Thomas W. Varden Jr.

Born on Oct. 19, 1944, Tom was a beacon of friendship and mentorship, with a heart as big as his presence, touching lives across various circles with his vibrant and sociable personality.

He didn’t believe in putting on airs or sugarcoating the truth; he spoke plainly with a sincerity that left a mark on everyone he encountered. His straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is personality was refreshing, inspiring trust and admiration from all walks of life. To know him was to know someone genuine, a rare soul who touched countless lives with his words, stories and deeds, never expecting anything in return.

He attended Christian Brothers Academy Preparatory in Albany, New York, followed by St. Michael’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A proud veteran, Tom served in the United States Air Force, where he contributed to the mission with dedication and integrity.

Tom dedicated 51 years to McKesson Corporation as a pharmaceutical sales representative. He began his career in the warehouse and quickly ascended to retail sales manager due to his exceptional social skills and personal approach to each account. Opting to stay in sales over management to remain in Lake Placid, New York, Tom cherished the deep relationships he built through his work and the community he loved.

Tom met his wife Christine at The Cottage, his home away from home for many years until they married several years later in 2008. He was a devout and loving husband, always putting Christine and the kids first. Many wonderful years were spent traveling and living the best life. Even in his final days, his unwavering response to any question was, “Check with my wife.”

Following retirement, he was grateful every day to live both in Lake Placid and in the Sunshine State to be close to all the kids.

An avid golfer, Tom spent nearly every day on the greens with his buddies in Lake Placid, and always set aside Sundays for “golf with wifey.” His love for the outdoors extended to skiing, pickleball, morning rowing, reading at the boathouse ready for impromptu chats, and cocktail cruises around the lake.

Tom was a devout member of St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, where he participated actively in the community. His faith and fellowship were important aspects of his life.

He leaves behind his wife, Christine Varden; daughters Lindsay Irwin, Rachel (Jeremiah) Duncan, Laura (Robert) Gutierrez and Kiersten Garrand; and was a father figure and mentor to Grant Reynolds and Emily Reynolds Bergh. He is also survived by his many loved grandchildren; sister Patricia (Thomas) Burke; niece Christine Burke; nephew Thomas (Nadine) Burke Jr.; niece Aileen (Brendan) Monahan; sister Kathleen Varden; niece Tracie Quint; and nephew Kevin Quint.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas William Varden, and mother, Eleanor Julia Williams.

A celebration of life will be held at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Jupiter, Florida, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. A second Celebration of Life, date and venue TBD, will be held in Lake Placid in the summer of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Patron Silver Anejo Co. (kidding). Please consider making donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.