Thomas Goodrich (Tom) Slocum, age 49, died unexpectedly in a helicopter accident Saturday, December 1, 2012 near Walkerville, Michigan. Tom was born a twin on May 30, 1963 to Gerald and Phyllis (Young) Slocum in Hart, Michigan and was a lifelong resident of Elbridge Township.

He attended Elbridge Community School until 1977 and graduated from Hart High School in 1981. He learned to fly helicopters as a teenager and was the main aerial spray applicator at Slocum Brothers Tree Farms for many years. From 1989 to 1996, Tom owned and operated the custom spraying business Slocum Air. He was quoted as having said while flying "Woohoo! I can't believe I get paid to do this!" His flight skills even came in handy several years ago when a fellow pilot suddenly became ill and needed Tom to land his plane. He loved anything to do with flying and aircraft.

From a young age Tom was always building something. He eventually built his own cabin in the woods and lived a backwoods lifestyle for many years, keeping to himself and his "projects" a lot of the time. His other hobbies included hunting, cooking, and growing tomatoes. He was a great story teller, remembering details and people many had forgotten. His laugh was hearty and infectious.

He is survived by his parents; his half-brother Charles "Chip" (Helen) Richards and sisters Sharon (Stan) Hallack; Rebecca (Rick) Sible; Sarah Barten, and Jennifer (Pat) Herremans; nieces Megan (Calvin) Roskam, Lauren Hallack, Olivia, Eva, & Maria Barten, Elizabeth & Abigail Sible, and Nuala & Caroline Claire Richards; nephews Jacob & Caleb Sible, Iain Richards, and Landen & Braden Herremans; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Elbridge Community Church on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dennis Hintz officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the King Funeral Home in Hart. Burial will be at the Elbridge Township Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the EAA's Young Eagles Scholarship Program, PO Box 3043, Oshkosh, WI 54903.

To view a memorial video tribute to Mr. Slocum, please click here.