Walt Tomsic — No. 169
Post date: Jan 31, 2019 3:16:07 AM
Walt Tomsic of Bend, Ore., passed away on July 16 [2017] with his wife, Deni Sullivan, of 35 years by his side.
Walt was a retired professor at Pacific Lutheran University. He had a passion for his work as managing editor of Open Road Magazine. As a huge car lover, Walt started the UnClub Vintage Sports Car Club. He was also an illustrator, painter and outstanding athlete. He particularly loved tennis, pickleball, paddle boarding and mountain hiking.
Walt will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor and his love for cars. He will be missed.
A private gathering will take place at a later time. Baird Funeral Home of Bend is honored to serve the family. Please visit our website, www.bairdfh.com, to share condolences and sign our online guest book.
Contributions may be made to: Humane Society of Central Oregon, 61170 Southeast 27th St., Bend, Ore. 97702, phone (541) 382-3537; or 2075 Northeast Wyatt Court, Bend, Ore. 97701, phone (541) 382-5882.
The funeral home Web site says he was born Nov. 12, 1943, in Lincoln, Neb.
Since no mention is made of any Arkansas ties, we have attempted to confirm that this is the same Walt Tomsic, who was Iota Theta Zeta No. 169.
We’ve had no email address for him in our database, but the ASU Alumni Association directory lists his last known mailing address as P.O. Box 5398, Be
nd, Ore. 97708. It also says that he graduated here in 1965 with a bachelor of fine arts degree.
A Facebook page for Walt Tomsic says he studied art history at the University of Colorado in Boulder. The Web site for Pacific Lutheran University says he taught art there from 1970-2004.
But the OpenRoad magazine had more information than anyone else. I found this note in its Summer 2017 edition, along with the obituary:
“It is with heavy hearts that we bring you the news that OpenRoad’s managing editor and head writer, Walt Tomsic, has passed away. His energy, humor and years of tireless efforts and contribution to OpenRoad and America’s Automotive Trust will be truly missed and remembered forever. …”
Its publication credits said: “Professor emeritus at Pacific Lutheran University, Walt is an unapologetic “car nut.” He started with a ‘53 Austin-Healey in High School and continued through a procession of Triumphs, an Alfa Romeo, ‘67 Shelby GT-350, three ‘60s vintage ‘Pagoda’ SLs and a couple of E-types. His current rides are a ‘79 FIAT 124 Spider and another Healey 100.”
The edition includes what must have been his last article, a report of a recommended road trip. You can read it at:
https://issuu.com/eopenroad/docs/or_summer_2017_digital-composite.