1950 - 2018
Salt Lake City, Utah-Thomas Robert Moyle Alder, 68, passed away at his home in Salt Lake City on July 3, after having suffered for some time with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Tom is remembered by his wife of 46 years, Linda Homer Alder, and son Nick Alder. He is also survived by his sister Julie Anderson and nineteen beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carleton Caine Alder, and Rebecca Kathryn Moyle Alder, and his brothers Peter, Caine, and Craig.
Tom believed that service to others was a given. He was dedicated to his family, his friends, and his neighbors. Descended from a long line of Mormon Democrats, he was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and the LDS Church. He spoke often of his mission in Eastern Canada, and how it helped to shape his understanding of the importance of connecting with people and establishing lasting relationships. If Tom met you, he remembered you.
Throughout his life, Tom dedicated himself to making a positive difference in the world, with a special focus on helping those in need. He volunteered for a myriad of causes, served as president of a local chapter of the National Exchange Club, and provided service to the Boy Scouts of America. He was an active supporter of civil and LGBTQ rights, economic equality, universal healthcare and other causes of the Left-which for Tom was the right.
Born in Holladay, Utah, the youngest of five children, Tom was a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City. After attending the University of Utah for undergraduate studies in management, he spent several decades in leadership roles with Chase Manhattan Bank and Zions Bank. In 2004, he returned to the U of U and earned a Master's Degree in Art History. He left banking behind, and embarked on a second career as an art historian and dealer. Eventually he established Alderwood Fine Art with a gallery located on South Temple.
Tom was a leading expert in the art of Henri Moser, an early Utah artist, who studied in Paris shortly after the beginning of the Fauvist movement. He authored scores of articles on early Utah artists and, for several years, taught the subject at the University of Utah Osher Lifelong Learning Center. Tom was an avid collector of art and strove to foster the careers of contemporary Utah artists whose work he admired. He was appointed to the board of the Utah Arts Council by Governor Herbert, and served on the boards of the College of Fine Arts, University of Utah; Friends of Utah and Western Art; the Salt Lake County Art Board; and the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
Tom lived life to its fullest. He loved people. He was a quick wit-a class clown. Linda remembers fondly that he charmed her in high school through a series of corny pranks. The two travelled much of world together and with their son Nick. Tom was never idle; he was an active gardener, stamp collector, coin collector, rockhounder, keeper of classic film trivia, and a great cook. Tom inherited a love of Mahjong from his mother, and was eager to get anyone he could to play.
He formally retired in 2016 with hopes of continued travel, hobbying, relaxation, and spending time with his children, Nick and Jim Bredeson. Even as the circumstances of his illness began to allow for fewer possibilities, Tom continued to enjoy some his favorite activities: taking care of three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (Harper, Kitty, and Lily) and hiking the Bonneville Trail almost every day. His niece Ashley Homer, and Cherish Thompson, were devoted caregivers with Linda during the last months of his life.
If Tom met you, he remembers you.
There will be viewing and visitation on Monday, July 9 from 6 to 8 PM at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Funeral Home (3401 S Highland Drive). A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at 11:00 AM at the Post Chapel of the University of Utah (120 South Fort Douglas Blvd), parking available. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's honor may be sent to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people affected by FTD and driving research to a cure. Visit www.TheAFTD.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Dear Alder Family-
I worked with Tom at Zions Bank. If there was one person who could brighten up your day, it was Tom. He was a joy to be around and I, for one, am lucky to have had the chance to know such a wonderful man. May the strength of knowing Tom's profound impact upon others simply by being present help you through these difficult times.
Keely
July 23, 2018
I visited the Alderwood Gallery, where Tom represented my art, a couple of times a month, mostly because I enjoyed time with Tom. I'm very saddened.
Richard Hull
July 11, 2018
Tom was always a class act. This is one Republican who shed tears when this noble Democrat passed. We love you, Tom!!
Mike Winder
July 9, 2018
Teresa Vetter
July 9, 2018
Linda, Jeff and I are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. What a light in the family and in the world he was--always striving for knowledge and making friends wherever he went.
The Burtons
l & j Burton
July 9, 2018
To the family of Thomas Robert Mole Alder, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing that we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40
L Taylor
July 9, 2018
Our sincere condolences Linda & Nick and Alder Family.
We love Tom as a friend, neighbor and Moyle realitive.
God Speed Tom-
The Scott Family- Jeff, Sarah, Shepard, Sam, Angus and your old friend, our dog Ralph- now with you in heaven....
JK Scott
July 9, 2018
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Tom at Chase and we had a blast together at meetings. We would exchange name tags and silly things like that. He was a warm and compassionate person and his light will continue to make the world a better place.
Carolyn Geis
July 8, 2018
I met Tom in 2001 when Chase was a client of the company I worked for. My husband and I were newlyweds at the time and didn't have a lot of money.
One day, it came up that my husband was looking for a job. Tom told me to have my husband call him and my husband was hired the next day.
Tom was a sharp dresser and gave my husband many of his old designer clothes (that still looked brand new). I still remember the beautiful baby outfit Tom picked out for our first child. Tom had exceptional taste in all things and truly loved beauty.
I will never, ever forget the kindness Tom showed to my family.
Tom truly did remember everyone he met. Years later when he was at Zion's, he encountered some relatives of mine and figured out the relation by our last name. He too made a lasting impression on them.
Much love and prayers to Tom's family at this difficult time.
N C
July 8, 2018
Tom, was always a delightful personality and very helpful. I enjoyed working with him early in his career at Murray First Thrift. He will be deeply missed.
Steve Helm
July 8, 2018
I didn't know Thomas, but was drawn to read his entire obituary. He's someone I would have loved to know. I'm so sorry for your loss. I had never heard of FTG before, and I thank you for sharing and raising awareness. I pray for peace and comfort during what must be a difficult time with mixed feelings.
Sharon Drake
July 8, 2018
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Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
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Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
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