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Tom Averett Obituary
1944-2014
Tom R. Averett, our husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle and friend, passed away from complications of diabetes on Sunday, October 19, 2014. He was born on November 2, 1944 to Alice Dorothy Simpson and Billy Reid Averett in Salt Lake City. He graduated from East High School and the University of Utah.
In 1975 he married Lana Rae Bafford in the Salt Lake Temple. They have one daughter, Allison Claire. Tom worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Information Systems Department for 25 years. His church service included many callings including first bishop of the Brookwood Ward from 1992 to 1997.
Golf was his favorite sport. He enjoyed playing it and watching it. His grandchildren, Alexis and Micah brought a special light to his life.
He is survived by his wife, Lana; daughter, Allison (Steven) Westenskow; granddaughter, Alexis Westenskow; grandson, Micah Westenskow; sisters, Susan (Gary) Demory and Shelly Averett; brothers, Terry (Gail) Averett and Gary Averett, brothers-in-law, Dean (Rebecca) Bafford and Larry Bafford (Michele Peters); plus several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Landon Dickson for his care, concern and encouragement through a very difficult time. Tom received such good care from the staff at Avalon West Health and Rehabilitation, Compass Rehabilitation, and Bristol Hospice. Thank you.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00 AM at the Brookwood Ward 11970 So. 1900 W. Riverton. A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 PM at the Broomhead Funeral Home 12600 So. 2200 W. Riverton and Monday 1 hour prior at the church. Interment Riverton City Cemetery. www.broomheadfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Averett
Sponsored by Broomhead Funeral Home - Riverton.
Alexis Westenskow
September 9, 2016
I love and miss you Papa.
Dennis Pahnke
November 7, 2014
I grew up with Tommy in the Hawthorne Ward. Sorry for his passing. It was great to see his many accomplishments and life of service.
November 2, 2014
Tom was so friendly to my husband, Willis Robinson, and myself. We lived in Herriman from 1987 to 1997, and associating with both of you in the Riverton North Stake was a blessing. May "the peace that passeth understanding" comfort you and your family, Lana.
Sincerely,
Jackie F Robinson
(Willis died 11 years ago.)
Laurel Hooper
October 31, 2014
I will always remember Tom as a warm and calming influence. Being a co-worker for a number of years was a blessing indeed.
Laurel Hooper
October 30, 2014
To the Tom Averett family, I was saddened to see Tom's obituary today. Tom was a very good friend going back to our days at good old East High School. He was a great man. Please accept my sympathies and condolences at this time of sorrow. Sincerely, W. Alan Pinborough
Judy Simpson
October 28, 2014
Sending heartfelt condolescences on behalf of Tom's California cousins. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your happy memories bring you comfort - Judy Simpson and Diane Mackay and family.
Beckee Olsen Becker
October 27, 2014
Lana,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. You taught me how to play the piano years ago. I remember how happy he was. He always had a smile and was so kind to me. I am now teaching and tonight I had a piano recital with my students. You were such a big influence in my life when it comes to loving the piano. Thank you for everything you taught me! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Wanda Neilsen
October 27, 2014
Lana, We are so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We have good memories of our shared experiences of years ago. Feeling grateful for our knowledge of eternal families. Love, Wayne and Wanda Neilsen.
Heather Tuft
October 27, 2014
Tom will truly be missed. Lana, we will keep you and your beautiful family in our prayers during this difficult time.
October 26, 2014
Lana and family,so sorry to hear about Tom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa
October 26, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. But be assured that our Heavenly Father has promised to bring back to life our dear ones who have passed away John 5:25.
October 26, 2014
Lana and Allison,
So many good memories of Bishop Averett. Brookwood Ward would not be the same without your family. You have all added to our families lives so much. Nothing can every repay the great kindnesses and friendship and talents you have all shared. I will always remember how much love he showed and the peace he would bring into everyone's life. I will always remember what a good sport he was and how much he loved the youth.
May you all feel Heavenly Fathers comfort during this time.
Patty Elzinga
Gea McCloy
October 25, 2014
Dear Lana and Allison. I am so sorry to hear about your husband and Dad Tom was Wally best friend. They had so much fun playing golf every week. And they were the par busters . I have very fond memories of Tom and Lana and of course Allison. If you ever want to talk or play the organ come on over. With love Gea McCloy. And all my kids
Bonnie Buckel
October 25, 2014
Susan, I didnt know your brother. But I have been in your shoes. My brother was my best friend. Stay strong , and just remember that you will be together again soon. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Bonnie Belliston Buckel
Debra McKowen
October 25, 2014
Lana thank you for allowing Avalon West to are for Tom. You are an amazing wife our thoughts are with you at this time. Debbie
Art & Charlotte Van Tielen
October 25, 2014
Dear Allison and family,
I never knew your dad, but from what I read, he was a wonderful man. SO sorry about his passing. May you be blessed at this sad time with the peace of Heavenly Father's love. I am sure you will miss him dearly. Love you!
Merilyn Johnson Schlegel
October 24, 2014
I knew Tom in high school. Doug Shingleton sent me this. Sounds like he lived a full and loving life. My condolences to you and your family.
October 24, 2014
Dear Lana,
I remember Tom as such a kind, generous man when we lived in the Winder Ward. My thoughts are with you and your family. If you can't remember me, Dale and I lived in the remodeled chicken coop/tool shed.
Sincerely,
Kathy Kerby
Susan Woolley-Demory
October 24, 2014
To my dear brother,
You will be surely missed by all that knew you. You were the best brother anyone could have.! I am going to miss your sense of humor and your funny messages on my voicemail. May the Lord bless all of us in this time of sadness until me meet again. Love you forever Big Bro!
Joanne Willis
October 24, 2014
Lana, it has been along time, but we think of you and Tom often. Dave passed away in Dec. '09, & Lisa is a widow as well, so we live together with her 3 children in Arizona now. Tom and you were always such good friends, as well as Tom's mother and I were close friends when I worked with her at East. Lisa's daughter is now taking piano lessons for the first time and Lisa tells her how good you were to her at piano and also as her primary teacher. I am happy to read that you have grandchildren to fill your life. Beat wishes, and may God Bless all of you at this time. Joanne Willis
October 24, 2014
Dear Lana, Allison, and family - We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing! We have so many fond memories of Bishop Tom and the entire Averett family - good ol' Brookwood Ward. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that families are forever. We love you!
Michael and Marilynn Beesley
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