Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Aug 12, 1948 – Sep 8, 2020
PEEK, Thomas L. "Bozo" – Of Otisville, age 72, passed peacefully at home Tuesday, September 8, 2020 with his wife by his side after a brave 3 year fight with "Lewy Body Dementia" after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s first. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.
A Private family service will be held at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
Tom was born and raised in Flint, Michigan to the late Fay and Alice "Rose" Peek. He graduated from Central High School where he played football and baseball. He also attended Albion College for 2 years playing football. Tom worked for the Flint Forestry Department until he was drafted. When his country called, he proudly served in the Army in Vietnam. After graduation from the Police Academy, he joined the Flint Police Department. He worked up the ranks during Affirmative Action. Tom was a member of the F.O.P. Lodge 126. In 1994, he graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy. He retired in 1998 leaving behind a legacy that is still known today. Tom served by a strong code of ethics, integrity, honor, knowledge and courage. He never boasted about his achievements of which there were many. His organizational and leadership skills helped to carry so many successful operations leading to many arrests. The most famous was the "Wedding Sting" in 1990. He was loved and respected by his colleagues. His favorite line was, "Hey officer, hurry back. I miss you already, darling." from the movie, "Up In Smoke".
He was so much more of a man than his career. With pride, he loved watching his daughters, Stephanie and Rebecca grow into the amazing women they are. His greatest joy in the world was his grandchildren. They really made him shine. Being a big kid himself, it came easy. To them he was "The Greatest Grandpa in the World" and "The Man, The Myth, The Legend". He would help anyone with anything; He could fix anything. He volunteered at the D-Bar-A Scout Camp in Lapeer for many years. In 2009 he designed a disk golf course. He was honored with a sign, which reads "Tom’s perseverance, hard work and loyalty to scouting, resulted in the completion of the D-Bar-A Disk Golf Course". Tom ran the Crim for many years and one marathon. He was an avid hunter and bagged a 9 point in our yard. He loved golfing, 3 Holes in 1. A smile led to a 9 year courtship. In 1994, he married the love of his life, Tammy Kellerman in Las Vegas, Nevada. After serving his country, community, he is now serving generations to come through research. After his LDB diagnosis, he volunteered for a worldwide "Lewy Body Dementia Biomarkers Study. For two years he had Pet Scans, MR Imaging, MRI scans, lumbar puncture and blood samples. All samples of this research project will be shared with the National Institute of Health at the NINDS Biomarker Repository. Tom’s final donation was to the Brain Bank for research through the MADC.
Left to cherish his love and memory, his wife of 26 years, Tammy;
daughters, Stephanie (Michael) Hermann and Rebecca Peek;
grandchildren, Jestin, Arielle, Sam, Rylan, Jacob, Addison, Chelsey and Tyler;
one great-grandchild;
sister, Patti (Bob) Ball;
sisters-in-law, Bev Peek and Debbie Elston;
family and friends, especially his best friends, Kurt Elliott and Lloyd Whetstone.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Fay, many cousins and one great grandchild and six loving and loyal four legged companions.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation in Tom’s name; 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. parkinsoninc.org/donatenow
I couldn’t be more proud of the love of my life. We had a unique and special relationship. We completed each other and grew to be better together. We were Ying and Yang. A true testament to third times a charm. Until we see each other again. I Love You!
He lived life to the fullest and loved with his whole heart. He had a very colorful personality and made a lasting impression with everyone he met. His life’s legacy was he knew how to fill in life’s dots. "Good-bye for now, and just remember what ole Bozo always says "Just keep laughing".
The family would like to extend a huge thank you to the Ascension at Home Hospice for their kindness and support.
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Since Tom's passing, I have also lost my husband due to covid in Dec.of 2020. I hope you are both playing a good game of catch someplace. Or are having a good time playing a game of balloon volleyball in the house like we did in the old days before kids. Miss you guys.
Shirley Flowers
September 14, 2022 | School
There were few guys on the Flint PD more professional and fun to work with than Tom Peek. In the sadness of the moment learning of his death, I had the same memory as Rickard Ramage, "his little smirky smile" and the devilish sense of humor behind it. It is a sign of his character, that largely for the benefit of others, he spent his last days fighting to understand the cruel disease which would end his life. My sincerest condolences to the Tom's family and close friends.
Sgt Jim Raney, Flint PD (Retired)
September 20, 2020 | Coworker
Dear Tammy, we just learned of Tom's passing and want to convey to you and the family our heartfelt condolences. Tom was one of the 'good guys'. You were the sunshine in his eyes. I will always remember his little smirky smile when he had a "gotcha" moment after pulling a fast one. Love to you and the family.
RICHARD RAMAGE
September 20, 2020 | Lecanto, FL | Coworker
Our deepest sympathy Tammy. Lee, Cal, and I were just laughing about how you and Tom TP’d our trailers in Mesick. Those were fun times. RIP Tom.
Lee &Kim Coon
Kim Coon
September 20, 2020 | Friend
So sad to hear of Tom's passing! We only knew him for such a few short years. Glad to have been of some help to both Tom and Tammy on a few occasions! The nicest of neighbors! We will miss hearing and seeing him on his mower, and taking care of the garden, Please Tammy if you need anything at all we are only a shout away! We Love both you and Tom. And your puppy dogs when they were here too. May Tom rest in peace with the honors he deserves! And may his wonderful memory bring you comfort and...
Doug & Mouse
September 20, 2020 | Neighbor
To Tom's family, Dalton and I attended Jr. and Sr. High Schools with Tom.Due to life, and all that was going on, we lost touch over the years. Dalt played baseball with Tom for many years, traveled to Canusa games and spent many times playing cards and board games over the years. Will always remember him as a happy person, and a dear friend. RIP Tom. Praying for your loss.
Shirley & Dalton Flowers
September 19, 2020 | Friend
Tammy, this is one of the nicest tributes I have ever read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love my friend ❤
Sherry Canterbury
September 19, 2020 | Friend
My sincere condolences He was a very firm but gentle person with a loving and funny personality. I'll always remember out Buster and Trapper Joe's days! Take care Tammy!
Debbie Hutchinson
September 18, 2020 | Friend
Tom was a “rare bird” with a kind and gentle soul. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sending a big hug to you Tammy. I am familiar with both Parkinson’s and LBD. They seem to only affect extremely kind people. I hope they find that genetic connection. Bless you for the care and love you brought to Tom’s life.
Marcie (Mann) Mabry
September 18, 2020 | Davison, MI | Friend
