Thomas McKibben Proffitt

Our best friend and soulmate departed this world on October 9, 2024. In the words of Warren Zevon, Tom said “my ride’s here,” knowing that he had enough of his ordeal with Alzheimer’s disease.

 Tom was born to Buel Proffitt and Bertha Bessett in Tennessee in 1949 but raised in Burlingame, California. As the third of six children, Tom said he mastered how to gain attention, and he certainly was always the life of the party. Tom was dearly loved and is survived by his siblings Nancy (Douglas), Jamie (Kathleen), Buel (Trisha) and Todd along with seven nieces and nephews. Tom has now joined his sister Susan (deceased; Skip) and they are planning good trouble. 

 Tom graduated from Cal Poly in California in business. He then returned for a second degree in horticulture. This was his passion, as anyone lucky enough to buy his enormous basil plants and carrots at the Cache Valley Gardener’s Market can attest. Tom fell in love with Logan and bought a place with large garden acreage fondly referred to as “The Island Palace.” Tom and his brother-in-law Skip were among the first produce vendors at the Gardener’s Market. As long-time Market officers, they made sure they brought in lively musicians for market entertainment. Tom was the one with the maracas and the dance moves. 

 Tom was most known for his generosity and zest for life, always making whomever he met feel like the most important person in the world. He was in his element when he was helping people. Tom often told Diane “If I die tomorrow, I’ll die happy – my life has been so rich.” This perspective was likely influenced by the threat of dying from leukemia when he was in his early ‘50’s. Thanks to his brother Jamie, Tom received a bone marrow transplant and lived life with gratitude. 

 Without the use of social media, Tom was an influencer in his community on how to make the world a better place. He provided 30 years of service to Somebody’s Attic, working to ensure services for children and families in need. Advancing his belief in gender equity, Tom served for several years as president of the League of Women Voters of Utah. Tom worked hard to support the establishment of the Cache Valley Transit System, and he promoted the use of bikes as essential for clean air. In addition to being seen riding during any season and weather, he loved to give bikes to those in need. Tom was remarkable in minimizing his ecological footprint and maximizing his social and community impact. His spirit will be with us in the flowers, trees, and bike racks throughout our community. 

 Tom met the love of his life, Diane Behl, at the famous “Moondog Ball,” a fundraiser for Four Paws Animal Rescue. Diane thought Tom was the most unique person she had ever met (including his ‘70’s era suit), and when he asked her to dance the rest was history. They married in 2008. At age 59, it was Tom’s first marriage – he said he was waiting for the right woman. He also got two stepsons in the package, Jack and Adam Wise who both adored him. Tom and Diane loved traveling together, hiking, and laughing everywhere they went. As devoted patrons of the arts, one of their favorite date nights was going to a Ballet West performance. 

 Over the last year of his life, Tom received loving care at Legacy House of Logan. The entire staff loved Tom and he in turn loved them all. Tom’s family is grateful for all the TLC they provided. The family also wishes to thank Sunshine Hospice for their support and compassion during Tom’s final days. All these caregivers helped make Tom’s departure a peaceful one. 

 Tom was never big on organized religion, but he became a supporter of St. John’s Episcopal Church over the last five years. His love for others was contagious, and no one “walked the talk” better than Tom. A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Logan at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 22nd. His much-emphasized instructions to have a big send-off party will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, November 23rd at the Logan Country Club. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Tom’s focus on the community, donations can be made to the William A. Burnard (W.A.B.) Warming Center (https://www.wabwarmingcenter.org) that provides safety, warmth, and care for unhoused individuals and families on the coldest nights of the year in Cache Valley, Utah. 

It’s still the greatest story
I said man I’d like to stay
But I’m bound for glory,
I’m on my way.
-Warren Zevon