Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Brittain Obituary

Thomas Mercer Brittain, PhD 7/10 /1939 - 1/30/2012 Tom made his debut causing his mother to take a rickshaw ride to the hospital during a typhoon in Shanghai, China on July 10, 1939. His parents were Rev. Milner Callaway Brittain and Mary Josephine Brown, Southern Baptist missionaries to China. Predeceased by parents and eldest son, Timothy Colin Brittain. Tom turned one year on the ship as it took the family back to the USA. He was raised in Fort Myers, Florida, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and attended school in Fort Davis and Taft, Texas. He served eight years in the US Air Force stationed at Kadina AFB, Okinawa; Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas and Walker AFB, Roswell, New Mexico. He then attended college on the Viet Nam War Era GI Bill. He received his BA from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida and MS and PhD from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia - the same college his Great-Grandfather Jabez Brittain graduated from in 1861. Dr. Brittain completed his Internship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Tom enjoyed genealogy, golf, flying, skydiving, golf, cross country skiing, hiking, golf and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; son, Kevin Patrick (Vanessa), Poppa's grand-daughters, Mara and Hailee of Tucson; sister, Martha Pausky (Darrell) of Waco, Texas; brother, Paul Brittain (Joan) of Lehigh Acres, Florida; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Grant (Jabe Zink) of Cordova, New Mexico; brothers-in-law, Paul Gadbois (Rosa) of Naples, Italy, Michael Gadbois of Houston, Texas, John Gadbois of Key West, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Dr. Brittain was employed as a Clinical Psychologist at Western Kentucky Community Mental Health in Paducah, Kentucky until he and his family moved to Tucson in 1978. In Tucson he was employed by Tucson Child Guidance, Palo Verde Hospital, Group Health Medical Associates, Thomas-Davis Clinic, Catalina Behavioral Health and in private practice until retirement. After retirement he was employed as a sub-contractor for the Department of Defense. In this capacity he traveled to American military establishments in Germany, Texas, Virginia, Alaska, Guam, United Kingdom, New Mexico, and Arizona. Always the Southern gentleman, he will be missed by his loved ones and friends. Dr. Brittain was a 15 year survivor of prostate cancer. He fought valiantly against lung cancer at the end but lost the battle. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant. In lieu of flowers please make your donations to a cancer research facility of your choice.
Published by Arizona Daily Star on Feb. 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Brittain

Not sure what to say?





David Brittain

March 5, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We collaborated on genealogy some with our being the closest related to each other out of those in the Brittain project and I earnestly desired to discuss these things with him. My slight acquaintance speaks of a warm-hearted, intelligent man. May you all be comforted in this time. God's blessings.

Candie Sanderson

February 13, 2012

Gretchen, I just heard about Tom's passing. My heart goes out to you; I've been there. You have been in my thoughts and will continue in my prayers. I remember all our times together when you lived in Kentucky. Love, Candie Meriwether Sanderson

John Brittain

February 10, 2012

I never got to meet Tom Brittain face-to-face, but appreciate his love for genealogy, which resulted in my father Jerry adding another branch to our family tree. Personally, as a Southern Baptist missionary (NAMB), it was nice to learn of the SBC ministry and missionary heritage of our lineage in China.

My condolences,
John B. Brittain, PhD

February 10, 2012

I never met Tom Brittain, but he was an enthusiastic member of Group 2 in our Britton project and we will all miss him.

Sincerely,
Lindsey Britton

Gretchen and Tom, dinner La Posta, Las Cruces 9-11-2011

Hill Britton

February 10, 2012

Mike

February 10, 2012

I was a patient of Tom, seeing him intermittently since 1984. He guided me through some tough times in my life. I feel lucky to have known him. I am thankful for his warm and respectful manner. His insights and advice smoothed many bumps for me. The world is poorer without him. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Hill Britton

February 10, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting Tom shortly before he died. We had corresponded for several years sharing and discussing our mutual Brittain/Britton family history. My distant cousin was a warm and friendly person and I felt great sadness in learning of his illness and his death.
I will miss you Tom.
Hill Britton

Laurel Kracen

February 6, 2012

I knew Tom many, many years ago when we were all graduate students at the University of Georgia. He was warm, funny and a proud dad of two little boys. My heart goes out to Gretchen and family at this sad time. I know you lost a very special person.

Susan Brittain-Amari

February 4, 2012

Tom was my uncle and, although we didn't get to see him often enough, I was always happy and excited when our families were together.
We used to joke about how quiet he was, accusing him of evaluating us so he could have us committed. He would just smile and nod.
Anyone who met him felt so relaxed in his company as this was a natural, God given gift, you instantly liked and trusted him.
I will miss you "Uncle Dr. Tom".
Until we meet again...
Love and prayers of comfort for you, Aunt Gretchen, Kevin and family. ~~~Susan/Susie

Glenn Meek

February 4, 2012

My condolences and prayers to Gretchin and her family. All i canoffer at this time is comfort knowing that family and friends are always there.

Nancy Solomon

February 3, 2012

I was sad to read that Tom Brittain had lost his life. He was deserving of many more years. As my therapist, he led me to understand that real change was possible. Although Tom refused to take any of the credit for my growth [I did it all, he insisted], there remain in my mind many years later a couple of important audible messages in his gentle Southern voice.

Bill Showell

February 3, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Tom in Germany several years ago. He was a talented and professional psychologist but what I remember most was his compassion and warmth (and his humor and sense of adventure). A small group of us had dinner in the charming town square one evening where we laughed and reminisced about our families. It was an unforgettable evening with a very special colleague. Gretchen, please accept my deepest sympathy.

February 3, 2012

It was a privilege to know Tom as a valued colleague in two settings. I valued Tom for his professional expertise and as a colleague who was humble, kind, and gentle. He was always professional in his manner, always a team player. Tom wasn't a complainer. I always knew Tom would help handle anything that affected all of us. Tom approached his work professionally but frequently had a hint of his warm smile. I enjoyed his low-key, gentle and perceptive sense of humor.
When there was an opening for a child specialist at a clinic where I worked, I immediately contacted Tom to apply--and he was selected over a number of other highly qualified candidates. I always felt that Tom could handle anything; we could count on him to be a "grounded" presence.
Since Tom retired, I have seen two people who Tom had seen,in his private psychology practice,through lengthly tough times. They both expressed GREAT appreciation for his help and, also, for the kind of person he was.
Tom will be missed for so many reasons. There aren't many humans like Tom.

Bill Horne

Kathy McDermott

February 3, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Hector and Cindy Avalos

February 2, 2012

We will remember Tom for his kind and compassionate manner. He will undoubtedly be missed by the people he helped. Our deepest condolences to Gretchen and her family.

February 2, 2012

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Tom and also sad that we did not know each other better, as we were first cousins, I being the daughter of Milner's brother Kim. But half a continent or more separated us in our adult lives and deprived us of the joy of knowing each other. It appears, however, that he enjoyed a busy and blessed life. My sincere sympathies and love to Gretchen and the rest of the family. Barbara Brittain Hodges

Holly Grant

February 2, 2012

When I think of my Uncle Tom I remember when I was 3 or 4 and had pneumonia. My memory is garbled and confusing, I remember being scared and feeling so sick. Then my Uncle Tom came with his funny tall socks w/ sandals, and orange creamsicles for my sore throat. He brought me back from a dark and scary place with his warmth and love. That is my clearest early childhood memory, and something I will never forget. Love you!

February 2, 2012

Tom was my brother and friend. We didn't have to be in constant contact to know how we felt about each other. He loved his family unconditionally and had a special bond with his grand children. He will be missed! There is a hole in my heart! Gretchen,Kevin and family are in our hearts during these times. We love you all very much, Joan and Paul

February 2, 2012

In memory of a life well lived. Tom will live on in everyone he has touched. He will always be missed.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Brittain's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Brittain

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

East Lawn Palms Cemetery

5801 East Grant Road #C, Tucson, AZ 85712

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Brittain's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more