PETTIT, Thomas L., Ph.D.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, September 20, 2010 Thomas L. Pettit, Ph.D., 57, passed away Sept. 18, 2010. Services are pending. Biological Resource Center in Phoenix is assisting the family. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, September 25, 2010 While surrounded by family and friends, Thomas L. Pettit, Ph.D., took his final step on his journey through life. Tom was born Oct. 28, 1952 in Moline, Ill., the son of George and Eleanor Pettit, and died Sept. 18, 2010 in Prescott, Ariz. where he lived with his partner, Johanna Hawley, since 1995. Community was the heart and soul of Tom's life. Among his various lifetime honors was an award from Open Space Alliance for his many years of leadership and service as President. As an active member of Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Tom received the first annual Albert Lovejoy Social Justice Award. Tom was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Prescott Earth Day Network. Some of Tom's other community activities included Open Door, Prescott Alternative Transportation, CWAG, Precinct Chairman for the Democratic Party, Prescott Area Leadership, Inc. and Greenways Trail System. Recently, Tom appeared on I Believe with Elizabeth Ruffner. On Friday nights, Tom joined the Prescott Women in Black, a silent vigil committed to peace and justice and actively opposed to war and other forms of violence. His final act of protest was marching in the Phoenix rally opposing SB 1070. Where community is concerned, Tom walked the talk. His favorite quote was: "We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." (Aldo Leopold, 1949) Tom is survived by his partner of 15 years, Johanna Hawley; his mother, Eleanor Pettit; his sister Suzann Oaks; his sister Sally Munson; his brother Robert Pettit, his brother, William Pettit; and his brother, James Pettit. Surviving family members also include 14 nieces and nephews and 20 grand nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his father, George Pettit and sister Sherrill Gooding. During the Vietnam War, Tom was a Conscientious Objector completing two years of alternative service working for the DuPage County Convalescent Center in Wheaton Illinois. Later he earned his B.S. and M.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. After receiving his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas, Austin, in 1986, Tom subsequently taught Chemistry at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott. He also taught at Las Vegas Community College, Yavapai College and Prescott College as an adjunct faculty member. Tom was proud of his work with the Hozhoni Foundation, a provider of services and advocacy for people with disabilities. Tom's Celebration of Life Service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 at Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Open Space Alliance or Prescott Alternative Transportation. Information provided by survivors. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, October 23, 2010 Thomas L. Pettit, Ph.D., 57, of Prescott, Ariz., born Oct. 28, 1952, in Moline, Ill., passed away Sept. 18, 2010. A celebration of life will be 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, at Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 882 Sunset Ave., Prescott. Memorial contributions may be made to Open Space Alliance or Prescott Alternative Transportation.