THOMAS R. SPECHT

1956 - 2020

THOMAS R. SPECHT obituary, 1956-2020, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1956

DIED

2020

THOMAS SPECHT Obituary

THOMAS R. SPECHT
March 11, 1956 September 7, 2020
Thomas R. Specht, 64, of Woodland Park, CO. passed away September 7, 2020. He was born in Alliance, Ohio. Thomas attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville, OH. He was a graduate of Ohio Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio with a degree in Engineering and he received his Masters from Colorado Technology University.
Loving husband and best friend of Kathryn A. Sedlachek. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him. Son of the late Robert R. Specht and Elizabeth (Haidet) Specht. Tom was brother to the late James Specht; Richard (Linda) Specht of Grand Junction, CO; Kenneth Specht of Atwater, OH; Kathleen Elliot, Dover, DE; Robert D. (Tonya) Specht, Mogadore, OH; and Suzanne (Lou) Gilster, Monument, CO. Loving uncle to Eric Gilster, Valdez, AK; Lauren Gilster, Colorado Springs, CO; Lindsay Specht, Grand Junction, CO; and Amanda Smoot, Dover, DE. He will also be missed by his black goldendoodle Alejandro.
Thomas was an engineer in the computer technology field for multiple firms throughout the United States including Apple, Digital, Cray Computer, and Luminous Networks. In his current position Tom was a Hardware Program Manager with Data Direct Networks in Colorado Springs. Tom was a mentor to fellow employees and inspired his colleagues to do their best.
He had a passion for motorcycle riding (competing in the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb was an annual favorite), winter weekends were spent downhill skiing, many summer evenings were spent attending music concerts with fellow music lovers. Tom was an accomplished pianist.
In honor of his memory please contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Published by The Gazette on Sep. 16, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS SPECHT

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Kathy - I just learned of Tom's passing and am so saddened by this news. Tom was one of my closest and most-trusted colleagues through the years. He was the most upbeat, positive influence. I could always count on a smile and good laugh from him when it was needed. I spoke with him in June and, true to form, he was still happy, positive, and marching ahead. I am here if you need anything.

Carl Williams

Coworker

October 20, 2020

Tom was one of the kindest and compassionate people that I've known. He was a great friend. My life will not be nearly as good without him in it.

My condolences on your loss.

Garth Reid

Friend

September 25, 2020

Dear Kathy & family

My sincere condolences on your loss.

Tom was a one in a million man. His tenacious attitude & positivity was, is & always will be an enduring memory. I miss out chats in the office & feel very privallaged to have met such a wonderful human being.

My thoughts are with you all.

Johanna Furey xo

Johanna Furey

Coworker

September 22, 2020

I worked with Tom at Newisys and DDN. He was always a upbeat, positive guy. He will be missed.

Dave Pfister

David Pfister

Coworker

September 19, 2020

I've worked with Tom for many years at DDN. Was repeatedly delighted to learn new and interesting things about him - motorcycles, hummingbirds - and his cheerful adaptation to medical challenges.

At work, he modeled tremendous integrity and commitment and he was consistently gracious interacting with others (including me). Truly someone to guide us all.

Chris Doehlert

Coworker

September 17, 2020

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tom and I worked together in our earlier careers, both at DEC and then at Apple. He was a trusted and respected coworker and friend. Rest in Peace brother.

Greg Hoffman

Coworker

September 17, 2020

Kathryn, I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My name is Dave Miller, and I worked for Tom at Cray Computer Corp. for about 3 years, all the way up until the company shut its doors. I can say without question that Tom was the best boss I ever worked for. When I met Tom at Cray, I was working in the production department, but was very interested in joining the technical side of the company. Tom encouraged me and eventually provided me with the opportunity to join his team of test engineers and technicians. My time working as one of Tom's techs propelled me into a 20 year career as an applications and marketing engineer. I would have never had a career that allowed me to travel to customer sites throughout the US and Asia if not for Tom's support and mentoring. He believed in my ability, he pushed me to learn and do things that I didn't think I was capable of doing. I have always, in my mind, considered Tom as the most important mentor in my working career. I am saddened by his death, and I wanted to let you know that he meant a lot to me. I enjoyed his humor, his spirit, his storys and his encouragement. Rest in Peace, Tom.

Dave Miller

Coworker

September 16, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Yuriy

Coworker

September 16, 2020

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