Thomas "Tom" L. Petchell

There was a truth at the center of Tom's life, one that he lived and breathed everyday. It was a simple truth, just this: he was proud of his family. He was proud of who they were, what they believed, and how they lived. He was proud to see them together, gathered under one roof, taking time to talk and laugh and remember.

On August 28, 1929, Ruth Lee Petchell delivered a healthy baby boy. She and her husband, Virgil, named the baby Thomas, though his name would be shortened simply to "Tom" as he became a young man. The Petchell family was completed upon the birth of Tom's brother David. The brother's spent much of their time doing "little kid stuff".

Beginning at the age of thirteen, Tom began a tradition of helping his grandfather over the summer months, doing whatever work needed to be done on his farm. Tom gained two lifelong bestfriends during these wonderful summers in his two cousins "Skip" and "Sis". They spent those summers working hard and riding horses for fun.

Young Tom was aided by a steady, skilled work ethic that served him well as he learned to make his way in the world. Of course Tom was too humble and selfless to think of things this way. For him it was about appreciating the opportunity to do an honest day's work, and showing support for his family in any and every way he could.

In 1947, Tom graduated from Cooley High School . He worked as a fireman for the railroad for a time, then entered the Army, where he became a corporal. Tom served during the Korean War, and returned home hoping to meet a nice girl and get married. It turned out that Tom met the love of his life in a rather unusual (or at least unexpected) place: on the golf course. But there she was, Ms. Beverly Yvonne Paight - a charming, beautiful girl who, in fact, already had a boyfriend. That small detail didn't stop Tom and Beverly from feeling a connection, and Beverly soon ended her other relationship and phoned Tom. He was most pleasantly surprised.

Tom and Beverly were, indeed, a compatible match. More than anything else, they were a classic case of opposites attracting. A year of dating brought out many of their quirks and endearing traits, which only enhanced their relationship and brought them closer together. Therefore, it came as no surprise when the couple announced their engagement. The date was set for June 21, 1958, and it was then that they married at the Redemption Lutheran Church surrounded by the loving smiles of their friends and family.

Soon Tom and Beverly were blessed with a family of their own, one that grew to include four children: David, Robert, Lesa, and Michael. Tom was a great father. It was important for him to take part in his children's lives as much as he could. He went to Mike and Dave's baseball games and helped them practice. At times, practice consisted of Tom throwing baseballs so high in the air that the boys imagined they would go up, up, up until they hit the sky.

Family vacations were another excuse for Tom be silly, although to him, having "train time" was no joke. Trains were his hobby, his passion. He collected magazines and invented train-centered events like "train time," which is just what it sounds like. Tom would gather Dave, Mike, Lesa, Beverly , and his "train buddy" Rob and have them all listen for the sound of an approaching train whistle. They kept close to the car so that when they heard one, they could take off down the road, speeding faster and faster to keep up with the train. For Tom at least, the race was a definite euphoric thrill. While "Train time" could happen wherever tracks and road ran close, Tom found that Chase, Michigan was really the ideal spot. He and his family headed up to Chase on several weekends throughout the year, staying always at his grandmother's house.

Although family vacations accounted for some of Tom's most treasured memories, he also had a career that afforded many successes. He began as a very serious, painfully professional owner of an audio sales representative company. In 1958 he went into business with George Riley, and the company name officially became Riley and Petchell, Inc. Tom never took his success for granted - it just wasn't his nature. Tom was always grateful, always feeling blessed to share his success with the people he loved.

In 1997, Tom sold his business and by 2001, he decided that he would, officially, retire. Retirement left Tom and Beverly with a wealth of time to fill, which they did with ease and enthusiasm. They moved to Central Lake , invited friends and family to visit their beautiful home, and then took in each moment - playing cards, fishing, boating, listening to jazz and big band music, and just plain relaxing. Tom especially enjoyed going for walks with his dog, K.C., whom he affectionately nicknamed "Buddy."

Once a month, Tom also made time to meet with the Old Fogeys Club. It was a group of guys from the audio industry who, beginning in 1976, got together every month to talk about the industry, their lives, and whatever else was on their mind. The group grew quite close, and they even had hats made up so that they could wear them as a symbol of their support for the group. Tom loved being part of the Old Fogeys Club. He would always treasure the time he spent there.

Tom had many happy memories to reflect on, but his favorites were those created with his family. He loved seeing everyone gathered together, talking, laughing, and remembering old times. In later years, the moments Tom spent with his six grandchildren - Zachary, Karin, Jayme, Michael, Alexa, and Leah - added something new to his life, a joy he'd never known before knowing them. Everyone blessed to be part of Tom's life will miss his presence, and treasure the memories they have of him always.

Thomas L. Petchell died Oct. 17, 2005 at the age of 76. He was the beloved husband of Beverly ; loving father of David (Jeanna), Robert, Lesa (John) Albanelli, and Michael (Cathy); and dear grandpa of Zachary, Karin, Michael, Alexa, and Leah. Visitation will be held Wedneday from 5-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. Twelve Mile Rd. in Farmington Hills . Visitation will also take place Friday at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 10 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.