's passion.
Though music was core to his character, his intellectual curiosity had no limits. He was a gifted conversationalist, and those around him felt his warmth and kindness. He was inspiring, and his presence will be carried on through the lives he's touched.
Tom was the son of Lester L. Wheeler and Dorothy Hutchin Wheeler, brother of Duke Wheeler and Helen Wheeler Buckley, husband of Anne Lowe, and father of Daniel, Matthew, and Joseph Wheeler.
Tom loved his family and dog, Sadie. He was an extraordinary man, and he will be missed by his students, family, and friends. He passed away on Saturday, February 10th, 2018.
A memorial will be held on Sunday, February 25th, 11:00am at the Shedd Institute, located on E. Broadway and High Street in Eugene, Oregon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andy Ellis
February 13, 2025
Working with Tom was a highlight of my life. He was always generous with his knowledge and supportive as I learned how to become a magazine editor.
Skip Henderson
February 13, 2025
Tom, I finally made a book. You're the best.
Skip
Skip Henderson
February 15, 2022
I will always remember Tom for his love of life and the depth and joy of his writing and editing skills.
A man of honesty, talent and humility.
HP Newquist
March 1, 2018
Tom was a pioneer in the right way to do many thing in the world of the guitar. He will be more than missed.
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Andy Ellis
February 24, 2018
When Tom invited me to join the Guitar Player magazine staff in 1991, the course of my life was forever altered. As chief editor at GP, he taught us all many things about writing and editing, but his greatest gift was to instill the notion that passion for guitar was the essential foundation on which to build a writing career. He will be remembered for setting the standards for the modern guitar publishing industry, and many of us owe our careers to this generous and wise soul.
Thank you, Tom Hutchin Wheeler, for your inspiration.
Tom with Luthier Bob Benedetto NAMM Show 2000
Cindy Benedetto
February 22, 2018
Cindy Benedetto
February 22, 2018
Thanks for everything, Tom. The Guitar World will miss you! Cindy and Bob Benedetto
Lynne Fabricant
February 21, 2018
Tom and his family were among the people we got to know soon after we moved to Eugene in 1996. His warmth and spirit will surely continue to nourish his sons, and Anne in the days and years to come. I'm happy to have known him.
Patricia Marshall
February 21, 2018
I was lucky to have Tom as a teacher at the J-school, and later interact with him as a fellow crew parent. Of course, I always loved seeing him rock out! Sending love to his family during this difficult time, and mourning the loss of a fine person.
Daniel Moret
February 20, 2018
Tom was one of the finest people to be around: kind, curious, thoughtful and articulate. And a really fine guitarist. We miss him, and our thoughts are with his family. We will cherish the time (not enough) that we had with him and try to emulate the humble and great human being that he was.
Debra Merskin
February 19, 2018
Tom was amongst the first to greet me when I joined the faculty in 1993. Our offices were next to one another and every day he'd have something to share, ask, really ask how I was, and offer something I could use throughout the day. Ever and always a caring, kind, insightful, inspirational colleague. Walk on my friend. You are missed.
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