Thomas Jay McEwen
January 19, 1961 - December 20, 2009

Like the colorful and magnificent masterpieces he created with glass, Thomas McEwen was so full of vibrancy with layers of depth that were always unfolding in response to the world around him. He was a gifted artist who continued to master his trade, always striving to learn more about the craft. Tom was also dedicated to helping others when he could, realizing that life isnt so much about where you go, but more about the journey along the way. Although his life was not without struggles, Tom always found a way to persevere. Even when faced with the fight for his life he remained strong while taking each moment captive with the people he treasured most.

The 1960s were a time when America was struggling to find its way as the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum every day, the United States and the Soviet Union were struggling to command the outer skies in the Space Race, and in 1961 the number of American soldiers fighting in Vietnam tripled from the year before. This was a time for celebration, however, in the family of Richard and Gerane (Piirainen) McEwen as they welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas Jay, on January 19, 1961. Thomas was born in Muskegon, Michigan as the third of four boys in his family. His father owned and operated a company that made fishing downriggers while his mother was a homemaker. Thomas, who was often called Tom, was raised in nearby Norton Shores and attended Lincoln Park Elementary, Mona Shores Junior High School, and then Mona Shores High School as well. While in junior high Tom played football and he was also on the junior varsity team in high school. The McEwen family attended First Congregational Church UCC in Muskegon together.

From an early age Tom developed his artistic side. His Grandmother Ethel McEwen was a gifted artist and he inherited her talents. Toms art teachers encouraged him throughout his time in school even as a young boy. Although art was certainly a vital part of Toms life, he also loved the outdoors, most notably fishing and eventually bow hunting too.

After graduating from high school Tom traveled down a few different paths. He attended Muskegon Community College for two years and then continued his studies at Alfred University near Corning Glassworks in New York from which he earned a degree in art. Towards the end of college Tom started dating a young girl named Kim DeVries, who was the sister of a friend. It wasnt long before they fell and love and married in 1987, after Tom was finished with college. They spent a year in Philadelphia where Tom worked in a local glass blowing factory before moving back to Muskegon. The two of them then started their own place called Lakeside Dune Glass in a building his father owned down by Muskegon Lake. There Tom worked on his masterpieces and satiated his passion for being creative.

Tom and Kim were overjoyed when they were blessed with the birth of their son, Mitchell, in 1990. Tom loved being a father and enjoyed every minute he could spend with his son. He was later sent to the Philippines to help establish a glass blowing facility there, but unfortunately this venture was unsuccessful. Sadly Toms marriage came to and end but he continued to have a close relationship with Mitchell through the years and they especially like playing Frisbee golf and camping together.

Throughout his life Tom was always looking to improve himself as an artist. He became friends with Paul White who took him on a trip to Europe. While there they toured glass blowing factories in Sweden and Italy where Tom was able to learn so much more about his trade. He was a regular at art fairs and shows around the area where he also sold his pieces. Tom was also commissioned to make pieces such as Blownglass bathroon Sink for a local friend and his final great work a chandelier Joe & Rosie Chan's home. He also taught summer art classes at Blue Lake Fine Art Camp and in the east. for a few summers. Toms talent didnt go unnoticed either as he was featured in numerous articles in the newspaper about his works of art.

One of the things that made Tom so special was his kind and compassionate heart. He often liked to help others in any way he could. While he was in the Philippines he went out of his way to help the small children there that are in such need of a tender touch. Helping others came naturally to Tom not just because of his soft heart, but also because he was friendly and outgoing.

Life was not without struggles for Tom though since it is often difficult to make ends meet in the art business. Although he was always looking for ways to help others, he was in need of help himself at times as well. When the city forced Tom to shut down his facility in Muskegon due to building code changes, things became even tougher for Tom. Then just this past summer Tom was delivered a massive blow when he was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent a few rounds of chemotherapy, but they soon discovered that his condition was worse than they initially thought. This left Tom to embrace each moment he had left and he did just that by spending as much time as he could with his family and friends. Just four months after being diagnosed Tom drew his last breath surrounded by his family.

With so much love to give to others, the world was a better place because of Thomas McEwen. He brought laughter and joy not only to his friends and family, but also to the countless others whose lives he touched throughout his lifetime. Tom worked hard and was recognized for his artistic talents, yet he also enjoyed helping others tap into their own artistic gifts as well. He was a man who didnt back down when the storms of life blew his way and continued to cherish the people and experiences in his life he so greatly treasured. Tom will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

Thomas J. McEwen died Sunday, December 20, 2009. Toms family includes his son, Mitchell McEwen; parents, Dick and Gerane McEwen; brothers, Scott (Norma) McEwen, Don McEwen, Jonathan McEwen all of Muskegon, Niece and nephews, Lee, Ken, Bob, Mike and Lauren McEwen; Special Aunt Jeanie (Lewie) Butrick and cousins Sue Biturick, Kathy Johnson, and Bob Butrick; former spouse Kim Kamp and her children Danny, Mia and David.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at First Congregational Church at 11:00 AM with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. MEMORIAL: McEwen Trust Fund FBO Mitchell McEwen. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.

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