Thomas (Tommy) Aquinas Hess, age 70, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2021, surrounded by loving friends and family.

Tommy was born in his family home on May 20, 1951, to Benjamin (B.G. or Bunny) Gustus Hess and Nannette (Merrill) Hess in Albany, Louisiana. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1969, and received an Associate's Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from Northwestern Community College, Traverse City, Michigan, in 1992.

Tommy is survived by his significant other of 21 years, Kathie Piper and their adopted German Shepherd, Tori; siblings Hurd and Wendy Hess of Fairfield, Iowa; Ann (Hess) and Jim Hassenboehler of Metairie, Louisiana; Mike and Martha Hess of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Dorothy (Hess) and Danny Kropog of Albany, Louisiana; and Merrill and Rebecca Hess of Albany, Louisiana; twelve nieces and nephews and his many cherished friends. His parents pre-deceased him.

Tommy spent his childhood and school-age years in Louisiana and worked in his family business, the "Washeteria" (Laundromat to us northerners), caring for the family's numerous beagles, fishing in the bayous while battling water moccasins and other 'critters,' tending the family garden, and playing football.

Shortly after his High School graduation he became employed with Bendix (oil and gas company) and worked his way across the country, landing in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1972 where he fell in love with the beauty, nature and friends he met and made this his permanent home. His subsequent jobs were widely varied including landscaping, corporate training and as a very talkative, friendly and honest automobile salesman.

During his life in northern Michigan, Tommy enjoyed many of the benefits this area has to offer including cross-country and down-hill skiing, fishing, hunting, canoeing and kayaking, in-line skating, rock hunting on Lake Michigan's beautiful beaches, various arts and crafts, gardening and traveling. He is known to his friends as a Master storyteller, not without significant embellishment and colorful interpretations.  A friend recently told him, "you're the only person I know that can start telling a story … shoot off in 6 different directions … then, somehow beautifully bring it all back together". His nicknames were "Boom Boom" (hunting!) and the "Ragin Cajun" for his southern culinary skills. His culinary skills increased during his time in Michigan to include foraged morel mushrooms and leeks, his catch of the day such as panfish, perch and walleye, and bounty from his well-tended garden.

Gregarious and fun-loving, he genuinely enjoyed participating as the marching leader of numerous Williams Brothers Cherry Festival Floats, which were recognized by many as the most creative and humorous float in each year's parade. Tommy always loved a good party!

Tommy touched everyone he met, and embraced everyone with his huge heart as family, was a great-uncle to many children, and the "best man she ever met" according to Kathie, his significant other. He will be greatly missed, but his memories are plentiful and live on with those many individuals he touched.

A memorial gathering will take place at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, 232 East State Street, Traverse City, Michigan on Thursday, November 18 ^th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with time for sharing at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers Tommy requests donations be made to any of the following:

Gift of Life Transplant House, Rochester, Illinois – https://gift-of-life.org/

Amyloidosis Foundation, https://amyloidosis.org/

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is in charge of arrangements.