Thomas Buchhop

Remembering Thomas “Tom” Robert Buchhop…

Our beloved Tom, 71, was called home to a stunning celebration with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 after a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Bigfork, MT. Kathy, his true love and life-long best friend was by his side.

Tom always shared his smile. He was witty, devoted and a courageous man. Born on April 6, 1948, to Robert “Bob” and Bernadine “Bernie” Buchhop, Tom grew up in northwest Ohio and was a graduate of Ridgeville High School. He attended Penta Tech in Toledo, Ohio. He married Kathleen Gearig on August 8, 1970 and started a family in Napoleon, Ohio. This is where they began raising their three remarkable children – Jena, Kyle and Justin.  Other residences over the years included Tennessee, Michigan and Kansas, before most recently splitting their time between Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bigfork, Montana.

His professional career included 44 years as a highly sought after engineer and consultant in the natural gas transmission industry. He knew the machines inside and out, and could diagnose with a listening ear and sense of smell. There will be a massive void where his vast knowledge and expertise reigned.

Tom’s search for adventure and speed never ceased. He loved riding motorcycles and horses. He preferred being the first skier down the hill, the first hiker up the mountain and the most accurate shooter. However, what he cherished above all was having Kathy, his kids, grandkids, friends and many others by his side throughout his many years of adventure.

Tom leaned into and walked with Jesus. He was an active member in the church, enjoyed a variety of Bible study groups, men’s groups and was one of the founding members of the Colorado Springs chapter of the Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out). The light of Jesus shone in and through Tom everywhere he wandered.

In his finest role Tom adored taking care of his bride Kathy. He treasured growing old alongside his best friend; starting and finishing projects with her and for her, riding motorcycle, traveling, walking and talking with her. He was a farm boy who knew no strangers. Wherever he lived, worked or traveled, Tom loved all people and he looked forward to interacting with others. Tom would often be found conversing with his neighbors or the couple sitting next to him at a restaurant, stopping by just to say hi, finishing off a row of Oreos just before offering to help with a project or stepping in when he sensed a need. Tom touched many lives with his generosity and passion for life. His exploratory life inspires us all to love deeply, connect with and serve others while living abundantly.

Loved ones that will miss Tom until they meet again are his wife Kathy, three children and seven grandchildren. His daughter Jena and son-in-law Kevin Barrows of Montana, son Kyle and daughter-in-law Sara Buchhop of Colorado, and son Justin and daughter-in-law Jennifer Buchhop of Michigan. His grandchildren: Reid and Blane (Montana); Carson, Ryland and Kinley (Colorado); Eliot and Cameron (Michigan). His brother James “Jim” and sister-in-law Amy Buchhop, sister-in-law Sandy Buchhop along with so many others whose lives he touched.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Tom were his parents and brother William “Bill” Buchhop.

With so many loved ones all across the country, Kathy and family will have a celebration of life at 2pm Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Pettisville Missionary Church, 19055 Co. Rd. D, Archbold, OH. In remembrance and honor of Tom, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Gary Sinise Foundation or the memorial of your choice.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26