Thomas M. Massey, age 81, of Cochiti Lake, NM passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21 at home with his wife and friends at his side.
Tom was born on Feb. 19, 1942 in Detroit, Mich. He grew up in Eveleth, Minn., graduating as Valedictorian from Eveleth High School in 1960.
On Jan. 24, 1991 he married Rebecca J. Lammer in Hastings, Minn. and settled in their first home in Prescott, Wis. on the St. Croix River. Tom lived in several homes in Minneapolis, Rio Rancho, NM, and Menomonie, Wis. using his talents to renovate each one to his specifics.
Tom was an entrepreneur from the start. In his 20’s he created and ran a business waterproofing missile silos in the Dakotas. Shortly after, Tom got into the real estate business as an active developer renovating many Minneapolis buildings by transforming them into safe housing complexes for the community but always maintaining their original decor and beauty. Tom was instrumental in the development of the Franklin Quarters, Laurel Village, Stevens Square, the Historic Bremer School and the Kenosha building. Tom earned many awards for historic preservation. He became a well-known advocate for maintaining the health and vitality of the city center of Minneapolis.
Tom was an avid antique collector. He had an eye for beautiful and precious museum quality items and created a gallery for the public. Throughout his years Tom dabbled in many unique endeavors including owning a hotel in Jamaica, creating the Urban Guerrilla Awards and funding an expedition to the South Pole for Walt Pederson.
Tom enjoyed traveling. Some of his favorite places included Mexico, Bermuda, Greece, Paris, and Jamaica.
Tom was a person whom strangers would confide their life story to, leaving them feeling better, heard, cared for and understood. He was direct, honest and professional. He would give you the shirt off his back even if it was the last one he owned. Tom in his later years studied Buddhism and lived a simple life, believed in vitamins and was always learning, whether it be about longevity, literature or politics. His faith was demonstrated never preached.
Tom spent his retirement in New Mexico with his wife of 34 years and their five cats. He enjoyed feeding the jackrabbits, taking long strolls and landscaping.
He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret, father Doug and stepfather Stan Sr.
Tom is survived by his soulmate and loving wife (Rebecca), five brothers: David (Pam), Jonathan (Bobbie), Paul (Ruth), Tim (Nina), Stan (Connie), and lifelong friends.
Per Tom’s request there will be no service. Memorials are preferred to the Immune Deficiency Foundation or National Organization for Rare Disorders.
