Thomas Patrick Kavanaugh

Thomas Patrick Kavanaugh, 68, of Fargo, died Sunday, June 7, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo.

Tom was born March 27, 1947, in Thief River Falls, Minn., to Fred and Ina (Torgerson) Kavanaugh. He grew up in Fergus Falls, Minn., spending summers at the family cottage on Otter Tail Lake. He graduated from Fergus Falls Senior High School in 1965 and Fergus Falls State Junior College in 1967.

Tom enrolled in the first mass communication major offered at Moorhead (Minn.) State College, graduating in 1970. His first job after graduation was as photojournalist for the Jamestown, N.D., Sun newspaper. He then worked as advertising manager for Herbst department stores of Fargo, where he met his future wife, Bonnie B. Collette of Grafton, N.D. They were married July 20, 1974, at Oakwood, N.D. They lived in West Fargo from 1976-1988 when they moved to Fargo.

Tom was a commercial art and photography instructor in the commercial art department at Moorhead Technical College for 31 years, retiring in 2004. He formed many lifelong friendships there. He enjoyed encountering past students and was very proud of their accomplishments.

Tom's dad, Fred, was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne in WWII, so as a young man Tom became interested in all things military including his lifelong hobby of military modeling and painting. He could not pass a battle site, military museum or hobby store without stopping. In 2009, Tom fulfilled his dream of visiting the D-Day sites in Normandy, France, where his father fought. He and Bonnie shared many other travel adventures. Tom founded the Red River Scale Modelers club, sharing his hobby with other enthusiasts. He was a member and volunteer at the Red River Regional Marksmanship Center, West Fargo. Other interests included hunting, fishing, stained glass and woodworking. A cancer survivor, Tom was diligent about reminding everyone to get their check-ups.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Fargo; aunt Doris Kavanaugh, Colorado Springs, Colo.; cousins and their families; and many friends, colleagues and graduates. He is also survived by his in-laws, Maurice D. and Isabel Collette, Grafton, N.D., and brother-in-law, Donald Collette and family, Hanceville, Ala.

An open house celebrating Tom's life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. in the Woodland East room at Baymont Inn & Suites (formerly the Doublewood), 3333 13th Ave. S., Fargo. Everyone is invited to attend.

A special thank you goes to the nursing staff of the Cardiac Intensive Care unit at Sanford for their wonderful care of Tom.

Memorials are suggested to the animal adoption/shelter organization or nursing school scholarship program of your choice.

Tom's big smile, humor, kindness and warmth will be missed by all.