Thomas H.P. Gould

Tom Gould passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at his home in Manhattan, Kansas after a long battle against cancer. 

Tom was born in Macon, Georgia on July 12, 1953. However, if asked, Tom would describe his childhood as spent in Paris, France where his family lived for eight years before returning to Savannah, Georgia. He came to K-State in 1998 after a circuitous path from journalism (reporter, wire desk editor at the Savannah Daily News) to advertising (partner in a Charlotte, North Carolina agency) to a web consultant and site manager (iupac.org, and others). The constant through it all was Tom's commitment to writing. He earned bachelor’s degrees in English from Armstrong Atlantic and journalism from the University of Georgia, a master's in English from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Although his battle against cancer began shortly after arriving in Manhattan, Tom successfully beat the odds and spent the next 15 years accomplishing some of his life goals. During that time, he earned tenure and the rank of professor, published three books, and mentored many students. Tom adopted Kansas as his home. He loved the landscape, the people, and enjoyed following highway signs to the small towns and unique tourist attractions that define the culture. 

Tom and Carol were married on May 19, 2001 in the Manhattan City Park rose garden. In addition to his wife, he leaves four step sons and their families—Brian Peak and wife, Kellie (Stilwell, KS), Christopher Peak and wife, Michele (Bethesda, MD), Nathan Peak and wife, Alison (Washington, DC), and Nicholas Peak and fiancée, Tracy (Boise, ID) and three grandchildren. Tom will be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his untiring sense of humor, his love of a good ale, and his passion for life.