Thomas Hamilton Sauer, known to all as Tom, passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 44 after a long and courageous battle with illness. He was a passionate lover of the great outdoors, an avid fly fisherman and explorer, always seeking out new and exciting experiences. Tom lived his life to the fullest, inspiring those around him with his zest for life and adventurous spirit.
Born in Amman, Jordan in 1978, Tom’s family moved to the Philadelphia area in 1981 and then to Concord, Massachusetts in 1989 where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in 1997 before attending Colorado College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing in 2001. During his time at Colorado College, Tom was awarded a grant that gave him the opportunity to travel to Alaska to fish, explore, and write about his adventures.
His love for the outdoors led him to West Yellowstone, Montana after graduation, where he spent many happy years working in local fly fishing shops, tying hundreds of flies, and helping to lead fishing expeditions. He spent as much of his free time as possible fishing the beautiful rivers and lakes, and immersing himself in the stunning surroundings.
Tom returned to Massachusetts for a time, where he shared his passion for fly fishing by offering a course in several communities as part of their continuing education programs. He loved fishing in Fairhaven Bay, Boston Harbor, and the Swift River; he continued writing, publishing articles in MassWildlife and Appalachia. Eventually he moved to Alaska for a few years before settling in the Minneapolis area where he formed some of his deepest friendships.
Tom is survived by his mother, Susan (Hamilton) Sauer, and his sister, Katherine Grim Stutler; sadly, his father James A. Sauer passed away in 1999. Tom’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many stories he shared; he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.
Rest in peace, Tom.
