Tom Vis, passed away April 23, 2025, resting at home with the view of the lake he dearly loved. This followed a valiant struggle with heart failure. Tom was deeply grateful to the U of R Strong Advanced Heart Failure team for their excellent care which optimized his quality of life.
Tom's career path at the National Academy of Engineering ushered in the age of desk top computer technology. He was a computer consultant before computer science was offered in college. Tom earned an MBA from the University of Michigan after graduating from Hope College, MI. With that education he helped define the role of Technical Support at the Academy. Earlier in his career he traveled to Bahrain providing technical support for a Navy contract.
Known as the Game Meister within his circle of friends, Tom earned that moniker because of his vast library of European Strategy Board Games. Titles like Azul, Alhambra or Carcassonne may be familiar to some. Tom taught Euro board games in after school programs as well.
Tom had a keen appreciation for nature. He did trail work on the Adirondack Trail through Shenandoah National Park, treasured his trips to Yellowstone National Park and supported local land conservation efforts. Tom loved showing off the art of backyard composting. He was an expert at turning yard debris and kitchen scraps into "black gold" soil.
In the tradition of Johnny Appleseed, Tom planted hundreds of Redbud tree seedlings wherever he lived. He dreamed of creating Redbud forests. Should you plant a Redbud tree anywhere, know that you would make his heart happy.
Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two stepsons, Shannon Logan and Spencer Ted; nephew, John (Jess); two nieces, Katy (Terence) and Becky (Seth); sister, Barbara; Vyverberg cousins, John and Al; VanWyk cousins, Jud, Julie, Patty, Jim and Nancy.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m., at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 East Court St., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 or plant a Redbud tree in Tom's memory.
