FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

THOMAS "THOM" J. MCGARVEY, JR.
1-29 THOMAS J. MCGARVEY, JR.THOMAS THOM J. MCGARVEY, JR. Marketing, Promotions & Communications Specialist, Musicologist October 22, 1943- January 8, 2014 Thom J. McGarvey, Jr., 70, died January 8, 2014, at 15 Craigside. He was born in Philadelphia, and lived in Virginia and California before adopting Hawaii as home. An accomplished USC musicologist, Thom became KMVI radio's DJ in 1969. Directing Sing Out Maui, and Baldwin's musical dramas, he was also entertainment editor for the Maui News. Close friends dubbed him "McGuava". Later as Public Relations Manager for Hawaiian Airlines, he produced three years of half-time shows for the NFL Hawaii Pro-Bowl, including the 1980 inaugural game. Hawaiian Airlines brought Thom to the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Program, a responsibility he kept long after leaving Hawaiian, impacting generations of Miss Hawaii. As behind-the-scenes Executive Director, he fostered high standards of professionalism and character for over four decades, grateful and proud as each Miss Hawaii garnered successes in career, family, and community. Thom continued to volunteer in the program and its production to his final days. Other professional accomplishments include public relations and communications positions with Mayor Eileen Anderson's administration; Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); Communications Pacific; Chaminade University; the University of Hawai'i Community College System, and 'Olelo Community Media. He advocated authentic representation of Hawaiian culture in tourism, spearheading Hawaii's presence at the World Expo '88 in Australia as well as the 1992 Hong Kong PATA Conference. He also succeeded in gaining inclusion of the Hawaii weather report on NBC's Today Show. As resident manager for the Iolani Court Plaza condominium, Thom took pride in the place that was both work and home. A bounty of talent and human kindness, Thom shared readily and generously. He inspired, challenged, and led with remarkable selflessness. "Humble steward, mentor, and companion, McGuava embodied the beauty of mind, soul and heart." -Ray Abregano. Celebration of Life: February 3, 2014. Mystical Rose Oratory, Saint Louis-Chaminade campus. Visitation: 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT