Thomas Lehman

1950 - 2021

Thomas Lehman

(May 16, 1950 - May 24, 2021)

Thomas Christian Lehman passed away unexpectedly at his home in Sault Saint Marie, MI on May 24, 2021. Tom was born on May 16, 1950 in Long Island, NY to Dr. Robert J. and Mrs. Ruth Lehman, of Louisville, KY. He was raised in the Highlands area of Louisville with Cherokee Park as his own back yard, and graduated from Atherton High School in 1968. As a teenager, Tom proudly achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, enjoyed singing and performing, played banjo in a bluegrass band, and pursued wilderness camping and canoeing. Tom attended Washington State University with dreams of becoming a Park Ranger. There he met Debbie Halling, who became his wife of 47 years. After graduating from WSU in Pullman, WA, he moved back to Louisville to earn his D.M.D. from U of L School of Dentistry in 1976. From there, he practiced public health dentistry in North Dakota, before settling in Sault Ste Marie, MI, with his own dental practice. During his 40 year career, he proved to be a skillful and dedicated dentist, beloved by his patients.

Tom was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge and learning. He enjoyed gardening and kayaking in the summer, and cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter. He was especially fond of his weekly group that built and restored canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. Tom pursued his love of singing by joining a Barbershop quartet, (as the Tenor in "Four-in-Exchange"), by singing in a local chorus and musical theatre, and even while filling his patients' cavities. Tom was never at a loss for a song to sing, or a joke to tell. He had a zest for life, and frequently took up new skills, such as learning to play the cello most recently. Tom's approachable, easy going demeanor endeared him to many, and it is certain he never met a stranger. Tom was an involved and dedicated father to his 3 children, and was thought of as an "extra dad" to their friends. He truly was a renaissance man.

Tom was fully enjoying his retirement since August 2020, and his unexpected passing was due to sudden heart failure. There is comfort in knowing that his life was filled with love, friendship, travel, hiking, gardening, and the pride and joy he had for all of those close to him.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife Debra Halling Lehman, and his parents, Dr. Robert Lehman and Mrs. Ruth Lehman. He is survived by his sisters: Jennifer Lehman Turner (Jan), Marco Island, FL; Rebecca Lehman Perez (Tito), Savannah, GA; Celeste Lehman Smith (Eric), Kailua, HI; his three children: Chris Lehman (Anne), Amanda Lehman Martin (Paul), and Betsy Lehman (Kedzie); his four grandchildren, as well as his loving partner, Lori Anderson. A memorial gathering was held in June, in Sault Ste Marie, MI.

Donations in his memory are welcome to The American Heart Association or The United Way.