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Thomas Congdon Obituary
Born September 13, 1926 in Duluth Minnesota, Tom Congdon developed an abiding love for Colorado and the City of Denver where he prospered as a businessman and philanthropist. After luring his beloved Noël Robbins west from New York City, Tom and Noël raised 3 daughters in Denver and Aspen - Chelsea, Natasha and Lucy.
A graduate of the Hill School of Pennsylvania (1944), Tom enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and subsequently earned degrees at Yale University (1950) and Harvard Business School (1952). His career in mineral exploration began with Climax Molybdenum Company and grew into several business partnerships including CoCa Mines which developed silver and gold mines in the western US and Canada. Tom also steered a small family-held oil and gas company, St. Mary Parish Land Company, to become a thriving publicly-traded company 30 years later, now known as SM Energy.
Tom enjoyed sailing, travel, art, music, philanthropy and dabbled in cooking and watercolor all of which he shared eagerly with his wife and family. Tom and Noël together contributed generously to the growth of some of Denver's proudest projects and programs including development of historic Larimer Square, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Symphony, Denver Scholarship Foundation, Colorado Public Radio as well as the Aspen Music Festival and School and Colorado Rocky Mountain School. A colorful storyteller, Tom published his memoir in 2018 to share with his grandchildren who delighted him. He was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame benefitting Junior Achievement Colorado on January 31, 2019.
Tom is survived by the light of his life and wife of 60 years Noël, daughters Chelsea Brundige (James), Lucy Hanson (Charlie) and four grandchildren Tashi, Miles, Harper and Lark. His daughter Natasha passed away at age 17. Of all of Tom's accomplishments, his greatest joy and pride was with his family. In lieu of flowers, Tom would be honored to have donations made to the Denver Scholarship Foundation, 789 Sherman Street, Denver 80203, denverscholarship.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Congdon
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
TIFFANY SHARP
May 10, 2019
Noe,
My deepest condolences. Tom was such a nice, kind man. I'm so thankful that he started St. Mary and for the time I had there. His legacy lives on, know your family has blessed and inspired many people.
May 8, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I met you both through Joan Cotton.
Sincerely,
Betsy Boudreau
May 7, 2019
Noe and Family.
As you well know, my mom and dad were (are) great fans of Tom's. Even though my interactions with Tom on the board of MCA, and the endowment committee were limited, he always exuded an aura of calm beneficence that I recall even as a youngster! It was a pleasure to know this kind gentleman, and best wishes to you all as you celebrate his wonderful life.
Best, David Caulkins
Tony Best
May 7, 2019
Noel, I hope that your fond memories and stories of Tom will provide some measure of comfort to you and your family during this difficult time. I truly enjoyed knowing and working with Tom during my tenure as CEO at St. Mary Land & Exploration, and afterward, SM Energy.
Sincerest condolences,
Tony & Gloria Best
May 6, 2019
Tom Congdon was a great contributor to Denver's cultural foundation. We should all be grateful. He will be dearly missed.
Ginny DuBrucq, Polson, MT
David Meineke
May 6, 2019
Tom Congdon was a very interesting man and will be greatly missed by Global Minerals Engineering LLC for his knowledge of the family mining industry and his truly wonderful sense of humor. David & Dorothy Meineke
Lisa Evans-Smith
May 5, 2019
Uncle Tom was a great and loving man and I will miss him terribly. I love you Noe, Chel, and Lucy.
Amy Lemon Olson
May 5, 2019
I have many fond childhood memories of Tom as a dad, as Natasha and I were the best of friends. We spent many gorgeous days in Aspen in both summer and winter and he was always smiling and delighted in his children and our silliness. He was kind, funny and made me feel like one of his own. A day doesn't go by when I don't think of Natasha and our fun and deep friendship and how Tom and Noey made such a loving home for everyone to enjoy. I send love and light to all the family and want them to know that my many days and nights with them are treasured.
Meg Lemon
May 5, 2019
Such fond memories of Tom as a loving father to his girls. My condolences to you all.
Clare B. Johnson, PhD
May 3, 2019
My deepest and sincerest condolences. Godfather Tom was an intelligent, compassionate and generous man. I will miss him.
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