01/20/1954 – 08/25/2020
Tommy (Tom) Kaley passed away peacefully at home and surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 25th. He was born in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and spent his childhood growing up in Palmyra with his parents and siblings. In late 1974, he moved to Colorado with Katherine who he married in July of 1978. This move, like most everything in Tom’s life, was well planned; he had a gift for orchestration and loved to plan out the details of events…always including a backup plan so he could roll with the punches! In Colorado, Tom attended Metro State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. His work as a Project Manager involved designing water transmission lines for local municipalities. He found a love for the mountains and skiing which led him to the decision to start a family in Colorado. He was an avid sports fan, particularly loyal to the Colorado Avalanche. Tom always put family first and was sure to be present for every important event in the lives of his children and grandchildren and he really enjoyed traveling to new places both near and far with them. Throughout his life, Tom’s generous spirit and acceptance of all brought people together. For Sunday family gatherings, he engineered softball games to spread fun and friendly competition across three generations, no matter what the ability; he had a knack for including everyone. Of course, he was also quite the prankster, and his quick wit kept him one step ahead of anyone trying to prank him back! Tom was preceded in death by his parents Violet and Joseph Kaley. He is survived by his wife Katherine, sister Donna Hetrick, brother Jeff Kaley, daughter Tara Larson (Andrew), sons Joe and Will Kaley, and four grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle, nephew, grandfather, cousin, and friend. He will be missed more than words can express.
Donations can be made to Lutheran Medical Center Foundation and/or Metropolitan State University in his memory.
I am so sorry and heart broken for the families loss. I remember the kayle’s taking us as small children to swimming pools and having slumber parties at their home when they lived in Wheat ridge. My sincerest condolences.
When this virus has run its course , we will make that trip to Louisville and raise a glass of the best bourbon we can find in Tom’s memory. Our hearts are breaking for you all; he was truly a fine human being and we feel blessed that we got to know him
Tom – a good friend, a great person to work with, always fun to spend time with whether eating wings, at sporting events, or trying something new. To my office brother you will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss Kathy, Will, Joe, Tara . . . .
Tom and Kathy were wonderful across the street Neighbors for many years, becoming friends and sharing their kindness and generosity with me during that time. My heart goes out to the whole family as they suffer this sad loss. Deepest condolences, Beth Finnell
Just wanted to pass along my condolences to the Kaley family. I respected Tom as he was a great co-worker always quick with his great smile and his great sense of humor as well as he loved his wife and all of his family. He told many stories of his first adventures to Colorado with Kathy.
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss I know this can be a very difficult time. Tom was a wonderful guy. If there is anything that I can do, please reach out to me.
My condolences to the Kaley family. I had the extreme pleasure of working with Tom for several years in Denver and he always brightened my day and the day of those around him. His character and manner was exceptional and a model for others. We hurt here, but I believe heaven celebrated Tom’s arrival.
I’ve first met Tom early in 2000 at a meeting Tom was working on a project for Irving, Texas. After the meeting, he wanted to make sure I was buying lunch. He was truly one of nicest people I met within Northwest Pipe Company. His attention to detail was impeccable. I tried to convince him for years to come work in Texas with our team but he always told me the same thing, “My family would not like it.” He will be truly missed and my condolences to Tom’s family and friends.
Tom was a great guy to work with. Always cheerful and fun to be around. I also grew up in Pennsylvania and we talked about the places we’d been and the food you could only get in Pennsylvania. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for the whole family my prayers and thoughts are with you all.I knew Tom from Northwest Pipe.
So sorry for your loss, may the good lord give you the strength that you need to get thru this
About a week before I heard about Tom’s passing, I had a request from a customer to find some old drawing files. One of the last things Tom did before the Denver plant closed was to organize and archive all the digital files. I found the drawings no problem thanks to Tom. He was incredibly conscientious and his work ethic was unmatched. And he put me in my place when needed with some of pretty good zingers. May he rest in peace.
Tom was my wonderful and kind cousin. He was always full of life and alot of fun. When I visited him in Colorado, he taught me to ski. A few years later, Cory, Tiffany, and I visited him and he was quite the tour guide. At that time, I realized why he loved Colorado, and I knew I would visit him soon. A year later with two children, we moved to Colorado due to Cory’s military career. I am so thankful I have these fun memories with Tom. The last time I saw him was in 2018 at the family reunion in Palmyra. It is so sad that I will not see him again. I will really miss his fun spirit. I encourage everyone to please embrace your family members because life is too short.
I had the pleasure of teaching Tom in 6th grade in Palmyra. I remember him as a good student who who was fun to teach and never gave me any problems.
I am so glad Tom came back for a class reunion that I attended and I was able to hear about his life in Colorado.
May his family draw strength in knowing that he was admired and respected by so many. God bless you at this difficult time.