Thomas Wayne McCoy (Tom) died in Lawrence, KS on April 19, 2018 at the age of 82. Tom is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda and daughters Cathy (children Nils and Grace), Hally (husband Ken and daughter Fiona), Sam (husband Adam and sons Kendall and Porter), Aimee (husband Bret and son Dexter) and his brother Theodore Neal, M.D. (wife Judy and son Miller). He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Wayne and Catherine (Creveling) McCoy, his cousin Neal S. McCoy and nephew Neal McCoy.
Tom was born on April 4, 1936 in Lawrence, KS, grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High School in the Class of 1954. He attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, transferred to the University of Illinois where he graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1959. He practiced architecture in Kansas City, moved to England to continue his career and attend the Royal Academy in Copenhagen on a Fulbright scholarship. After returning to Kansas City in 1968, he worked for Kivett & Myers and later, in 1972, started his own firm of McCoy Hutchison Stone with Stuart Hutchison and Terrence Stone. This same year, Tom began teaching at the University of Kansas. His KU teaching career continued for the next 28 years. Tom was a proud member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Tom initiated the Green Architecture course at KU where careful consideration is given to appropriate land use and orientation, efficient use of resources, health issues, and construction and operation economy. One of Tom’s greatest joys was spending time with his beloved family and sharing with them his love of nature, whether camping, fishing, especially in Colorado, or spending time at the McCoy cattle ranch in Cedar Vale where his father was born and raised. His other great love was found in art, in particular drawing and painting, which was a lifelong passion. Tom shared this passion generously with his children and the students who were fortunate to take his design classes. Tom’s unique and ever-present sense of humor was another gift he shared with all throughout his life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont in Lawrence, with a reception to follow. A private burial will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Tom’s honor may be made to KU Endowment for the Griffin McCoy Scholarship Fund, PO Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or 785-832-7343.
Tom was a close friend & coworker of mine when I worked in the office of Kivett & Myers Architects If you had a challenging assignment or task facing you Tom was the one person to help you find a practical solution He was a fun person to be with and I always respected his work ethic and artistic talents He had a great sense of humor and his creative abilities which he shared with his many friends His students were blessed to have had Tom as their teacher and I know that his legacy will be evident in their professional careers The profession needs more Tom Mccoy’s Warmest regards & condolences to Tom’s family He was an inspiration and a sincere friend to us all
We will miss Tom tremendously at Trinity! He contributed to so much good there for everyone, including during his years as Junior Warden. He was always on board with sound environmental stewardship measures to the benefit of all, besides being a congenial and all-around great person! Our sincere sympathy to Linda and family.
To Hawley and Sam- We are sorry to learn about Tom’s death, but it reminded us of the wonderful times we had together when you were young girls and we were young parents. We remember camping with you and the Nelson’s near Lake City, CO on Hansen’s Creek. Tom taught Barney how to fly fish. And we all spread out on the ground to watch the amazing meteor showers. Your dad was special.
Linda and Family, we are thinking of you. Tom was a truly nice man and he will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
My hero, mentor, and inspiration. Unlimited talent. A fine man
Heart breaking news! Tom was always a nice guy and always took time to stop and speak when you’d see him! we will miss him! RIP Tom!
Such sad news! He was a wonderful man. My prayers are with you and the family.
Linda and Family, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man. May your memories sustain you during this sad time. May you all find peace as time goes by.