Thoughts and prayers to the Dewing family and his huge extended family. I am sorry for the late thoughts, but I just found out about this terrible loss. Mr. Dewings advice and leading by example impacted me more than I can put into words. Teaching swimming lessons at Town Club with Mr.Dewing taught me many valuable lessons that I have carried with me my entire life. Blessings to all. Keith
"Charlie Keith" Dougherty
Baytown, TX
Posted: 1/11/2022
My sincere sympathy to the entire Dewing family. I grew up with Mr. Dewing as my AAU swim coach. Then he was my coach all 4 years in high-school at WFB. He inspired us all to work hard especially in the summers with 3 workouts a day. He was fun too. When WFB upgraded their pool and put in underwater speakers he let us bring in music to play. His favorite album was Neil Diamond. 'Sweet Caroline '. I can hear it in my mind like yesterday. Mr. Dewing was the first to show at my mother's wake. I was a few minutes late since I had relocated to St. Louis and never really lived in Milwaukee as an adult. He was a true class act. I learned so much from him. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the swimmers get together. I'm in FL now and can't fly due to an injury with my husband. Toast one for me Terry Head! Thank you for contacting me. Hugs to everyone Susan Kalupa
Susan Kalupa
FL
Posted: 2/17/2021
Having had Tom as a Phy-Ed teacher back in the early 70's, I did not get to know him very well. After retiring in 2015 and swimming at lunch time when he swam, I found out a lot more while chatting while showering after the swim. His humor and political and sports views all came out. Covid closed that down, but the noon swim group will deeply miss his companionship/fellowship.
Mike Kelley
WFB, WI
Posted: 2/15/2021
In reading through some of these comments from friends, former students, etc., it is apparent as to how wonderful a person Tom was. To Tom and I he was an amazing brother-in-law who always made us feel more than welcome when we visited he and Lynn all too infrequently. He was such a humble person and yet had a very large presence when we were with him. Tom was a man with a deep faith in his church and his God and for this and the many good things that he did for others, his just reward in Heaven will be granted. Tom and I will miss him, however, his memory will live on in our hearts. We especially send our warmest thoughts and love to Lynn, Jeff/Jen, Darci/Mark and his beautiful five grandchildren, JJ, Lauren, Jack, Jake and Charlie. RIP, Tom, until hopefully we will meet again someday.
Vicki/Tom Bork
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Posted: 2/15/2021
What awesome memories I have with ‘Mr Dewing’ The only coach/teacher who called me Mary and I was ok with! My best swimming memories from childhood through HS! Thanks for being an inspiration and great mentor! My condolences to Lynn and the family.
Mary Jo Banholzer Gertz
Greenville, SC
Posted: 2/11/2021
Dear Lynn and family my heart sank when I saw in the paper of Tom's passing. What an AMAZING human being. He encouraged all to reach the best we could be in the pool, he taught me how to be a better version of myself, he never forgot the names of his swimmers or students, he always greeted with a smile too. Thanks for the memories of what it means to work hard, make the hard swimming sets and how to encourage each other. You were truly the Admiral and led by example through your own swimming career. Thank you for showing the way, paving the way through gentleness and yes toughness. i'll never forget your jumping on the deck when your swimmers were doing their best to beat their opponents. Each race was like an Olympic Gold!! Prayers and hugs.
anita h krier
Oconomowoc, WI
Posted: 1/18/2021
Dear Dewing Family, Tom and I are former Whitefish Bay High colleagues. During the school year he and I often realized we were working with many of the same students. As a foreign language teacher I usually worked with students for at least 2 to 3 years. They frequently asked me to write a letter of reference. If it was a student whom Tom had taught, coached, mentored or supervised in a work setting I consistently sought his empathetic yet realistic input. As a colleague Tom said less but always did more with his gentle humor, clarity, observational and listening skills. My deepest condolences to you, Sue Kessler
Suzanne M Kessler
MILWAUKEE, WI
Posted: 1/16/2021
I taught with Tom at WFBHS for many years. I always appreciated his Tom's calm and quiet demeanor and his perspectives on issues. I would have liked to be at the service, but I don't think that would be wise with the pandemic. Tom will surely be missed!
Bruce Gill
Mequon, WI
Posted: 1/15/2021
Darci, I am sorry for your loss! Thinking of you and your family!
Kristin (Cassidy) Marlier
WI
Posted: 1/13/2021
Lynn,
My condolences to you and your family. My son, Brent Boock, swam on the team at Whitefish Bay High School from 1984-1988. Tom was a great coach. Brent went on to swim at UW Stout and UWM. Brent is now the coaching the swim program at ElmBrook Swim Club.
Cynthia
Cynthia Boock
Mequon, WI
Posted: 1/13/2021
Lynn, Jeff, Darci and families, my sincere condolences to you all. It is so difficult to lose such a wonderful person as Tom. Over the past 48 years of my life he was first a swim coach and PE teacher and then my boss at Town Club. In all these rolls, he encouraged me, strengthened my self confidence, and taught me responsibility. He was truly a mentor to me. What is amazing is he did this with so many people!
My picture of Tom will always be him with the youngest of kids in the "warm" pool at TC giving them swim lessons. He had such a way with them and they trusted him completely.
However, most importantly Tom has been a friend to me for all these years.
I wish you all strength and love as you move forward.
Martha Johnson Huberts
Martha Johnson Huberts
Moraga, CA
Posted: 1/12/2021
Tom was just what the obituary said, in sum, a wonderful person to know and be with. He was a great teacher to my children and their children, and a fun player to play golf with. I am very saddened by his passing.
Punch Elliott
Whitefish Bay, WI
Posted: 1/12/2021
RIP Coach you were a strong influence in my life from grade school to forever. Lynn and family thank you for your love and care for Tom. His way of life created so much powerful love and dedication for all that he touched. Thank you Coach! RIP
Terry Head
Fox Point, WI
Posted: 1/12/2021
"Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save limit of our sight." -Rossiter Worthington Raymond
Rest in peace, Grandpa Tom. We will all meet again over the horizon. I love you and thank you for all the warm and wonderful memories over the years.
In love and gratitude,
Jen
Jennifer Dewing
Edina , MN
Posted: 1/11/2021
Thank you Mr. Dewing for the discipline of hard work you taught me. Thank you for all the patience you showed me. And, thank you for the mentor you were in my life. You blessed me in more ways than you will ever know.
Greg Hahn
Carmel, IN
Posted: 1/11/2021
Tom was a truly exceptional human being and educator. I feel blessed to have had him as a coach and mentor while attending WFB High School. He taught me so many life lessons about hard work and dedication. I was also fortunate to have had him teach my daughter and son many of the same important lessons.
Tom Smith
Shorewood, WI
Posted: 1/11/2021
A truly great loss for all who ever knew Tom. We pray for you Lynn and your family.
Mary or Bob Schley
Fox Point, WI
Posted: 1/11/2021
Tom was the ultimate professional and will be greatly missed. As parents, we grew to appreciate Tom even more in his earnest and non-coddling approach in helping our children to swim. Tom's ongoing commitment to excellence and his steady, self-effacing nature will forever be admired and remembered.
Kip Randall
Mequon, WI
Posted: 1/11/2021
Coach Dewing had a big impact on me as a young man. I will always remember him as a mentor. Under his coaching and friendship, I was able to accomplish things I never knew were possible. Thank you sir for all you did for me and others. My prayers go out to friends and family missing this great guy.
Jeff Hodgson
Lawrence, KS
Posted: 1/10/2021
Mr. Dewing taught me so much more than swimming! He was a role model for how to live a life and always with a smile.
Beth Hodgson Harbison
Lebanon , TN
Posted: 1/10/2021
Wendy and I are so sad to hear the news of Coach Dewing’s passing. “The Admiral” impacted an immeasurable number of lives.
He taught me the value of hard work. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I am so blessed to have been able to call him Coach.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the “The Admirals” family.
John Lindert
Grand Ledge , MI
Posted: 1/10/2021
My condolences to Mr. Dewing’s family. May your heart be surrounded by your memories and the love you shared, being a blanket of love. For you during your time of grief and loss.
Mr Dewing was a great coach, mentor, teacher and counselor will always be fondly remember and effected many lives including mine. Blessings Jacquelyn
My Mom Micki also wanted to send her love and appreciation for Mr. Dewing.
Jacquelyn (Cobb) Baldwin
Reno, NV
Posted: 1/9/2021