March 21, 1963 – October 29, 2023
Tom died peacefully in his home after a very long and valiant battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Vail and his brother, James Vail. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Vail, brother Michael Vail, his wife JoAnn, children Christopher and Jennifer and grandson Eric Vail, as well as his brother, Richard Vail, his wife Carolyn and children Ryan (wife Jenny) and Melissa Vail. He is also survived by his wife Nancy and children through marriage, Vaughn and Kristen Seery.
Tom was born in Denver and grew up in Northglenn, Colorado. He attended Thornton High School and graduated in 1981. He graduated from Colorado Mountain College in Leadville in 1985 with an Associates Degree in Ski Area Operations. He did his internship at Sunlight Ski Area in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Upon graduation, he came back to Sunlight Ski Area and began employment there, remaining in the Roaring Fork Valley for the rest of his life.
He came to The Ranch at Roaring Fork in Carbondale, Colorado in the Spring of 1989. He began to take care of the Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course and became the Golf Course Manager and Superintendent. He came to the Snowmass Ski Area in Snowmass, Colorado also in 1989. He became a Snowcat Operator, grooming the ski trails with passion for his job and crew. He performed both jobs seasonally for 33 years.
He married his wife Nancy in 2003 and she joined him in 2006 at the Golf Course to become the Golf Shop Supervisor. They also resided happily within the Ranch at Roaring Fork community.
Tom was known by the community for his dedication to the Golf Course, tireless hard work and attention to detail. Tom also acted as an advocate and was a visionary for the Ranch. He always made time to greet people, help them in any way he could, give them his infectious smile and a bit of his quick wit and good humor. He was loved by all and very respected for his work ethic and great character. His legacy lives on in the Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course.
He will truly be always missed by all those who knew and loved him. He looked forward to meeting his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and Heaven is enriched. There will be a Celebration of Life for Tom in the coming months.