Thomas Michael Dow
Mar 2, 1950 -
Dec 28, 2025
Thomas Michael Dow died on Dec. 28, 2025. He fought bravely to end, always with a smile on his face and continuing to make those around him laugh. Throughout his last few days, he was surrounded by his loved ones at home, with lots of stories, laughter, tears and, of course, several bowls of his favorite ice cream.
Tom was born in Kearney, Neb., on March 2, 1950, to Ralph and Sue Dow. The family moved to Greeley in 1962, where he grew up and graduated from Greeley West High School in 1968. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1972. He is survived by his adored wife, Gina Marie Lindsey. He was predeceased by his brothers Steve, Tim, Jack and Jim Dow; and stepson, Jeremy Lindsey.
Tom had a long and storied career, stretching from the arctic of Alaska to Washington, D.C. After graduating from UNC, he moved to Alaska. What started as a summer trip turned into years; new friendships, the launch of a successful career and, most importantly, meeting the love of his life, Gina Marie at a Chamber event, whom he later married in Port Ludlow, Wash., on Aug. 22, 1999. He worked as a tour guide in Prudhoe Bay when Northwest Arctic Native Association (NANA) acquired the company he was working for. He spent 18 years with NANA, culminating in his role as the VP for Northern Slope Operations and Tourism. This led to participation in the Alaska Visitors Association, where he served on the board, including a stint as the Board President in 1988 - the year of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. He joined Princess Tours as the VP of Hotel Operations and moved to Seattle with Gina Marie and her son Jeremy. He was the VP of Public Affairs when Carnival Cruise Corp and Princess entered a business combination in 2003. With Carnival, he opened the first Carnival Public Affairs office in Washington, D.C., in 2004, serving as the VP of Public Affairs. In this role, he worked with local and federal governments, tourism organizations and environmental groups to find mutually acceptable operational practices. He retired in 2017, but continued consulting for five years.
After retiring from corporate life, Tom transitioned to full-time olive ranching in Northern California, reporting directly to the CEO of J-Olivanti, Gina Marie. Here, he prided himself on his irrigation and postage, trash and laundry duties. While he originally thought the olive harvest would "turn friends into acquaintances," to his and Gina Marie's delight, he was wrong, as the harvest turned into an annual celebration, bringing together friends and family from all over the country. Tom also took a focused interest in the local public radio station, KZYX, serving on the Board of Directors and as a temporary General Manager for a time.
Tom and Gina Marie sold the ranch in 2020 and moved to Tucson, Ariz. Barney the Basset quickly became a neighborhood ambassador, opening a path for Tom and Gina Marie to form many great friendships.
Everyone that knew Tom loved him. He was kind, genuine, caring, humble, hilariously funny and, above all, he made everyone comfortable. He had a true gift of gab, and could talk and relate to anyone, anywhere. This authenticity had a huge impact on his career and friendships.
Tom was known for frequently communicating unique aphorisms that became part of his persona and subsequently family lore:
Basic life advice: "You're wondering how to make an impact? Raise your hand and put your shoulder to the wheel!"
During family gatherings: "What can I do to make your life even better than it already is?"
Upon regretful confessions of friends or family: "Find something else to worry about!"
Regarding family disputes: "This is not a negotiation; it's information ..."
Tom will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Boys To Men organization in Tom's name: https://btmtucson.com/.
