Thomas Bennett Wilson

Wilson, Thomas Bennett, III Died in his sleep on May 19, 2008, just short of his 62nd birthday, survived by wife of 30 years, Gayle Gaumer; sons, Toby and Ryan (Michelle) Wilson; daughter, Corinne (fiancé Mike Altrichter) Wilson; brother, Patrick (Jodee) Wilson; sisters, Diane (Pete) Scheremet and Marjorie Lee (Tom) Hane, and large extended family. A third generation Edina resident, Tom wrestled varsity at Edina-Morningside High. At the University of Miami (FL) he was active in student government, founder of the campus radio station, executive editor of the campus newspaper, school magazine editor, Residence Halls Association president, president of Alpha Delta Sigma advertising fraternity, Philosophy Club president, chaired the Lecture Series Committee, and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Archontes and Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities. Tom received his law degree from Hamline University School of Law while law clerk for the Hon. Melvin J. Peterson for two years and having served as vice president of the Student Bar Association, a member of the SBA governing board, a Dean's List student and recipient of an American Jurisprudence Book Award. His spouse left a corporate and tax firm to join his successful civil trial practice in 1982. Tom was instrumental in expanding rights of the elderly, mentally ill and children. He served on public, bar association and private boards and commissions throughout his career. Among numerous honors: in 1986 the Mental Health Association and the State-U.S. Veteran Hospital Advocates gave him with the Dwight V. Dixon Award "in recognition of untiring efforts to protect the legal rights and human dignity of citizens of Minnesota;" in 1987 the Minnesota Mental Health Association recognized him with the Outstanding Legal Services to Adolescents award; he was named to Who's Who in American Law in 1991; and Minnesota Law and Politics recognized him as a "Super Lawyer" in employment, social security and elder law in 1998. Tom guest lectured at high schools, colleges and universities. He said his most rapt audience was an Edina High science class lecture on DNA evidence during the O.J. Simpson trial. Ever the sports addict (Go ‘Canes!), he believed athletics impart physical and social skills, confidence and lessons in geometry, physics and health sciences. He was girls' varsity soccer coach at Roosevelt High for three years, varsity soccer coach at Concordia of Bloomington for three years and coached youth teams in various sports for 15 years. He was on the MSHSL Selection Committee for High School Soccer All Tournament Teams. In 2001 he was Girls Soccer Section 5AA Coach of the Year. Everything was secondary to his family. He was a devoted husband and father. Never missing school conferences, programs, and athletic events, he volunteered in classrooms and chaired a school carnival. Tom seized every opportunity to use each talent God granted him. He made a difference. Memorial service followed by coffee reception Thursday, June 5, 4:30 pm, Colonial Church of Edina 952-925-2711. In lieu of flowers, donations to Michael C. Carlson Scholarship at Cretin-Derham Hall, University of Miami (FL) scholarship fund or donor's choice.

Published on May 23, 2008