Thomas Root

1950 - 2022

Thomas L. Root



Thomas Lindsey Root, born in Madison, Wisconsin, April 16, 1950, to Marguerite (Fleenor) and Forrest K. Root, died July 8, 2022, surrounded by family at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Diane Plummer; their children, Meredith Root-Bowman (Christian) and Evan Root (Sarah, nee Gonzales); four grandchildren; and by four siblings and their families.

Tom spent his childhood in Madison and Richland Center, Wisconsin; Atlanta, Georgia; and Lexington, Kentucky, where he played baritone horn in the school band, began studying Spanish, and enjoyed long bicycle rides through the bluegrass countryside. Tom remained an avid cyclist throughout his life, taking a 7,500 mile trek through South America, a transcontinental trip across the US for the Bikecentennial, a tour of the British Isles and countless adventures in the Rockies of Colorado and New Mexico. Tom could be found riding his bicycle to work daily until his retirement.

Tom also loved cooking, working as a baker and as a chef and caretaker at the Snow Mansion adventure lodge and hostel in Taos, New Mexico. He would often prepare gourmet meals for his family and friends, never shying from a challenging dish. He passed on his love of cooking to his children.

Tom dedicated his career to education. Fluent in Spanish, he taught elementary school, worked in bilingual and bicultural education, college admissions and eventually higher education administration, earning a PhD in the subject from the University of New Mexico in 1999. Tom spent the remainder of his career serving UNM, retiring as the Outcomes Assessment Manager in 2014.

In addition to cycling, hiking, and camping, Tom loved playing intensely energetic racquetball and frisbee, and played baritone horn in the New Mexico Territorial Brass Band and the Ambush Brass Band. Despite the advance of dementia in recent years, he maintained an active lifestyle with the support of his family and the help of caregivers.

Throughout his life, Tom could be counted on for sage advice, an understanding of human nature, the ability to talk knowledgeably and compassionately with anyone he met, and a positive outlook on the world. Tom was indefatigable and he'll be remembered for his quick wit, his friendly demeanor and his sense of adventure. His memory is a blessing for all who knew him.

Memorial service, Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 10:00am, Alumni Memorial Chapel, The University of New Mexico Campus, reception to follow at 432 Aliso Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Adventure Cycling Association.