Tom Plummer, German professor, father, bishop, grandfather, artist, writer, and husband died at the age of 83 on March 5th. A native Salt Laker, he also lived in Vienna, Cambridge, the Twin Cities, Berlin, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Hawaii, New York City, and anywhere his wife of 58 years, Louise, lived.
After a 2 ½ year mission to Austria, Tom dedicated himself to the study of German literature, film, and art. With a BA from the University of Utah and a PhD from Harvard, he started his career at the University of Minnesota. While chairing the German department, he produced Germany in the 20s—a cultural event focusing on the lessons of the Weimar Republic. He brought masterpieces from all over the world to the Walker Art Center and other venues across the Twin Cities. Academically, the event included two books, several catalogs, and a magazine. The biggest event was a production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany performed by the Metropolitan Opera Company.
Tom almost left academia for entrepreneurship. His first experiment failed when he started a snow blowing business ahead of the worst winter Minnesota had seen in twenty years. But Master Seal Coaters succeeded with cheap child labor, a rusted truck through which you could watch the road pass by under your feet, and plenty of damaged asphalt. Despite a rough start where his glasses dropped in tar sealant and family members traded colorful words, Tom stuck it out. By the end of Summer, he knew he could make it in the asphalt business and make it his profession. Luckily for everyone involved he was offered a position at BYU and managed to move home to Utah after twenty years away.
Tom chaired the humanities department a year after arriving in Provo. He later team-taught a memoir class through the Honors department with Louise and published three memoirs of his own. He was everyone’s cheerleader. He relished the opportunity to forward their academic pursuits or exult in their other achievements. He did the same for his sons and their wives (Jon and Julie, Ed and Dede, Charles and Erica, and Sam and Sarah) and any grandchild who asked (he had fourteen). Academic achievement was a core value that he instilled in everyone.
In retirement Tom took up painting when Louise brought him to watercolor class. He became prolific when he switched to the iPad inspired by David Hockney’s digital work and built a Facebook community of nearly 5,000 friends, artists, and fans.
Tom has requested Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 be played at his resurrection.
A memorial service will be held in Tom’s honor at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27th Ward, 185 P St, Salt Lake City, UT on Saturday, March 11th at 11:00 AM with an after party at noon.
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Louise, what a shock to see this! So sorry for your loss. What a sweet, fun, talented husband you have and friend to me & many. Sending prayers for comfort to you and your wonderful family. Love, Nadine
Tom has been a name and a legend in the James and Dorothy Lyon family for years. Whenever his name was spoken, it was always with admiration. I was privileged to take a class from him at BYU and watch him in action as he tried to chip away at the fossilized thinking patterns of his students. His vibrant life manifests itself so well in his paintings, challenging perceptions of reality with laughter and a spectacular sense of humor. His indomitable smile will always stay in my mind as a manifestation of his good heart and sharp mind.
Louise
It’s probably been 10-12 years ago but my wife Stacy and I had the pleasure of being part of a Marriage and Family Relations clad that you and Tom taught together here at our ward in Daybreak. We loved to laugh and learn from you and Tom. So genuine. We’ll always have fond memories of that class and if the two of you. Thank you!
I played Mahler Symphony No 2 loudly the other day as I drove to work, looked up to heavens and wished Tom well on his journey.
Warm regards and sincere condolences
Tyler and Stacy Reading
So saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He will be missed by so many. Sending my love to you and your family.
I'm so sad to hear Dr. Plummer has passed. Dr. Plummer was one of my favorite professors...in the late 90s he taught German 110 (?) at BYU. I had him for two semesters - nearly the entire first semester class followed him into the second. He made things so interesting - we learned from Goethe, John (New Testament), and Beethoven. He was so patient with us squirrely freshmen. Much love to his entire family.
Dear Professor Louise Plummer,
Tom was one of my favorite German professors at BYU. You were one of my favorite English professors at BYU. Together, and separately, the two of you always made me laugh while lovingly demanding the best out of me and the rest of your students. The two of you were quite the team and still are...
Love,
Gabi Kupitz