Tom Stimson

1954 - 2017

Tom Stimson was a free spirit, born of the West; an artist, philosopher, teacher, environmentalist, humanist, protector. He was a truly extraordinary person. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee Stimson Jr. and Frances Eleanor McIntyre Stimson. He is survived by both of his older siblings: Robert Daniel Stimson of Sedona, Arizona and Laura Barton Stimson Briggs of Long Prairie, Minnesota; brother-in-law (Bill Briggs), niece (Angela Briggs Nelson), three nephews (Stephen Briggs, Brendan Briggs, and Joseph Briggs) and Great Nephew (Beckett Briggs Nelson) of Minnesota; his adopted Swiss family the Schmids, his soul mate Vivian Lie Nakachima, and countless friends whose lives are forever changed because they knew him. Tom was a quiet, gentle, inquisitive, adventurous and observant child -- qualities that remained with him, maturing and deepening, throughout his life. His many musical and artistic gifts appeared at a relatively young age and he pursued his artistic education in a variety of modalities befitting his complex personality: he attended the University of Colorado, Boulder; he travelled throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and Nepal to independently study art and culture; and he lived in Switzerland from 1974-1980 where he was an apprentice to Swiss master portraitist and etcher Emil Schmid. Tom was 'adopted' during this time by the Schmid family (Emil's son's) in Rorschach leading to many lasting friendships between families and friends in Switzerland and Colorado. Tom was an extraordinary painter, sculptor and photographer who knew how to capture and appreciate beauty with a poetic, romantic eye. Like many geniuses, Tom did not live by the clock; he would work until a piece was done to his level of satisfaction no matter how long it would take. Tom's work has been displayed in galleries around the globe and his paintings and sculptures are on display in private collections throughout the world. The outdoors and adventure were constants in Tom's rich life. As a young man, Tom participated in Scouts, competitive skiing, and outdoor camps and later would spend summers at the Ashcroft Mountaineering School in Aspen and as a guide at the Telluride Mountaineering School. He had an innate sense to explore. In the mountains and desert wilderness, Tom found places where camaraderie and art could expand and flourish. Tom's engaging spirit made him an extraordinary family member, gifted teacher and mentor who willingly shared his wisdom and talents with others. In the mid-1980s, Tom founded OJ Fish Adventures, a guide service that allowed him to pursue his art studies while sharing his intimate knowledge of the American Southwest, Switzerland, and later Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.Tom always went above and beyond in whatever he did, whether that was spirituality, painting, gardening or helping others. Through the memories and his teachings, his spirit will live forever. A truly faithful family member and friend; a humanitarian, philanthropist, and supporter of many noble & earthfriendly causes; an Angel in our earthly midst. We have been greatly blessed by your presence and we will miss you more than words can express. A celebration of life is planned for July 15 in Denver. Donations can be made to Southeast Utah Wilderness Alliance, PO Box 968 Moab, UT 84532.