Obituary of Thomas Sipe

A dedicated public servant, passed from this life on Monday, February 24, 2020. Tom was born in Hamilton, Ohio, son of Ralph (deceased) and Miriam Sipe on February 10, 1957. He attended Elkhart Central High School, 1972-1975, where he was a member of Coach Tom Kurth's Blue Blazer football team playing offensive tackle (#70) and was a varsity swimmer for three years. Tom attended Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, from 1975-1979, graduating with a B.S. in Public Affairs Administration/ Criminal Justice. Always a lover of the Rocky Mountains, Tom moved to Aurora, Colorado, joining the Aurora Police Department in September 1980 and served with distinction for 20 years, until retiring in September 2000. He always sought to be close to the local community and served as a patrol police officer, worked intelligence and undercover counter-drug operations. Tom was intensely proud of his years of service with the Aurora Police Department. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his exemplary service. Tom was an avid fly fisherman and once fished the Snake River on Harrison Ford's ranch, who asked Tom, "How are they bitin' today?" as he rode by on horseback. After retirement, Tom battled pancreatic cancer for two years and beat it into remission. He moved to Tucson, Arizona, in February 2016, to live with his brother and his sister-in-law. Not particularly a cat person, he was "adopted" by Rusty, David and Nova's youngest cat, who followed him like a shadow. He was a loving and compassionate son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to those who knew him. Tom's chats with his parents, brothers, sister-in-law, nephew, friends and Aurora/Tucson neighbors will be missed by all. Tom was a lifelong bachelor. He is survived by his mother Miriam (Muench) Sipe, brothers, David, Robert and John Sipe; sister-in-law W. Nova (Price) Sipe and nephew, Kyle Sipe. Following cremation, Tom's remains will be returned to the family. No memorial service is planned. Arrangements are being handled by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.