Thomas “Tom” Jeffery Mori

Tom Mori, our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, left us on Nov. 22, 2018. He died of injuries received during a fall. He was 59.
Tom was born in Salt Lake City to Jiro and Keiko Mori, and later lived with his family in Murray. A skilled general contractor, Tom worked on residential and commercial properties from New York to California. Tom literally left his mark in the Salt Lake Valley, his work evident in numerous restaurants, buildings, and homes. To Habitat ReStore, Tom would donate materials and his time, often helping with building and remodeling projects around town. But quietly and selflessly, he helped many people who often had no one to turn to, asking only a cup of coffee as payment for his services. His desire to make things better and willingness to lend a hand are what made daily life for so many a reality.
If those he cared about were taken care of, that was his ultimate reward. He so generously gave in time, effort, and love—there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do, and it didn’t matter if he knew you for 30 years or 1 day, his kindness was unconditional. He also had a sense of humor that often left many in tears, and his friends were always in anticipation of his next one-liner that could capture the whole room.
Tom had an incredible ability to make his clients feel like extended family, but when it came to his family, there was nothing more important to him. Whether he was renovating fixer-uppers with his wife, being pranked by his younger son, or hanging with his older children in Texas and California, Tom took tremendous pride and joy in his family. Through his own actions and words, he encouraged his children to travel the world and collect experiences over paychecks. He took them to scuba-dive in Belize, view glaciers in Alaska, and eat soup dumplings in Shanghai. For what would be their final trip together, the Mori family traveled to Maui, Tom’s favorite place to be and where he felt most at peace. He lived each day to its fullest, loving others and being loved in return.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Jiro (94), in 2013 and his mother, Keiko (88)—one of the two celebrated “Pink Grandmas” who cheered on their beloved Utah Jazz—in 2017. He is survived by his wife, Klew Lian, and their three children, Shoji, Michael, and Kamauri; his three siblings, Theresa Sueoka, Jerry Mori, and Stephanie Mori-Nakao; and George, his steadfast canine companion.
For Tom Mori, a celebration of life is truly warranted. Please join us on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, from 4–7 p.m. at the Cottonwood Country Club, located at 1780 E. Lakewood Drive in Holladay. Bring your favorite Tom Mori story. A reception for family and friends will follow.
The Mori family would like to thank all who have extended their love and support during this difficult time. All the many stories of Tom’s kindness and generosity have brought much comfort—please keep them coming at AlwaysTomMori@gmail.com.
Aloha, Tom.
Service Information

Celebration of Life
December 27, 2018 at 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Cottonwood Country Club, 1780 East Lakewood Drive, Holladay, Utah