Thomas (Tom) Edward
Kerrigan
Thomas (Tom) Edward Kerrigan, age 53, passed away October 7, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Ann; their two children Shan and MeiLi. He is also survived by his mother, Blanche; sisters Laurie and Linda; and brothers Robert and David of the San Francisco Bay Area; his nephews and nieces, and his dog, Tip. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Kerrigan.
Tom graduated from Saint Gabriel’s Grammar School, Riordan High School and San Francisco State University. Tom moved to Denver in 1993 to enjoy the mountains and outdoors. His hobbies included hiking, exploring the backcountry wilderness by foot or cross-country skiing, and camping in the mountains. He loved combining exploring new cultures with hiking. Some of his trekking travels included trips to Peru, Bolivia, Poland and Nepal. was in Argentina that he climbed Aconcagua, the highest peak in the continent of South America. When not exploring the outdoors, Tom could be found enjoying concerts at Red Rocks, the Colorado Symphony, or sipping a beer at local music venues.
Besides the outdoors and music, Tom loved traveling. His work as an IT professional took him to Japan and Taiwan to live. He also traveled to many countries throughout Asia, Europe, Central and South America as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Tom was active in his community serving as a volunteer mentor with Colorado Youth At-Risk and after learning of his dementia diagnosis, Tom became a passionate advocate for those with early-onset Alzheimer’s. He volunteered by speaking at the local Alzheimer’s Symposium about his experience and he sought to raise awareness and funding for Alzheimer’s research. Tom hiked, biked, ran, and walked countless miles encouraging others to join with him or to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association causes. It was Tom’s hope that there will soon be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Even in death, it was Tom’s wish to help with on-going research and awareness by making a medical donation.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Tom’s Funeral Mass will be at 11am, Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at Saint Gabriel’s Church, 2559 40th Avenue, San Francisco. Reception to follow.