KM~HQ: December 16, 2020
It is with great sadness of heart to learn that on the 9th of December, 2020, Warrior Gary Lee 'Strong Man' Tom peacefully passed away though comforting to know that he transitioned to the nether realms surrounded by his loving family.
For those of you who do not know, Gary is as an uncle to the KM spiritual tribal family. Gary poured water for Sweat Lodge ceremonies all over the United States including penitentiaries in the Utah department of corrections. Gary Tom was the former tribal chief of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, whereupon his earthly remains will be laid to rest. Gary was the Director of Education for the Paiute Tribes. many articles pertaining to the American Native culture for the state of Utah Historical Archives.
Gary was born on April 29, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Bill Tom and Arlene Myers Tom. He was the oldest of three brothers and one sister, who died in her infancy. Music and sports were always fuels of his personal passions, resulting in the love of school. Gary attended school in St. George, Utah and also in Fredonia, Arizona. Throughout, Gary was very active in music, from playing the trombone in his high school band to gaining degrees in musical arts through college, and of course, playing the flute and music of his indigenous ancestors. He also excelled in little league baseball as an infield and deeply enjoyed overall all high school sports. \
Gary married his childhood sweetheart and forever love of his life, Ms. Bernie Button on November 23rd, 1966 when he was 21 years old. Together they made and enjoyed a wonderful life for themselves and their descending generations that'd come. He is survived by an emptiness of a spot in the hearts of his loving wife, Bernie, eight of their nine children, twenty-four grandchildren and four great grandchildren and one brother, Russ Tom of Fredonia Arizona but rejoined with his superseded relatives including his parents, two brothers, a sister and his son.
During the blossoming of his life and family, the young couple headed to Dixie College, where Gary had majored in music education. He also was a member of a jazz band that performed all around Southern Utah as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada. From there, Gary continued his education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where he earned a Bachelor Degree in music education and Master’s Degree in education administration.
Gary was a part of the Winter Olympic Games in 2002. He traveled to Greece to bring the Olympic torch to Salt Lake City and was one of the Native American flute performers in the opening ceremony. He enjoyed sharing this talent and played his Indian flute on many occasions. One special occasion was being able to perform at the Cedar City Temple cultural celebration.
Gary is said to have put up a valiant fight with but ultimately succumbed to his health complications, which weren't yet discussed in detail publicly so out of respect we won't go into any here, t least for the time being. A viewing was held at the Southern Utah Mortuary on Tuesday December 15, 2020 from 5:00
- 7:00 pm and a family funeral live streaming service was also offered for those who couldn't attend the following morning at 10 Am. He was laid to physical final rest for all eternity in the St. George Temple.
Smoke and Prayers are sent for Uncle Gary and all his relations...he is and will be forever missed, loved, and remembered.
Thank you for your time and prayers. Be well, stay safe and enjoy every moment with those you love.
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