- Date Of Birth: May 24, 1934
- Date Of Death: October 21, 2022
- State: Arizona
Thomas (Tom) Trandal DDS of Paradise Valley, Ariz., passed away peacefully at the age of 88, with his beloved wife Barbara by his side and surrounded by loving family. Tom was a kind, gentle, devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and dentist who served thousands of patients during his long career in Phoenix.
Tom was born in the Midwest to Herbert and Eva Trandal, growing up as a “good, fun-loving kid.” He landed his first job at age 10 as a golf caddy, which led to a lifelong passion for the game. Tom also excelled in football, tennis, roller skating, ice skating and skiing and was inducted into the National Athletic Scholarship Society. He graduated from Watertown High School and earned his undergrad and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska, where he enjoyed membership in the Sigma Xi Society and Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Joy, and they were blessed with three children and a full, active family life until Joy’s death. His grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papa,” were a special delight in his life.
A true patriot, Tom served proudly and honorably as an officer in the United States Navy in Alameda, Calif., before moving his family to Phoenix to begin his private dentistry practice.
Tom met Barbara at a book-signing for author Gary Bender (“Call of the Game”). They quickly recognized common Midwest backgrounds, interests and shared values and embraced 28 years together in a close and loving marriage, enjoying traveling, dancing, golfing, socializing, walking their beloved dogs and lots of laughter. Their union brought Tom additional family members who also admired and loved him dearly.
Tom was a long-time member of the Phoenix Country Club in Phoenix and Aspen Country Club in Flagstaff, Ariz., where he pursued golf, tennis, gym workouts and socializing with friends. He loved all kinds of activities and was pretty proud of hitting the slopes at age 70 on a 12,000-foot peak in the Rocky Mountains and, at age 75, surviving a sailing tour in the trade winds off the coast of Maui aboard a yacht that had raced in the America’s Cup.
Tom’s professional organizations were worldwide. He was an active member of Arizona State Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Restorative Dentistry American Academy of Operative Dentistry, American Academy of Gold Foil Operators, R.V. Tucker Gold Study Club of Arizona and R.V. Tucker Study Clubs of U.S. He held offices in most of these organizations. Tom was a recipient of the 2006 Arizona Dental Academy Service Award for “Lifelong Achievements & Enduring Contributions to the Profession of Dentistry.” A favorite moment in his career was being elected into the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry (only 160 members worldwide). Tom donated his skills to the Mercy Dental Clinic, was a dedicated volunteer at Andre House and Paradise Valley Police Department and an active member of Camelback Church of Christ.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Tom was preceded in death by his sister Ann. He is survived by his wife Barbara; his three children Mark (Lyn), David (Jacci) and Holly (Fred); two brothers Morris (Jane) and David (Pat); seven loving grandchildren Elizabeth (Dakota), Laura, Matthew, Katie, Michael, Dylan (Heather) and Luke; two great-grandchildren Nolan and Beckett; and Barbara’s four children Drew (Janny), Angie (Joel), Cindy (Paul) and Tom (Julie) and their families.
