Tom Kitchen Obituary

Tom Kitchen, of Concord, died suddenly at his home, of a heart attack, Monday, Dec. 30, 2013.

He was born in New Haven, Conn., on April 24, 1958. He was raised and attended school in Concord, Mass., and after graduation from Northeastern University College of Criminal Justice in 1981, he married his sweetheart of 37 years, Heidi Barrett - Kitchen. They settled in Concord, where they raised their three children.

His early summers were spent at the family island on Lake Waukewan, in Meredith, where he still spent many hours enjoying his boat and family time. He was not one to sit idly for very long and was always involved in a project; moving the biggest rock he could find or honing his impressive chainsaw skills.

Family was perhaps his greatest passion, teaching his children about camping and frequently traveling to National Parks and other outdoor areas. Tom was very active in scouting, which influenced both his sons to achieve Eagle Scout status. He and Heidi spent many hours as troop leaders, organizing numerous trips and community improvement projects. Over the last several years Tom was in charge of the Scouting for Food program for Daniel Webster Council.

When the children were grown he and Heidi began to travel on their own, visiting Switzerland for hiking, Australia and New Zealand when their daughter was on a study abroad program; and most recently a grand tour of Alaska.

His professional life started with stints as a Special Police Officer in Meredith and a Grade 1 Investigator for Pinkerton's where he rose to Supervisor of Patrol and Inspections in Boston; after working undercover assignments and as a body guard for a diamond salesman. Several years out of college, he co-founded his first business, Investigative Services Corporation. He had wide experience in the security of nuclear facilities and hospitals when he founded Concentric Security Resources in 2002, which recently became a division of Black Diamond Consultants. He was a Certified Protection Professional and a Certified Facility Security Officer. As an active member of the American Society for Industrial Security International, he was the 1999 Chairman of the Granite State Chapter.

Tom was predeceased by his father, John S. Kitchen.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi Barrett-Kitchen; children, Benjamin Kitchen, Rebecca Kitchen and Todd Kitchen; his mother, Helen L. Kitchen, also of Concord; his sister, Cynthia Hogan; and brothers, Stephen Kitchen and David Kitchen.

A service in celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at 1 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church located at 79 Clinton St. in Concord.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in his name to benefit scouting - Daniel Webster Council, 571 Holt Avenue, Manchester, N.H. 03109. Telephone number: (603) 625-6431.