Thomas Richard Armstrong

Sacramento, CA - In loving memory, we announce the passing of Thomas Armstrong on Sunday, June 4, 2023. He was born to his parents, Richard and Inga Armstrong, on April 1, 1968, in Sacramento, California. Tom's vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew him, and his love for adventure and learning was evident from an early age.

Tom graduated from Rio Americano High School in 1986 with honors, and his collegiate years at Arizona State University were filled with remarkable experiences. As a member and officeholder in the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Tom thrived both academically and socially, forming lifelong friendships. College summers abroad ignited his passion for travel, and his journeys led him to Munich, Germany, where his German heritage and fluency in the language opened doors to incredible opportunities.

Working in a sports adventure company connected him to work in Greece, Italy and the Canary Islands, where he shared his expertise in water sports with enthusiastic vacationers. Tom's adventurous spirit and humble nature made him an inspiration to all who crossed his path. He possessed a treasure trove of tales, yet he never boasted about his remarkable adventures; rather, you had to ask him to share the captivating stories of his travels, which included windsurfing in Senegal, Africa, riding big waves in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, hiking to the base camp of K2 in Bangladesh, trekking through the Amazon rainforest, voyaging through the Nicaragua jungles and creating an Eco-Camp in Mozambique, Africa, providing a sanctuary for fellow travelers. For 10 consecutive years, Tom traveled the world, collecting stamps and visas from various foreign countries that filled multiple passports. The extensive collection of photos from his journeys holds memories we will forever cherish.

In 2000, Tom returned to Sacramento, his heart brimming with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the community that shaped him. Working with the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA), Tom embarked on a mission to construct homes. Collaborating closely with the Sacramento City Council, he championed the cause of building affordable housing, aiming to transform lives one house at a time. His easygoing nature, intelligence, creativity and unwavering determination made him an absolute pleasure to work with, earning the admiration and respect of all. Since high school, Tom gave back by serving on the Bryan Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund Board, empowering aspiring youth through education. He was also a proud member of the Sacramento Association of Realtors.

In 2008, while reconnecting with old friends in Greece, Tom's life took a beautiful turn as he found love with Regina Daehnel, who became his devoted partner. Their shared passion for watersports bound them together, creating cherished memories. Their lives were forever enriched when Regina gave birth to their beloved daughter, Caroline, who filled them with extraordinary love and wonderful experiences.

In the depths of our hearts, Tom will forever be remembered for his adventurous spirit. May Tom's soul find eternal peace as we honor his legacy of an unwavering zest for living in the moment. Tom will be missed every day by his young daughter Caroline, partner Regina Daehnel, father Richard Armstrong, mother Inga Armstrong; sisters Gabriele Andrade (David) and Christina Giachino (Stefan), his beloved brothers-in-law, nephews, uncle, cousins and many loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sacramento Region Community Foundation, 955 University Ave., Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95825. In the memo section, please indicate it is for the 'Bryan Potts Scholarship.'

Thomas Armstrong's memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Assumption Parish on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11 a.m., 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael, CA 95608.