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Thomas O'Grady Obituary
A vigil service is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Huffman Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Elizabeth's, with a reception afterward. Interment will be at Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Tom was born Sept. 21, 1950, in Bridgeport, Conn. He grew up in Louisville, Ky., and received his engineering degrees from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
He married Katherine Kolb on July 3, 1982, and raised three loving children in Anchorage. He worked for ARCO for more than 20 years, VECO, and was most recently with BP as a technical authority. In his free time, he was highly active in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and international code committees, his local home owners' association, the Anchorage Ski Club and his church choir.
"Tom O'Grady was a genius and a Mr. Fix-it who loved to work on his Lotus, airplanes, and anything he could get his hands on," his family wrote. "He danced like he was 25 and skied like a pro. He did everything with passion, from singing to flying to raising his children and caring for his family. He gave generously of his resources and abilities in every area of his life, and was the go-to man for co-workers, friends and family. He was heavily involved in the activities of his children, from attending all of his daughter's sporting events and being a leader in their booster clubs to taking on various leadership roles in his sons' Scouting activities."
Tom is survived by his wife, Katherine; his children, James, John and Mary Katherine; his parents, Norman O'Grady and Sara McAllister O'Grady; his brothers, Richard and James O'Grady; and his sisters, Peggy Duggan, Kathleen Mulhall and Mary Bischoff.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Catholic Social Services.
Arrangements were with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas O'Grady
Patrick Irani
July 29, 2008
Dear Kay
We shared a table at the Christmas party and Tom shared a world of knowledge with me.
He was a great man and his memories will live with me.
My condolences to you. We shall pray for him.
Denise Walsh
July 6, 2008
Dear Kay, Sorry we were not able to attend the memorial for Tom in Louisville. We heard it was a great tribute to Tom and you as well. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you the next time you are in town.
Judy Mathewson
July 4, 2008
Dear Dr. Kolb,
Both Wendy Bergman and I send our prayers and hugs to you and your family! We have always thought the world of you and your sense of humor when we "whined" about minor stuff. You always have a kind ear. We're here for you, now!
Cecilia williams
June 27, 2008
Dear Kay, James, John and Mary Kay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I just heard the sad news from my son Bryce who is visiting Alaska.
You may not remember me. I'm Cecilia Williams, your former neighbor. I will never forget you and your beautiful family were the first neighbors who came to my home to welcome mein August 1996. Kay you helped me a lot during my divorced.
Tom is in heaven now.
Cecilia Williams
Teresa Blakeslee
June 25, 2008
Dear Dr. Kolb, James, John and Mary, I just heard of your loss. I am so very, very sorry. Life speaks well of a man who has children and a wife who loved him deeply and he in turn leaves them with wonderful memories. God has blessed Himself with Tom's presence in Heaven. Please accept our thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Love Teresa Blakeslee, Matthew and Alexis Cobb
Matthew Beck
June 21, 2008
Dear Kay, Mary, John, and James,
Thank you for the beautiful celebration of Tom's life only one week ago. May the peace of Christ, which is beyond all understanding, continue to flood the hearts, souls, and minds of your family and Tom's friends, who miss his close presence among us on earth.
Mike Gramig
June 20, 2008
Kay and family, it was with shock that I and Tom's fellow St. X classmates learned of his accident. We who were in his home room were especially looking forward to seeing him after he had contacted us to say he would be down to make it to our 40th reunion this year.
It was a pleasure to meet you and Tom (again after almost 40 years) at the Dundee Tavern here in Louisville during one of your visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dawn Stanberry
June 17, 2008
Dear Dr. Kolb,
I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing.,,Our heart goes out to you and your family.,Your in our prayers., Take Care in Jesus name......The Heming and Stanberry Family..
Allison Wilson
June 17, 2008
Dear Dr. Kolb & the O'Grady Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. While I never met him, I can tell that he touched the lives of so many. Dr. Kolb - thank you for all you do for so many families to bring health, comfort, and expert medical care to all of us in your practice. I hope you find the same compassion, support, and kindness surrounding you right now that you so generously share with others. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Lisa BUECHLER
June 15, 2008
Dear Kay and Family,
I send my deepest condolences and prayers to you all. My heart aches for you for the loss of Tom. I heard of Tom's passing from Father Dan.
I knew you, Tom and the kids from SEAS. If you don't recognize my name, I am the woman who sat in the back in the wheelchair. My life revolved around SEAS activities and friends. Although I am living outside for health reasons, my heart remains in Alaska. I remember your family fondly and will continue to pray for you.
dixit kadakia
June 15, 2008
Dear Kay & Family,
My deepest condolences on your loss.
We are going to miss Tom at ASME Committee meetings and we will always rember about his contribution to ASME and Engineering profession.
Chet Bell
June 14, 2008
Kay,
To say I'm shocked and saddened is an understatement. Tom was one of my closest friends during our years at St.X. I still recall as if it were yesterday our after school tutoring sessions with children at the Shelby Park Library, something that gave both of us a sense of self worth and direction. I was so glad to see Tom on his trips back to Louisville, and pleased to finally meet you last year.
My sympathy for your loss of a husband and great human being.
Gil Marchal,M.D.
June 13, 2008
Dear Kay,I haven.t seen you since your early days at St, Mary,s. I was so glad to see Tom at our St.X golf outing in Sept. I told him of our visit to alaska last spring and and how I wish I had known you all were in Anchorage. His tragic passing made our reunion weekend difficult. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Gil Marchal
J Phillip Ellenberger
June 13, 2008
I have known Tom for several years from the ASME code work. We have shared a Pizza and friendly discussion after those meetings. I will miss that. But my missing pales in comparison to the loss the family must feel. One can not express the feelings but can almost feel the ache in the emptiness.
Paul Fairchild
June 13, 2008
Dear Kay and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Tom was a terrific engineer and gentleman.
Paul and Carol Fairchild
Richard Espiner
June 13, 2008
Dear Kay & family
My deepest condolences on your loss.
I had the privilege of working with Tom in recent years both within BP and in ISO, in fact Tom introduced me to you only 3 weeks ago in Copenhagen.
Tom's dedication to his work was amazing and an inspiration to us all. He will be sadly missed.
Jack Ruf
June 13, 2008
Dear Kay and family,
Marie and I were shocked and numbed when we received word on Saturday about Tom. Our thoughts and prayers have been with each of you this week, and we will continue to pray for you and for Tom. We were so looking forward to seeing Tom. In addition to "the old times" we guys shared, we all have fond memories of the gatherings at Dundee Tavern and are thankful of the pictures we've shared of those gatherings. We hope that the good memories you have will comfort you in this time of unexpected grief and deep loss. May the peace of Christ comfort you and embrace you as I know it embraces Tom.
Elayne Evans
June 12, 2008
Dear O'Grady Family,
I just wanted to say that I am very sorry for your loss and that I hope you will find comfort in one another as well as your friends and family during this difficult time. On behalf of the rest of my family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences.
Steve McKeever
June 12, 2008
My sympathies are with all of Tom's family and friends. I am honored to have known Tom both through work and through the Anchorage skiing community. It was always fun to see Tom out on the trails or in the office. I will miss him.
Edward Ruebling
June 12, 2008
Kay and Family,
I had the privilidge of working with Tom for several years while he was at VECO. I also e-mailed and talked to him about local ASME section issues quite often. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for his loss. He was an inspiration to me personally. I know he is in a better place.
Joel & Brenda Brandstetter
June 12, 2008
Our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss Kay. I am proud to have known Tom and had the priviledge to work with him so many years at ARCO. His generousity, kindness, and competency will be missed in every facet of this life by all of us. May God bless you and your family!
Kevin Bodenhamer
June 12, 2008
Kay and Family,
I’m at a loss to find the proper words to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. I considered Tom to be a friend of mine as well as a professional colleague. Tom will be greatly missed in the ASME community.
I met Tom when we started working together on the ASME Liquid Pipeline Committee in the early ‘90’s and I always looked forward to being with him at our annual spring and fall meetings. Tom was very highly regarded in the ASME organization could always be counted upon to contribute to the industry. I served as Chairman of the Committee for seven years with Tom serving beside me as Vice Chairman. He was always there when I needed him and when I stepped down two years ago, I was honored to hand over the reigns to him for I knew the group was in good hands. Tom’s impact to the industry was also felt around the world as he was representing the United States on the International Standards Organization pipeline committee.
More importantly than his work with the pipeline community, it was also very evident that Tom deeply loved his family. Every time we met, he was always talking about what was going on at home, what activities the children involved with, or what was happening at school or college.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Tina Owens
June 12, 2008
Hi Kay,
Sigh. I hung my head and cried when I heard the news. Our two families know all to well what it is like to lose loved ones in what seems to be too early, too soon in our lives together. But, then I remembered that you have a rock solid faith my dear. That will serve you well in the days, weeks and months ahead. Death is but a continuation Kay. Tom is no longer limited by a physical essence. His soul flies in ways we can't even begin to imagine now... no longer limited by time nor space. And like your father before him, Tom will walk with you and the family forever. Still a friend, still a companion, still a guardian. Many blessings to you as your heart mends. With Love, Tina
Katie Hopper Schilb
June 12, 2008
Kay, James, John and Mary Katherine: I heard of the news and my prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. The obituary is beautiful and all the things you said about Tom I remember clearly from the wonderful times I spent with you all babysitting. I wish I was in Anchorage so I could be at the services and hug you all. My deepest sympathies, Katie (Hopper) Schilb
Mark Pickell
June 12, 2008
As the junior member to B31 I've only known Tom for a relatively short time but, for me, he has left an indelible footprint. He will be very much missed.
Bill Morgan
June 12, 2008
Tom always appreciated a good idea. If there was a better way of doing something that got him closer to achieving the goal he was always willing to consider it. I found him to be a fair man with a high standard of ethics. I always looked forward to working with Tom.
Mohinder Nayyar
June 12, 2008
TO: TOM'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
It is sad and tragic to realize that Tom is no longer with us. His memories as a colleague in the ASME B31 Code committees will last forever. He was a great engineer with vision to make things better for the future. He was always willing to assist and support positive approach. I always found him very helpful in handling technical issues and offering solutions. It was always a pleasure to work with him and talk to him. We lost a dedicated volunteer and a positive contributor. We know now he is in good hands of the God. May God grant peace to his family and friends to bear this tragic loss.
Tabitha, Asher, Jordan and Katarina Dymoke
June 12, 2008
Kay, James, John, and Mary Katherine,
Believe what your eyes cannot see.
Feel your heart beat, as it holds heaven's key.
Hold tight to your dreams that seem cannot be,
For those are the signs that will help you "see".
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Jim Hart
June 12, 2008
Dear O'Grady Family:
I met Tom on my 1st trip to Alaska back in 1988 - I feel lucky to have had the chance to work with him on Alaska projects with ARCO, Veco and BP as well as on ASME committee activities. His engineering talents, practical experience and willingness to serve were only surpassed by his kindness. We share in your loss and will miss him greatly.
Guy Jolly
June 12, 2008
To: The Family of Tom O'Grady
My deepest sympathy. I knew Tom from the ASME B31 Standards Committee and since I was from Louisville, we always found time to discuss happenings in Louisville. Tom was an outstanding engineer and brought real experience, talent and expertise to the B31 committees. He will be truly missed by all his B31 associates.
Wayne, Marian, Michael, Laura and Hannah Crayton
June 11, 2008
Katherine, James, John and Mary: Words are not enough to express how badly we feel for your loss. Tom was an inspiration to us and many others at SEAS and in the community, and the memory of his accomplishments, stewardship acts and spiritual lifestyle will live on in us all. We pray that God will provide you and the kids the strength to get through these sad times. You can count on the prayers from your friends to be at your side as well. Take care and may the comfort provided by Christ in your heart ease your sadness. God Bless.
Phil Flenner
June 11, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to Tom's family. His dedication to family was obvious and he will be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of working with Tom on several committees of the ASME. His dedication, engineering excellance, thoughtfulness, and ability to propose reasonable rules were an example to us all. We were lucky to have his input.
Nancy Richmond-Bentley
June 11, 2008
Kay,James,John, and Mary Kate:
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband and dad, Tom. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Paul, Nancy, Erin, and Peter Bentley
Elizabeth and Jim O'Malley
June 11, 2008
Kay, We are traveling out of the country and just learned of the death of your husband Tom. Our hearts go out to you and your children in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Kevin Killingsworth
June 11, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. It was an Honor and a privilege to know and work with Tom. The more you were around him the smarter you became. He will be missed but never forgotten! Peace Be With You!
Trish, Joe and Katie Gavagni
June 11, 2008
To the O'Grady family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May you find strength in your faith, comfort in God's love, and peace in knowing that your friends and family are there for you.
With love,
Mike Dyer
June 11, 2008
Kay,
I worked with Tom at ARCO and he was always full of information and a willingness to share. He was a great individual and I'm sure he will be missed by all he touched. God bless you and your family.
Mike Dyer
Robert Robleto
June 11, 2008
As a fellow MDC memeber I am proud to have known Tom. My prayers go out to him and his family for faith, strength and consolation.
Deacon Bill & Wendy Pearson
June 11, 2008
Kay, James, John, and Mary,
Wendy and I extend our deepest sympathies. Be assured of our continued prayers for an outpouring of comfort and strength from our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:1,6-10).
Jim Westerheid
June 11, 2008
Kay:
Ellen and are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He had a way of making me laugh at situations and especially when many of us at Arco took ourselves too seriously.
He was one of those guys that you knew would get it done and have fun doing it. In fact everything seemed fun to him- and why not.
We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and ellen Westerheid
Rod Wedge
June 11, 2008
O'Grady family & friends,
Our sympathies go out to you. I enjoyed working with Tom. He could answer technical questions almost before I could think of them.
Bill and Sharon Bartel
June 11, 2008
I was honored to be able to call Tom my friend. I was impressed with his engineering skills while working with him at ARCO. I have many fond memories of X-county skiing, and hunting deer, moose and buffalo with Tom. I also remember flying around Mt McKinley with him as if it were yesterday. And of course our family get-togethers were special. Kay, James, John and Mary Katherine, you have our deepest sympathy.
Greg Coombs
June 11, 2008
Tom will be missed. I am sorry for your family's loss. I worked with Tom for several years at VECO. He was one of a kind. I consider myself lucky to have known him.
Bill Koves
June 11, 2008
I would like to express my deepest Sympathy on the loss of Tom. I have known Tom for many years on ASME B31 Code activities. He brought great enthusiasm to all of the projects he took on and his conscientious dedication made him someone you could always count on. Tom was a great person, a great engineer and a dedicated committee member and leader. We will truly miss Tom.
Sincerely,
Bill Koves
Tom Laret
June 11, 2008
Katherine, my deepest sympathies are with you in this time of need. Tom was a good friend, mentor, and one of the people I will remember all my life. He trained and encouraged so many of us it is hard to think of anyone he did not touch. Tom Laret
Steve Teeter
June 11, 2008
Kay,
My wife, Sherry, and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our sons, Sean & Seth, attended Service around the same time as your oldest son. I worked with Tom on various projects when we were both at ARCO, and he even supervised me for several months between during one of the many late ARCO reorgs. I have never met anyone in the engineering field who could better combine professionalism in all aspects of his work with such a wonderful sense of humor. He always helped me, no matter how mundane or highly technical the question would be. On top of all this, his faith was apparent in the way he conducted himself on a daily basis in the work environment. I'll never forget noting his time of quiet prayer before a lunch meal he and others were sharing at Prudhoe some years ago.
It was truly an honor to have worked with Tom for as long as I was privileged to do so.
Bill Olson
June 11, 2008
To Tom's family,
I had the pleasure of serving on the same ASME technical committee with Tom since 1996. He was one of the most knowledgeable engineers in our field. He was always ready to volunteer, most recently accepting the mantel of Chairman of our committee. We cannot replace him.
I can only imagine that Tom brought the same energy and enthusiasm to his family, community and personal interests. We've lost a unique person.
My prayers are with you all.
Rich Schroeder
June 11, 2008
Kay & Family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of your husband, an extraordinary individual greatly admired by his peers. Tom was a significant influence and mentor in both my professional and personal life. He will be greatly missed by those of us who held him in such high esteem.
Tom Kute
June 11, 2008
As a classmate of St. X Class of '68, I want to extend my deep condolences to his family and friends. Tom was intransit to our 40th reunion when his life was taken. May he rest in peace!
Sincerely,
Tom Kute
Kimberly Grantland
June 11, 2008
Dear Kay, James, John and Mary Katherine, We are so sorry we can not be with you during this time. Please know that we love you very much and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kitty Kincaid
June 11, 2008
I will miss Tom and his friendly jokes about my mom. Please continue to come over to our house for dinner. We think you are just GrEAt!
Daryl Kuemerle
June 11, 2008
Kay,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family for such a great loss. Tom was my mentor for many years and taught me many things personally and professionally. He will be greatly missed.
Daryl and Danté Kuemerle
Peggy (Owens) Black
June 11, 2008
Kay - Our hearts ache for you and your children at this difficult time. May the love you shared with Tom and his memories provide you strength as you deal with his loss. We will continue to keep you and your children in our thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
Daniel Winter
June 11, 2008
Kay:
I worked with Tom at VECO and recently at BP. I am sorry about the loss of your husband. Please know that Tom is happily in Heaven right now. Both my wife and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully submitted in Christ,
Dan & Sharon Winter
Jean Nelles
June 11, 2008
Kay, you and the children are in my thoughts and prayers. My son Donovan went to school with James at St. Elizabeths.
Bill Lesshafft
June 11, 2008
Tom was such a good guy. We both came out of St. X High - Class of 1968 - in Louisville and last September he came to our annual golf outing. It was such a great time getting to renew a friendship.
We will be keeping all of you in our prayers and while Tom has left, his spirit is still very much with us.
May God Bless.
Michael Lush
June 11, 2008
Kay, please accept my deepest sympathy. I was in class for 4 years with Tom at St. X. and he was a good friend. It was such a joy to talk to him last year at our golf scramble. He was having a great time and smiling from ear to ear.
May God give you and your children
the grace and strength to endure
this tragedy.
Mike
Ann C. Vish DePierro
June 10, 2008
Dear Kay and family, I send my condolences and am so very sorry for your loss. I only met Tom once while I visiting in Louisville. He was a gracious gentleman. Again, my prayers and good wishes are with you.
Kathy Owens
June 10, 2008
Kay, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this tragic time.
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