MEDENDORP, Tom

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, July 27, 2014 Tom Medendorp passed away on July 4, 2014, while motorcycle riding with long-time friends in Idaho. He was born in Evergreen Park, Ill., July 20, 1947. After graduating from The University of Northern Colorado, Tom married Sandi Beeson and had two sons, David and Geoffrey. He went to work in the insurance industry and began the groundwork of a long and successful career, culminating as one of the foremost Marine insurance brokers in Seattle. In an industry where business is conducted on personal relationships and often just a handshake to close a deal, Tom was among the most respected and most charming. His bright smile, blue eyes and piercing wit, along with his amusing observations of everyday life, completed the package of a gentleman in good standing by all. In 2004, Tom married Susan Duquette, whom he called his SusieQ. They bought a home in Prescott, Ariz., and enjoyed many an evening watching the sun set over Granite Mountain. Tom is survived by his wife Susan; sons David (Jennifer) and Geoffrey (Rebecca); granddaughter Saige; Sandi Medendorp, mother of his two sons; sister Pamela Diaz (Steve); and Susan's sons, Chris (Tabitha) and daughter Cleo, and Alex (Claudia) and son Denis. Tom's passions in life were his family, his marine industry associates, his extensive group of friends, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with Susan and close friends on trips all across the country. In September, there will be a gathering in Seattle to celebrate Tom's life. In lieu of flowers, a nursing scholarship has been set up in the name of his mother, The Margaret Medendorp Nursing Scholarship at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Box 6904, Prescott, AZ 86301, or online at www.yc.edu/onlinegiving. Although Tom's early death has cut a swath of sorrow across many groups of people, we should all remember Tom would often quote, "It's the journey, not the destination." Tom so enjoyed his journey. Information provided by survivors.