Obituary of Thomas A. Renshaw

Thomas A. Renshaw, long-time resident of St. Paul, MN, passed away on January 5 at the age of 75.

Born in Detroit on January 24, 1949, Tom grew up in Madison Heights, MI, and attended the University of Michigan, earning Bachelors’ degrees in Political Science (1971) and Chemical Engineering (1979). After relocating to the Twin Cities to work as an engineer for General Mills, he also completed an MBA at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he held Engineering and Management positions at several other companies, including Grist Mill, and Boston Scientific.

One friend recently wrote that, “he was funny, sweet, a wonderful cook, a man with a tender heart, great on a bike, completely unflappable, quirky and nerdy.” In his youth and younger adulthood, he was an avid and accomplished swimmer and biker, and, by his own assessment a “below average” runner, completing one marathon (Grandma’s) one step ahead of the sag wagon, and numerous triathlons, in which he was significantly more competitive.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011, he demonstrated extraordinary determination to slow its progression, regularly participating in Rock Steady Boxing, and Neurowell exercise classes. On days when he did not have a group class, you would usually find him working out at the St. Paul YWCA. In fact, he was walking to the “Y” when he fell on a patch of ice and sustained an injury that contributed to his death.

Survived by his high school prom date and wife of 54 years, Charlotte Sebastian, daughter Hilary Sebastian Renshaw of Portland, OR, and sister Pat (Gordon) Kezele of Sunnyside, WA.

Preceded in death by mother, Ellen (Short); father, William Renshaw; and brother William Renshaw Jr.

Arrangements for celebrations of and for Tom are pending. Friends and family members in the Twin Cities and across the country, will undoubtedly remember Tom in their own manner, such as a high school buddy who has planted a weeping Japanese maple in her yard so that every time she passes by, she will think of him. Some will prepare Tom’s version of Jambalaya (or “Tombalaya” as it will now be known) for a dinner in his honor. And others will individually or collectively sing one of his favorite songs, Simon and Garfunkel’s Fifty-ninth Street Bridge Song….

“I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep

I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep

Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me

Life, I love you, all is groovy….”

The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Disease or Michael J Fox Foundations.