Thomas Hugh Oliver

Thomas Hugh Oliver, affectionately know as "Baba", with great faith in his Savior, has gone to his eternal home, peacefully, at age 90, on Friday, August, 31st. He resided in Athens, Ga. with his wife Beth. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Percy, his brothers Jack and Jim, his wife of 50+ years, Dottie, and his daughter, Lynn. Tom is survived by his daughter Mary, her husband Ted, and their five children. He is also survived by his daughter Ann, her husband Davis, and their three children. Nine great grandchildren survive him, as well. Tom was raised in Barrington, Il, with his two brothers. As a young man he enjoyed competing in steeplechase horse racing and truly had a love for horses. Tom attended Lake Forest Academy, graduated from Forest College with a business degree. He began a successful career in the paper industry and became President of Hobart McIntosh Paper Company. Tom also served on the boards of Berea College, Lake Forest Hospital, and First National Bank of Lake Forest. Tom raised his three daughters in Lake Bluff, Il with his wife Dottie, became Mayor of Lake Bluff and was grateful for his 40+ years there before retiring to Dataw SC and finally Athens GA. We all have endearing memories of our dad, a spirit of profound joy, his glass was always half-full, everything was a double-jim or a triple-jim dandy. He was determined, learning to ski at the age of 65, despite being diagnosed with polio as a child. He was courageous and a man of exceptional integrity. Tom's hobbies were few, however, he enjoyed fly fishing with Dottie in Montana and Alaska with his family. If you could not find Tom around the house, he was most likely splitting wood at his woodshed.

Our family is most grateful to his wife Beth and Hospice who so lovingly cared for him these last several months. May you rest in peace, Baba, and know how truly loved you were this side of heaven. We will celebrate Tom's life at a small graveside service in Lake Forest in October.