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Thomas DeVoe WORTHEN

Thomas WORTHEN Obituary

WORTHEN, Thomas DeVoe moved to Tucson from Salt Lake City in 1967. He worked in the Classics Dept. at the U of A for 32 years before retiring as an associate professor in 1999. He taught Mythology, ancient Greek history, Latin, and word etymology. His passion as a professor was translating the ancient Greek language. He published several papers on this subject and also published two books, one of which was used in the classroom. His passion for understanding everything in his world and then passing this knowledge onto his students also overflowed into his home life. His daughters soon learned that asking a simple question at the dinner table would inevitably lead to a half hour detailed explanation. Tom's interests were many and varied from travelling, especially to Greece and Italy, to painting landscapes and portraits. He loved to sing and listen to music, especially classical, and also to attend plays and symphonies. He had a beautiful robust voice and had been an active member of several choral groups. Tom left this world on September 20, 2016. A special thank you goes out to Casa De La Luz. He is survived by four daughters, Jennifer, Sarah, Anna, Aimee, and his granddaughter, Abigail. He is also survived by his wife, Katie who was his childhood sweetheart. He leaves behind Katie's family, his sister, Carryl, and his brother, David. Tom has touched many lives in both his personal and professional life and leaves a void once filled with his strong and gifted voice. A memorial is being considered. Please leave contact information in guestbook.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Oct. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas WORTHEN

24 Entries

GEORGE M LAWRENCE

June 12, 2023

I knew Tom at East High School in Salt Lake City. He was part of our intellectual group, the kind that are--at best--called brains today. We lost touch after graduating but re-met in 2005 at the high school's 50th reunion. He even translated some Latin for me by email. Good memories.

Andre Goodfriend

October 8, 2016

In the 30 years since studying with Dr. Worthen (and though, at his insistence, I've been able to call him Tom for a few years now, I always have to make a mental translation from Dr. Worthen), my classmates and I have traveled many different paths in our careers, and yet each of us was influenced and made richer by Tom Worthen, his passion and commitment. I felt I came to know Dr. Worthen more during the past 20 years through our correspondence and his ongoing interest in his students as part of an extended family. And it feels like we are. It's a family of shared appreciations and commitments I'm proud to be a part of. And I will miss my mentor and friend. May you rest in peace.

Karen Chatterton

October 6, 2016

Loved working for this fine man back when I was a grad student at the U of A & his darling daughters were little. Still won't forget the day Sarah came with her daddy to work & was so excited that she could buy pancakes from the vending machine outside the Mofern Languages bldg. He was tickled by how excited she was at such a simple pleasure. Dr. Worden was a great man, both professionally and personally. Bless you all.

Tim Winters

October 4, 2016

Oh my Lord, I don't even know where to begin....Tom, I will miss you something terrible. I came to you with elementary Greek and you poured your heart into helping me find my career. I have spent my life teaching Greek at university and you are the one who showed me the way. Your approach to the text was simply superb. No detail too small, every particle had to be understood...I loved to watch you work and I have done my best to make you proud. You are a hard act to follow, sir. Among the many memories I remember especially Greg and I begging you to let us take that independent study in Pindar. Our fledgling Greek could barely get us through, but you patiently welcomed us into your office each week, and helped us with forms, ellipses, etc. From cold beers after class on Friday afternoons, to listening to you sing the b minor Mass, your company was always a pleasure. I just don't even know what to say. I am so fortunate to have had you in my life, and I am glad that we stayed in touch through the years. Thank you for everything you gave to us, your lucky lucky students. God bless you and I will see you again one day, when we will resume our discussion about those lines in the Septem.

Melanie Humphrey

October 4, 2016

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Worthen's passing. I owe him many thanks for all of the incredible support he gave me through my years as a young undergraduate and a new mom, and for helping me start my venture into graduate school. Thank you for being a pillar in my life! I am sorry I did not realize you were ill. I would not be where I am today without you.
I hope you are in a beautiful place ♡♡♡

Larry Sheret

October 4, 2016

Tom was a special friend. He enjoyed observing astronomical objects with the 16 inch reflector I had at my desert house. He made the classics come alive with his spontaneous passion as he described Greek texts. We traveled to Baja California to observe the eclipsa del sol in 1983 and had a great adventure together. I would not have been able to graduate if he hadn't offered me 3 independent study classes. He was my mentor. I miss you, Kara Zeus. Rest in peace.

Cord Ivanyi

October 3, 2016

I'll never forget Greek 101 and 102 thanks to Tom. His voice is still firmly ensconced in my head as he attempted to explain the Aorist to a bunch of kids who thought they "got" it. !

Rebekah Boardman

October 3, 2016

I am so thankful to have had this man in my life. He had a great smile that made it hard not to smile back. I remember many times during the holidays or our visits, singing with him and my children. He was a wonderful grandfather and shared his love of knowledge with them as well. He will always be in our hearts and memories. I love you and miss you tons.

Beckers

Rocky Thurber

October 3, 2016

I loved Major Tom. The impact he had on my life was huge. I am happy for the good times we shared and he will be remembered for the rest of my life. Rocky

Linda Thurber

October 3, 2016

I miss you Papa. I'm so glad I got to spend some time with you. I am so sad that this happened to you. I'm taking care of your KT
Love Linda

Katie Worthen

October 3, 2016

I miss you the love of my life every day and will always. There is a void in my life that will never go away. A big man, big heart and big voice. Until we meet again. I love you. Katie

Scott LaBarge

October 3, 2016

I was a graduate student in Classics at the end of the 90's, and Tom was one of my favorite professors. His good humor, his passion for the Greeks, and above all his deep well of kindness made him a joy to study under and just to hang around. I'm so sorry to hear that he has passed away, but it is also wonderful to contemplate a life so well lived. There was a time when I loathed the Pindar that Tom inflicted on me, but now a quotation feels appropriate: "Seek not, my soul, the life of the immortals; but enjoy to the full the resources that are within thy reach." Tom certainly did that!

Marilyn Skinner

October 3, 2016

Tom was a dedicated teacher who shared his passion for Ancient Greek with all his students. I will truly miss him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Gonda

October 3, 2016

I remember the "smiling philosopher" fondly and treasure the legacies he left as a colleague and friend. My deepest sympathies to Katie and to the family.

October 3, 2016

I was so sorry to hear the news. My sincere condolences go to his family. I shall always remember how kind and helpful Tom was to me, especially when I was a new Assistant Professor in Classics 30 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mary

Richard Fridena

October 3, 2016

In Fall 1965, I took Greek from Thomas in what was noted for being the largest Greek class ever at the U of A. Over the next three years he guided me and Greek became became my undergraduate minor. He touched my life in a positive way over these many years. I am sorry to hear of our collective loss.

Patrick Pabillare

October 3, 2016

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Dave Cole

October 2, 2016

I remember taking a Latin and Greek vocabulary course from Dr. Worthen in 1970. He was a fine teacher, and I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Karen

October 2, 2016

I have such fond memories of spirited conversations with Tom on the phone and at Holiday gatherings. Such a loss. All of his family members are in my prayers.

Mike Kreyche

October 2, 2016

Very sorry to hear of Tom's death. I can echo much of what Keith said--he was my favorite teacher and an inspiration. By bringing his broad view of the world to the classroom he taught me much more than the ancient Greek language.

Keith O'Malley

October 2, 2016

I am very saddened to learn of Dr. Worthen's death. Tom was my favorite professor at the U of A in the 1960s and 1970s. I learned many things from him and he inspired me to later become a Latin teacher. I have fond memories of discussions with him and of going fishing and hiking in the Tucson area with him. He was a kind and intelligent person as well as teacher. My condolences to his family.

Kerstin Miller

October 2, 2016

My condolences on the death of your husband and father. I took a graduate seminar on Herodotus with Tom back in the fall of 1989 while I was pursuing a Masters in Classics. I am sorry for your loss!

Julie Ryan Leed

October 2, 2016

Anna and Aimee, you are both a beautiful legacy to your father's life. His influence is evident in what I know of both of you. Rejoice that his influence was so great!

Maggie

October 2, 2016

Anna and Aimee you are in my prayers. I know you will miss your father. Let your happy memories be of comfort.

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