Tom Warth, of Berea, Kentucky, passed
away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from complications of diabetes and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Tom was born on August 25, 1943 and
raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. He attended Alma College, where he met his
future wife Jane Closs. The two were married after graduation, in 1965. He
began a career at Michigan Bell; he continued to work there until moving to
Highlands, NC in 1990 to assume the position of CEO of The Mountain Retreat and
Learning Center. After leaving The Mountain, he moved to Brevard, NC. Tom and Jane
retired to Berea, KY in October of 2014.
Tom’s life’s work was dedicated
to the fight for social justice, equity and peace. He shepherded The Mountain
through both good and challenging times. Tom was a dynamic leader, an
inspiring speaker and a person of tremendous vision. More than anyone
else, Tom was responsible for putting in place the conservation easement that
will preserve the Mountain forever as a place of undeveloped, natural
splendor. Throughout his life he gave his time and support to local
organizations and churches working for peace, justice and education, serving on
multiple boards and volunteering.
Tom used his keen business sense
and unparalleled leadership to try to make this world a better place, but his
passion was music. He found a perfect balance to his beautiful baritone singing
voice with his best friends Shelley and Ian Denham, and wife Jane, when they
formed the Mountain Quartet. The Quartet travelled the country and Europe
sharing their music, with an uncanny ability to make audiences laugh, cry, but
most importantly fill their hearts and minds with love and hope. The Quartet
continued to sing together until the deaths of Ian and Shelley Denham in 2013.
After moving to Berea, Kentucky,
they joined Union Church, where they continued to make music as members of the church
choir. The Union Church became a new family, and a great source of strength
throughout his illness.
To the outside world, Tom was a
passionate leader, always learning, always trying to make the world better. To
his family and friends, he was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle
and friend. When he turned his bright blue eyes to listen intently, no matter
the issue, one was filled with confidence that everything would be alright. He
embraced those in need, and carried himself with graceful empathy. Tom was a
bright light of hope for all who loved him.
He leaves behind his wife of 56
years, Jane Warth, his son Todd, grandson Haydon and many family and friends. He
will be missed by the thousands of people who journeyed to the Mountain on his
watch, and thousands more who in future decades will experience his legacy at
the unique natural sanctuary in North Carolina.
Plans for a memorial service are
on hold due to the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations
be made to Union Church Music Fund in Berea, Kentucky, Heifer International or to your local humane society.
