Thomas Joel Levinson

Thomas "Tom" Levinson, age 72, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on January 27, 2023, at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO. He was born December 10, 1950, in Kansas City, MO, to Jack and Muriel Levinson. Tom graduated from South West High School in Kansas City, MO, in 1969. While attending The University of Colorado Boulder, Tom received a Bachelor's degree in Biology and then graduated from The University of Colorado's Physical Therapy Program. He worked as a physical therapist at Rose Medical Center in Denver, CO, before relocating to continue working as a PT at LaPlata Community Hospital in Durango, CO. While there, he explored a more creative outlet by working as a stained glass artist for a commercial glass company. Tom then sought opportunities leading him and his family to Southern California. Eventually, Tom and his family traded those ocean views for the beloved mountains and relocated back to Denver, CO - it was there that he retired as a mail carrier from the US Postal Service.

Tom lived his life the way in which he saw the world, simply and humbly. People often described Tom as one of the kindest and most gentle souls they had ever met. He had compliments for everyone and would accompany them with one of his infamous shoulder squeezes and back slaps. No matter how big or small your impression on Tom, he would praise you for it and leave you with an endearing smile to remember him by.

Tom was a man of many hobbies; his family speaks of him as a spirited child who later found joy playing instruments. He was a natural talent with an ear for music and trained under a well-known and respected pianist in Kansas City, MO. In his "younger days," as Tom would often say, he found joy in playing the acoustic guitar and being a backup vocalist for a band called "October Country." They would play gigs throughout the Front Range, bringing folk music to all.

Growing up, Tom's parents and siblings would often vacation in Colorado. He would speak fondly of these adventures and how they would eventually lead him to build a life here and raise his family. He absolutely loved nature and worked as a mountaineer guide and ski lift operator in college, which afforded him many opportunities to explore the mountains he loved so much. It was recently discovered that he summited nearly all of Colorado's 14ers… some more than once! His favorite being Long's Peak. Tom's mobility was more limited as time passed, and adventures became rarer.

Tom would often suggest taking us on a family trip to Hawaii, and in 2023 we made it happen for New Year's. This unforgettable trip to Maui was full of beautiful and joyous moments. Tom had the spirit of a kid, and we all joked about how spontaneous he was - from going down waterslides with his grandkids, jumping into the ocean, and sucking

down smoothies and Mai Tai's like it was his job. Reflecting on this trip, we now see it as something bigger - Tom gave us togetherness. And we can say with certainty that Tom lived his last weeks to the absolute fullest - he was happy. We are finding comfort in the fact that although sudden and unexpected, perhaps it was all a part of his plan; it wasn't always easy, and it wasn't always without pain or stubbornness, but it was done in Tom's way and on his own time.

And, although we will miss him greatly, we rejoice and celebrate Tom's greatest and final summit.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jack and Muriel Levinson. He is survived by his former wife and life-long friend, Francis (Tom) Montoya, and their two sons, Zach (Nicole) Levinson and Daniel (Cori) Levinson; his grandchildren, Ava, Olivia, Liam, Ricki, and Camila; brother, Rick (Eileen) Levinson; sister, Ann (Angel) Martinez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to Fran and Tom Montoya, who always gave Tom a welcoming seat at their table. His buddy and caretaker, Doug, who treated him with continued kindness. And to his beloved cat children, Emerald and Pepper, for their love and companionship.

A celebration of life for Tom, who chose cremation, will be held in Estes Park, CO, sometime during the summer.