Thomas Horace Mann (d. 2010)

Obituary

Mann, Thomas Horace Ann Arbor, MI

Died suddenly at home on Saturday, January 16, 2010, after a very long and valiant struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. Tom was born in South Haven, MI, on August 14, 1949, the son of Claude and Elizabeth Mann, who preceded him in death. Tom spent his early years in South Haven, graduating from L.C. Mohr High School. He formed a rock band, The Mussies, with his friends and enjoyed playing music with them at local venues and in Chicago. He later attended Michigan State University, graduating with a B.A. in philosophy in 1971. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Tom's love of music and radio led him to work as a radio DJ in South Haven and in East Lansing during college. Some of his fondest memories were of his days on the radio. Tom inherited from his father a passion for helping others, and even after his illness left him unable to work he volunteered his time at the SOS Crisis Center in Ypsilanti and later tutored schoolchildren in South Haven. Tom embraced Zen Buddhism in 1993 and was a member of Ann Arbor's Zen Buddhist Temple. He strived to live his life according to Buddhism's teachings - gentleness, compassion, serenity, wisdom, love of nature and realization of the true nature of all beings. Tom loved Ann Arbor and was proud to call it home. Tom was most proud of his sons, Jonathan Mann, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Matthew Mann (Kristin) of Chicago, to whom he passed on his intellect, love of music and literature, and wonderful sense of humor. By far, his happiest moments were spent watching his boys excel in sports and graduate high school, college, and law school. He was especially proud to attend Matt and Kristin's wedding in 2008. Tom was a kind, generous, and loving soul. Although his illness robbed him of his physical strength, it never took his fighting spirit or his sense of humor. The family wishes to acknowledge Tom's beloved friend and caregiver, Lorna Dorville, whose support and hard work made Tom's wish to live independently possible for the last eight years. Tom is also survived by his two sisters, Karen Mann, of Sussex, England and Barbara Kirkwood (Ron) of York, Pennsylvania; his nieces, Sarah Ansell (Chris) and Emily Kirkwood; his former spouse, Ann Marie Mann and a host of friends. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, January 23 from 10 a.m. -12 noon at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (www.muehligfuneralchapel.com), with a memorial service immediately following at noon. Those wishing to make donations in Tom's memory may contribute to the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (http://www.aacil.org/), SOS Community Services (http://www.soscs.org/), or a worthy charity of your choice.