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August 19, 2019

Thomas W. Deering, Died August 17, 2019


Thomas W. Deering
Died August 17, 2019

NORTHPORT – Thomas W. Deering, 63, of Northport, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 peacefully at his Maple City home.  His family, wife Jeannie and friends carried and sustained him throughout his battle with cancer.

Thomas was born June 19, 1956 in Traverse City to Georgia (Bartlett) and Richard “Bud” Deering.  He graduated from Northport High School in 1974.  After graduating high school he attended the Great Lakes Maritime Academy where he earned his Engineering degree. 

He was well respected in his profession, working for 28 years as Chief Engineer on the ocean.  After retiring in 2004, Thomas still worked at least 3 months out of the year until he could no longer work due to cancer.  He absolutely loved his work and time at sea.  Thomas was a true “sailor.”

Thomas loved to fish, hunt and pick cherries!  He would distribute his “catch” to many friends and family around the Northport, Maple City area.  He donated many pounds of deer meat to Leelanau Christian Neighbors and others.  He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and bringing laughter to others.  Thomas had a heart of gold and was very giving.

Thomas and Jeannie (Peacock) Deering were married December 4, 2016 at their home in Maple City with family and friends celebrating with them.

Thomas is survived by his wife Jeannie; her children Elizabeth Peacock and Raymond (Allison Smeltz) Peacock; his sisters, Susan Eavy, Carnie (David) Kilcherman; a brother, Richard (Nancy) Deering and nieces, Kendra Deering, Cinda Deering, Tara Zucarelli, Casey Kilcherman, Terri Grant; nephews, Rick (Susan Birch Carl and Gaim the Tortis) Deering, Conor Eavy, Brandon Kilcherman, Jordan Kilcherman and Cameron Kilcherman; and his special friends Hank and Patty DeYoung, Ben Fowler and Uncle Bob Fisher.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Peterson Park in Northport.

Please share condolences with Thomas’ family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:10 AM

    Tom, it was a pleasure working with you over the years; I feel lucky to have called you a friend. I will always cherish the memory of our fishing adventures.

    Jim Plourde
    Chief Engineer
    American Maritime Officers

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stacy Voras9:30 AM

    Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Tommy. My dad (Al) and uncle (Vic) always enjoyed sharing a laugh with Tommy. May your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. With warm regard, Stacy Voras & The Voras Family

    ReplyDelete