Thomas Michael Wharton
November 9, 1950 - May 8, 2025
Thomas Michael Wharton was born on November 9, 1950 to Violet Ruga Wharton and John Rapson Wharton. He passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. He lived a life with integrtiy, heart, humor, and headline-worthy spirit.
Tom grew up in the Salt Lake City area, living his entire life in Utah. He graduated from Granite High School and later from the University of Utah, where he honed both his curiosity and his sharp wit. He served proudly in the National Guard, adding service to his long list of quiet virtues.
In 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Gayen Lee Bennett. She introduced him to camping and the great outdoors. What began with strong resistance, was quickly embraced with gusto. Together, they raised four children. They spent many unforgettable adventures in their legendary orange van, as well as epic trips throughout the world. Gayen passed away from cancer in 2004, but the legacy of their love never faded.
Tom remarried in 2007 to Nancy Arlene Gines. Her companionship, the love of her wonderful family and their doodle dogs filled many days with joy and laughter. Tom was a kind and loyal husband and father to all his children and stepchildren.
Tom devoted 46 years to The Salt Lake Tribune, where he covered high school sports from 1967 until 2020. He never missed a state basketball championship and once frantically filed a story lead while Gayen was in labor with their first child—a true deadline hero. Known for his relentless work ethic and a pun-charmed personality, Tom always had the “write” stuff.
Later, as the Tribune’s outdoor writer, he confessed he “couldn’t tell a trout from a bluegill” but he didn’t flounder for long. Through stories shared by hunters, anglers, and small-town locals, he became a thoughtful voice for Utah’s outdoors and its unsung communities.
A devout Catholic, Tom made time for Mass wherever he went, from living rooms to cathedrals. He gave countless outdoor lectures, authored several books, and earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination for his reporting on the Great Salt Lake. In 2023, he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame—proof that even off the field, he was always a first-round pick.
Tom loved books, snacks, gadgets, malts, cheese, cousins’ dinners, traditions, sports, live music, and any Chevy Chase movie. He never met a soda he didn’t love! But, even more, he treasured quiet moments alone, rich conversations, and scenic drives through the Utah landscapes he chronicled so well. Whether on the sidelines or around a campfire, he always had a pen in his pocket and a story waiting to share.
Tom is survived by his children Emma (Dennis), Jacob (Hollie), Rawl (Tiffany), and Bryer; nine grandchildren; his wife Nancy; her daughters Amber (Shane) and Candace (Derek); three grandchildren; his brother John Derk Wharton (Alicia); and his sister Lori Wharton Nickerson (Nate).
His memory lives on through family, friends, colleagues, and a community that cherished both his stories and his signature brand of “dad humor.” Tom may have written his final piece, but his legacy is still making headlines.
A Celebration of Life will be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 14 from 6:00-8:00 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encourage to park and enter on the north side of the building. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South. Interment to follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Ave. & “N” St.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the University of Utah’s Wharton Family Scholarship University of Utah Wharton Communication Scholarship
or to the Outdoor Writers Association of America OWAA where Tom was a proud member. A special thank you to his team from Aspire Hospice for their gentle guidance in his final months.
In Loving Memory
I am saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. In the period I knew Tom which is about thirty years, I have many happy memories of the few times we met up in both England and Utah. God Bless & RIP. Tom
Charles Edward Baumann
Saddleworth,, England
Tom was such a dear friend. Always interested, always asking, really asking about you and always sharing beautiful stories. He showed us around Utah several times and knew the best places to see, to walk, to drive and to go for lunch or dinner. Tom, I am going to miss you so much. I wish you all lots of support from each other, like Tom would have given you.
Mariëlle van Cromvoirt
‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
I was fortunate to have met Tom when I was with Anglers Inn. Took him fishing a time or two. Tom was of course a talented writer and I enjoyed reading his writing. The thing I will remember is how kind, humble and what a great person he was. He had a wonderful smile which was infectious. My thoughts are with all the family. I am so saddened for your loss. He will be missed by so many. Rest in peace.
Patrick Milburn
Slc, UT
Tom was family. I’ve known Tom since we were kids in elementary school. I married his cousin Pat Wharton and became part of his world for which I will always to grateful. Tom welcomed me into the Wharton family circle. Pat and I visited him frequently during the last year or so before he passed. Pat has been particularly affected by his death because Tom and her were so close. A lot of people thought Pat Tom were brother and sister. I can see that because they loved each other so very much. Condolences to Lorie and Dirk. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Drew Brown
Sandy, UT
Stories, stories, stories...Dear Tom, you loved stories—stories to write, stories to make together (adventures!), and stories to tell. Our special friendship story started on November 9th, 2006, in Johannesburg, South Africa. We met our travel group in the evening to see South Africa. You were telling the story about your visit to the Nelson Mandela birth house that day. We started to talk and share stories that evening, and we stopped last week. A 20-year friendship started that evening. We wrote thousands of emails about everything during our friendship. We shared advice, opinions, stories, comments, laughs, and tears. As an outdoors writer and lover, a love we share, you invited me and my girlfriends (and later also my husband) to your home in your beloved Utah. During these visits, we made even more stories together. How about our famous "a night to remember," where you ended up with seven women in a line-dance-western bar? Or "The Sun Tunnels with Cheeseburger in Paradise?". You loved to join in our exploration of Utah, in person, or by directing us to the most unexpected spots in Utah from your sofa. (Always with too many options... :-). In return, we showed Nancy and you Europe when you visited. Dear, dear friend, our friendship was so close that we became like family over the years. Our stories are safely stored in my heart, and I will keep telling and remembering them. I will love and treasure you for the rest of my life. I miss you already. Love, Noortje
Noortje van Oostrum
Gent, The Netherlands/ Belgium
I , Anita, am so saddened by the passing of Tom. I have been very fortunate to feel a part of the whole Wharton Family for many years. Tom was so kind to help my (late) husband David Pfaff and Me with wonderful Utah vacation plans. I cherish the Utah book written by Tom. Lots of love to all the Wharton Family.
Anita D Pfaff
Winston Salem, NC