Thomas Cornell Walbridge

Thomas Cornell Walbridge, Jr., age 70, passed peacefully in his home in Traverse City, Michigan on February 3, 2026 after living a rich and joyful life. Up until the very end he had Betsy, his beloved wife of 41 years, by his side. Tom was a devoted father to Beth Walbridge Anderson (Abe) and Tommy Walbridge (Leah), and a loving "Poppy" to his six grandchildren: Lilly and Hunter Chapman, Gunnar, Talon and Colton Anderson, and Willow Walbridge. He is survived by his brother Jim Walbridge (Beverly) and his sister Susie Blake (Bruce). Tom was preceded in death by both of his parents, Tom Sr. and Peg.

Tom was born the eldest son of Thomas Cornell Walbridge and Margaret Fraser Walbridge in Portsmouth, Virginia on February 28, 1955. He spent his early years in Winnetka, Illinois before moving to Birmingham, Michigan in fourth grade. It was during these years, split between Birmingham and Northern Michigan, that Tom developed his lifelong passions for fly fishing, squash, and tennis.

From a young age, Tom took immense pride in his pursuits. Whether he was delivering the newspaper by bicycle at five a.m. in the morning, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, or studying engineering at the University of Michigan, he approached life with dedication and a trademark work ethic. More than his accolades, Tom was known for his character: he was kind, lighthearted and, above all, silly. A quintessential extrovert, Tom had a gift for inclusion; he could (and would) strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, at any time. This genuine nature allowed him to cultivate deep lasting friendships throughout every stage of his life.

After graduating from Seaholm High School in 1973, Tom attended the University of Michigan, earning both an Industrial and Operations Engineering degree (IOE) in 1977 and a Masters of Business Administration Degree (MBA) 1983. During his undergrad years, he was a proud member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity.

Tom met his wife Betsy on New Years through mutual friends at his home in Birmingham, quickly impressing her with his kind character. He married Betsy in 1984 in Birmingham, Michigan and they raised their two children, Beth and Tommy, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Professionally, Tom enjoyed a successful career in the automotive industry: First at General Motors, then at Arthur Anderson consulting, and finally at Borg Warner, ITT, and GKN Automotive in Automotive Sales ending his career as a Sales Director.

His "true work" centered on family, friends, and his hobbies. A dedicated and loving father, he coached Beth and Tommy's soccer teams and helped coach Beth's high school hockey team. During his time in Bloomfield Hills, the Birmingham Athletic Club provided a perfect local outlet for his love of squash and tennis and his passion for social involvement for decades. Tom served on the board at the BAC three times and also as club President but it was the friendships he made on and off the court there that he treasured the most.

Tom's retirement at 60 allowed him to enjoy his grandchildren for the next decade wholeheartedly. There was nothing he loved more than playing with them, telling his silly stories, or sneaking ice cream and treats with them. His ability to think and act like one of them drew his grandchildren to him; a star in many respects, he often shined brightest being their Poppy.

Starting in 2012, Tom fought a long, courageous battle with prostate cancer. True to form, he maintained a relentless positivity and he faced his illness with unparalleled grace. He was far more likely to crack a joke or bring a smile to someone's face than he was to complain about his own circumstances. Tom was involved with Reel Recovery when he moved to Traverse City, first as a participant and then to help others dealing with cancer while they learned to fly fish.

Tom is survived by his wife, Betsy, his children, Beth and Tommy, his grandchildren, and a community of friends who will miss his lighthearted spirit. Tom's funeral was a small family service green burial on February 5th on Old Mission Peninsula at Peninsula Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Tom to one of the two charities below.

Arbor Day Foundation: Plant at Tree in Tom's Honor at: https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_campaign=08616-brand-exp&utm_term=arbor%20day%20foundation&utm_content=brand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21500452688&gbraid=0AAAAAD_pTIp1NXT5AeFDacdDYYCr8VOhl&gclid=CjwKCAiAncvMBhBEEiwA9GU_fpSUUoSm-Kxe2uApNf5IvZO0AwvnZw2JBLFbOuj2iXugX7i3G9_cYRoCL4cQAvD_BwE

Cowell Family Cancer Center: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/munson-healthcare-foundations/ways-to-give/make-a-gift