Thomas C. Maloy

MALOY, Thomas C. Thomas Carl Maloy, age 86, of Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1964, passed away on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2013. He was surrounded by, and in the comfort of his family. Tom is survived by his six children and 13 grandchildren, daughter, Gayle Maloy, sons, Mike Maloy and wife, Becky (Robyn and Marshall), TJ Maloy and wife, Sheri (Aaron and Shawn), (Dion) Pat Maloy and wife, Mary Beth (Kelly, Katelyn, Lindsey), Toby Maloy and wife, Elizabeth (Kristine, Megan, Summer, Mitchell) and daughter, Molly (Caleb and Seth), and great-grandchildren, Colton and Liam; by his nephew, Donald Maloy; and by his dearly loved friend Ester. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Maloy; his parents, Arthur H. and Augusta (Torp) Maloy; his brother, Don Maloy; and his cousins, Betty Isaeff and Alma Robinson. Tom was born in San Francisco on July 2, 1927 to Arthur H. Maloy and Augusta Torp Maloy. He was Irish on his father's side and a second generation American from Denmark on his mother's side. Tom grew up in Lindsay, California where he excelled in track and field, and was active in his 4-H Club. At 17, in 1944 Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his service he went to college on the G.I. Bill, where he earned his degree in Industrial Arts, and later a Master's in Education from Fresno State University. While teaching high school Industrial Arts in Tulare, CA, Tom met his future wife, Paula Longacre, who was teaching Home Economics at the same school. They were married in Fresno, CA on April 10, 1952. Their first child was born in 1953. The following year, they answered a newspaper ad seeking young married couples to teach school for the Alaska Native Service. In August of 1954, Tom, Paula, and baby Gayle arrived by bush plane in the Eskimo village of Kipnuk, Alaska where they were greeted by the entire village of about 150 residents. They were the only teachers. Tom was the Principal, the village postmaster and both Tom and Paula staffed the village clinic. They enthusiastically embraced Native life and culture, and when Tom killed his first seal, a traditional celebration was held by the village as they did for every young man after his first successful hunt. The family later moved to the small Eskimo village of Chevak, Alaska where Tom and Paula were again the only two teachers. During these early adventurous and memorable years in Alaska, four sons, Mike, TJ, Pat, and Toby were born, and many lifelong friendships were made. Although they eventually moved "Outside," Tom and Paula frequently traveled back to Alaska visiting family and friends. After Tom earned his Master's Degree, he was selected for a special training group that served under Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall. It was during the family's time in Washington D.C. that President John Kennedy was assassinated and the family took the opportunity to be present at the ceremonies involving the President's funeral procession and viewing of the casket at the Capitol building. Tom then began his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs which brought the family to Albuquerque, New Mexico in August 1964. Their last child, daughter Molly was born the next year. Tom was in charge of purchasing and installation of equipment for B.I.A. schools and dormitories across the country, including Alaska. Tom traveled frequently and enjoyed occasionally driving the 18-wheel tractor-trailers to the construction sites. Tom was with the B.I.A. for 32 years until his retirement. Tom loved country-western dancing and enjoyed bowling, golfing, his membership in the Elks Club, welding metal art, and was a nationally ranked Senior Olympian in long jump, running. javelin, shot-put, discus, and pole vault. He participated in his last Olympics at age 85. Tom enjoyed his life and never missed an opportunity to go to a Lobo game, a dinner out, a ride around town, a party, a hunting trip (where he searched for and collected old bones of animals). Neighbors remember the familiar sight of Tom sitting on his front porch, enjoying an early evening glass of wine and visiting with the neighbors. Dad was fun to be with and entertained us with his costumes and jokes and comforted us with his soothing voice and manner and good advice. He was the anchor of our family and of the neighborhood who will be deeply missed the rest of our lives. We will raise a toast to him with his favorites, Tullamore Dew and Galliano. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014, 1:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Lomas (East of Eubank). Please visit our online guest book for Thomas C. Maloy at . FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-275-3500