Thomas William Glaccum

Cancer got the best of him and Tom left us on Nov. 9. He led a full 85 years.

The middle of three boys, he learned to ride horses as a kid. In his teens he taught riding at a posh boys camp on Lake George. He loved his college years at Villanova, where he learned to play rugby, a game just made for him. After college, he sold early computers for IBM and helped to start the Philadelphia Rugby Club, where he played scrum half. He met Ellen Roberts during that time and they began their lifelong partnership.

Refusing a corporate lifestyle, Tom turned a raise down and headed for Aspen to ski as much as possible. In short time he became manager of Aspen Sports and permanent mountain life began.

He and Ellen married in Aspen and once again Tom helped to start a rugby club. The Aspen Rugby Club flourishes still and Tom remained proud of his help at its founding.

In 1972, Tom and Ellen moved to Ketchum to manage, and eventually own, Aspen Sports. Tom again helped to start a rugby club but it never really took off in Sun Valley. So river rafting became his favorite summer activity. Catherine and Sean arrived and completed the family—along with a series of Labradors.

About the time that Tom was still sore from the prior Saturday’s rugby game, a fledging polo team was started in the Wood River Valley. Hearing that Tom could ride, he got drafted to learn to play polo. Like all competitive things, he excelled and played until the club folded in early '90s.

Tom and Ellen retired to Stanley where they have spent 20 wonderful years. Tom was a crusty character with a soft, caring heart. He will be missed.

Tom leaves his wife of 55 years, Ellen; his kids, Catherine and Sean; daughter-in-law, Ginger; son-in-law, Keith; grandkids, Ashley and Jared; his brother, Denis; sister-in-law Ann; and black Lab, Kimber.

Tom’s family thanks hospice and Bill Boyce, Amy Klingler, daughter Cat and a myriad of friends for helping him out. Please no flowers, but if you wish, donate to Wood River Hospice or to an environmental group working to save our beleaguered planet.

There will be a gathering of friends next summer around Tom’s July 1 birthday.