Dr. Thomas Lawrence Givler, 82 years, died on January 11, 2026 in the early morning at home. He was surrounded by his partner Deborah Krichels and his adult children, Katherine, John, Michael and Robert Givler. Tom was born in Portland, Oregon and has lived in Albuquerque, NM since 1988.
Tom grew up in Portland, Oregon, studied first at Antioch College and then graduated with a B.A in social work from San Francisco State, received his MA in Social Work from Smith College and his Doctorate in Social Work at City University of New York. He was a professor at Smith College before moving to Albuquerque to be the clinical supervisor at the UNM Children's Psychiatric Hospital. He worked there for many years also doing clinical work at the Navajo reservation. After he left UNM he had a private practice specializing in fathers and children.
Tom was married to Victoria Givler for over 40 joyful years until Vicky died in July, 2011. Tom met his beloved partner Deborah Krichels in January, 2015 on a seniors ski trip. They enjoyed an 11 year partnership in Albuquerque enjoying all it offers as well as many adventures all over the world.
Tom leaves behind his partner Debbie, his 4 adult children, his brother Peter, niece Noelle, Debbie's two daughters, Jessica and Sarah, and 12 grandchildren (Julia, Lysander, Molly, Theo, Emma, Abby, Isla, Alex, Orson, Leo, Miles and Elia). He loved them all.
Tom died after an almost year long battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. He is already very missed. His loved ones are comforted that he had a peaceful transition surrounded by love and song.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 16th, 2026, 10am -1pm at Tramway Plaza Event Center.
In Lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom's name can be made to Chatter http://www.chatterabq.org.
Tom grew up in Portland, Oregon, studied first at Antioch College and then graduated with a B.A in social work from San Francisco State, received his MA in Social Work from Smith College and his Doctorate in Social Work at City University of New York. He was a professor at Smith College before moving to Albuquerque to be the clinical supervisor at the UNM Children's Psychiatric Hospital. He worked there for many years also doing clinical work at the Navajo reservation. After he left UNM he had a private practice specializing in fathers and children.
Tom was married to Victoria Givler for over 40 joyful years until Vicky died in July, 2011. Tom met his beloved partner Deborah Krichels in January, 2015 on a seniors ski trip. They enjoyed an 11 year partnership in Albuquerque enjoying all it offers as well as many adventures all over the world.
Tom leaves behind his partner Debbie, his 4 adult children, his brother Peter, niece Noelle, Debbie's two daughters, Jessica and Sarah, and 12 grandchildren (Julia, Lysander, Molly, Theo, Emma, Abby, Isla, Alex, Orson, Leo, Miles and Elia). He loved them all.
Tom died after an almost year long battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. He is already very missed. His loved ones are comforted that he had a peaceful transition surrounded by love and song.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 16th, 2026, 10am -1pm at Tramway Plaza Event Center.
In Lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom's name can be made to Chatter http://www.chatterabq.org.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Lawrence Givler, please visit our flower store.
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