Thomas Robert Grisley
January 29, 1955 - March 17, 2022
Thomas “Tom” Grisley was a caring husband, father, brother, and friend. Tom passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 17, 2022, after a lengthy recovery from a liver transplant he received on October 4, 2020. The Grisley family would like to express their sincerest thanks to the transplant team at the University of Utah Hospital for giving Tom a longer life and more time for love.
Tom was an incredible, warm, generous, and talented man. If you were lucky enough to catch him playing the piano and singing, this was obvious – his passion for music was inescapable and infectious.
Tom was born in Salt Lake City on January 29, 1955, to Robert and Florence Grisley. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in 1973 and went on to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, and graduated with a BA in History in 1977.
While attending Gonzaga, Tom studied abroad in Florence, Italy. This experience sparked a lifelong love of traveling and experiencing other cultures – especially through their delicious cuisines.
Tom continued his education by earning his law degree in 1982 from the University of Puget Sound. He then went on to practice law back in his hometown of Salt Lake City.
Tom married Marnie Abbott on September 12, 1987, and is survived by Marnie, and their children Megan (Kyle Woods), William “Robbie”, and Timothy “Tim”. He is also survived by his siblings .
Tom was a proud father with unending love for his children, and his furry friends, Nora, and Vincent.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Friday, March 25th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 26th, 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of The Madeleine, 309 East South Temple. Inurnment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave and T Street.
Tom, we will miss your phone calls and hearing you say, “What’s happening?”
In Loving Memory
I had the pleasure of knowing Thomas years ago when I worked at Omni-Lift, Tom was always a delight when he would drop in to visit. My condolences to his family, he will be deeply missed. God bless.
I had the pleasure to meet Tom in in 1976 through Sarah Fields Nessan. Tom would visit the Fields in Edina, MN, and I rarely missed one of his visits. Tom was the young man that captivated an audience with his humor, size, flirting, storytelling, intelligence, and generosity. He was so easy to make friends with all. His piano playing and music was entertaining. Though we lost touch, Facebook gave us a connection as well as Doug & Sarah's updates on mutual friends. Lifting a prayer for Tom, his family, and friends. I know he is restored & washed through Christ. He is now with the many that have gone before him, living in eternal life. Until we see each other again Griz!
Please see the following from Mr. Sun: This is really sad news. I still remember his brother and Paul coming to Changsha, China to participate in the exhibition in 2017. I can remember it clearly! I also heard Paul talk about his brother's hospitalization in the past two years and silently prayed for his recovery! Every little thing can see that their brothers have a very good relationship! After the establishment of the Joint Venture, his brother was also unable to visit China. What a pity! Now he went to the heaven. May big Tom rest in peace! Heaven has no pain! Paul, please forgive me! [Worship][Worship][Worship]
It was my good fortune to work with Tom on the Gonzaga student newspaper. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and giving spirit made for some of my fondest college memories. Though it's a dated term, I always thought of Tom as a true raconteur. He left an indelible impression on me and many others in the Gonzaga community. My condolences to his family and friends. Sincerely, Bill Rieger
Sending our warmest regards to the Grisley family. Our love to everyone. Maggie, Sam, Sandi & Mike Aloia
Marnie and family, I'm so sad to read about Tom's passing. I haven't seen Tom for a few years, but I've recently been thinking of him. Two weeks ago, I had the chance to describe my first days as a new lawyer at BH&H. Tom was taking me to my first court hearing in Murray and we hoped in his tan Subaru. He slamed a Steve Winwood cassette into the stereo and cranked the sound as loud as it could go. Tom then yelled over the music 'Get ready Rusty, you're going to court!'. He then laughed and we drove off. Tom was a wonderful friend who I will always remember!
So sorry for your broken hearts.
Tom played the piano in the dorm lounge our freshman year at Gonzaga. He was like a magnet, pulling us in with music, humor and joy. May he be free of all pain, reuniting with others who have left us, too. I treasure the memories and joy he imprinted on our hearts.
In Loving Memory
