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Thomas Ducan McConnell died March 22, 2011, at the age of 72. He passed peacefully after a long struggle with Parkinson's. Tom led an incredibly active life. He worked for over 30 years at Sandia National Labs, and then later worked as a part-time contractor for the Labs another decade. It was said that he was one of the best analogue circuit designers at the Laboratory. As a young man, Tom got involved in many things. Tom enjoyed flying, following in the footsteps of his mother. He was a bush pilot flying supplies for the Seri Indians in Mexico, and also enjoyed flying sail planes. He enjoyed sailing; everything from sail boards to sailing the Sea of Cortez. He rode motorcycles, drove sports cars, and was an avid card player, playing poker and pitch with his friends once a week for many years. Tom was an active sportsman, running 10Ks, triathlons, biking everywhere, racket ball, water skiing, and playing tennis well into his 60's. Tom also was an adventurer. He rafted or kayaked as part of a private whitewater group, which he helped run, many Western rivers over 40 years. He enjoyed hiking and backcountry X-country skiing. Tom was a bachelor; he is survived by two sisters; Joanne McConnell Moldenhauser and Charlotte McConnell Bernor. However, he "adopted" a number of families along the way; enjoying the friendships, family, and children that it brought. Tom had many friends, and they will all miss him greatly. There will be a gathering for Tom on the weekend of April 9th. Please call Charlie Hanley @ 268-0837 for details and RSVP. If you wish to send anything in memory for Tom, please send a donation to the University of New Mexico Foundation in Tom's name.
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