Thomas Wharton

Thomas Michael Wharton

1950 - 2025

Thomas Michael Wharton was born on November 9, 1950 to Violet Ruga Wharton and John Rapson Wharton. He passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. He lived a life with integrtiy, heart, humor, and headline-worthy spirit.

Tom grew up in the Salt Lake City area, living his entire life in Utah. He graduated from Granite High School and later from the University of Utah, where he honed both his curiosity and his sharp wit. He served proudly in the National Guard, adding service to his long list of quiet virtues.

In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Gayen Lee Bennett. She introduced him to camping and the great outdoors. What began with strong resistance, was quickly embraced with gusto. Together, they raised four children. They spent many unforgettable adventures in their legendary orange van, as well as epic trips throughout the world. Gayen passed away from cancer in 2004, but the legacy of their love never faded.

Tom remarried in 2007 to Nancy Arlene Gines. Her companionship, the love of her wonderful family and their doodle dogs filled many days with joy and laughter. Tom was a kind and loyal husband and father to all his children and stepchildren.

Tom devoted 46 years to The Salt Lake Tribune, where he covered high school sports from 1967 until 2020. He never missed a state basketball championship and once frantically filed a story lead while Gayen was in labor with their first child-a true deadline hero. Known for his relentless work ethic and a pun-charmed personality, Tom always had the "write" stuff.

Later, as the Tribune's outdoor writer, he confessed he "couldn't tell a trout from a bluegill" but he didn't flounder for long. Through stories shared by hunters, anglers, and small-town locals, he became a thoughtful voice for Utah's outdoors and its unsung communities.

A devout Catholic, Tom made time for Mass wherever he went, from living rooms to cathedrals. He gave countless outdoor lectures, authored several books, and earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his reporting on the Great Salt Lake. In 2023, he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame-proof that even off the field, he was always a first-round pick.

Tom loved books, snacks, gadgets, malts, cheese, cousins' dinners, traditions, sports, live music, and any Chevy Chase movie. He never met a soda he didn't love! But, even more, he treasured quiet moments alone, rich conversations, and scenic drives through the Utah landscapes he chronicled so well. Whether on the sidelines or around a campfire, he always had a pen in his pocket and a story waiting to share.

Tom is survived by his children Emma (Dennis), Jacob (Hollie), Rawl (Tiffany), and Bryer; nine grandchildren; his wife Nancy; her daughters Amber (Shane) and Candace (Derek); three grandchildren; his brother John Derk Wharton (Alicia); and his sister Lori Wharton Nickerson (Nate).

His memory lives on through family, friends, colleagues, and a community that cherished both his stories and his signature brand of "dad humor." Tom may have written his final piece, but his legacy is still making headlines.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 14 from 6:00-8:00 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encourage to park and enter on the north side of the building. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South. Interment to follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Ave. & "N" St. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the University of Utah's Wharton Family Scholarship or to the Outdoor Writers Association of America where Tom was a proud member. A special thank you to his team from Aspire Hospice for their gentle guidance in his final months. Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com