Thomas Massey

     Thomas M. Massey, age 81, of Cochiti Lake NM passed away on Saturday October 21st at home with his wife and friends at his side.

     Tom was born on February 19, 1942 in Detroit MI. He grew up in Eveleth MN graduating as Valedictorian from Eveleth High School in 1959.

     On January 24th 1991 he married Rebecca J. Lammer in Hastings MN and settled in their first home in Prescott WI on the St. Croix river. Tom lived in several homes in Minneapolis MN, Rio Rancho NM, and Menomonie WI 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 5 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 Toms request there will be no service. Memorials are preferred to the Immune Deficiency Foundation or National Organization for Rare Disorders.