Thomas James McNaughton was born on October 4, 1944. He followed his twin sister into the world just ten minutes after she was born. He was quite the surprise since his mother had no idea she was carrying twins!

As a child, Tom loved playing with his twin sister, Claire, and being outdoors. He loved to fish and go camping. In school, he excelled in math and played Varsity football.

He attended West Point in 1962, arriving at the beautiful campus only to find the hazing and abuse of Beast Barracks so offensive, he began a lifelong crusade to protect those who are bullied. He managed to get through his academy years and had many stories of his experiences there. He then went to Ranger School and graduated as an Airborne Ranger in 1966. He was stationed in Germany in armor. He was the Intelligence Officer during the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.

He was honorably discharged in the Fall of 1972 and began law school at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1972. After a one year as an associate in a litigation firm in Ohio, he found his calling as a patent attorney at Corning Glass. He practiced patent law working for FMC, Syntex, Chevron and StatsChippac over a span of forty years.

Tom’s first marriage ended in divorce and produced two children. He later remarried in 1996 and leaves behind his beloved wife, Martha Anne McKee; his daughter, Heike Allison McNaughton Gonzales, a son, Jens Andrew McNaughton and a stepson, Matthew Charles Widmann. He had six grandchildren. His grandson, Horacito, called him “Grandpa He Man Tom.” He loved that!

Tom was a kind and caring man who had a great sense of humor. He loved running especially at Manresa Beach and later at Sabino Canyon. He loved camping and just being outdoors. He was an avid skier who loved taking his kids skiing in the Sierras. He and Martha traveled the world during his retirement.

A Memorial Service will be held in January. In his memory, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity.