Thomas L. Ganfield

Thomas L. Ganfield, age 83, longtime resident of Northville, passed away at home on August 17, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on February 12, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota; son of Douglas and Nola (Cheely) Ganfield. Tom was a graduate of Alexander Ramsey High School with the class of 1960. He continued his education at St. Cloud University where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard with the 47th Military Police Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tom was united in marriage to Patricia M. Zauhar on November 26, 1966; they went on to have a long happy marriage and were just shy of celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary.

Tom enjoyed a long and successful career in sales, beginning with Honeywell where he dedicated 30 years before continuing his profession at Maxitrol in Southfield. He retired in 2015 at the age of 74. Outgoing and personable, Tom loved his work, especially the people and technology it introduced him to. He cared deeply for his customers and was well liked and highly respected by both his clients and colleagues. Over the course of his fulfilling career, Tom was recognized with numerous sales awards.

Tom loved spending time outdoors, taking great pride in keeping his yard immaculate; he could often be found raking to make sure not a single leaf was left behind. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf with friends. Tom was an avid reader with a particular passion for history, especially the Civil War, which always held a special fascination for him. Some of his favorite memories were made during the weeklong Michigander Bike Tour, which he and his son completed together many times, riding across Michigan. A devoted sports enthusiast, Tom loved attending Tigers baseball games and cheering on the Lions and Red Wings. He was also an enthusiastic University of Michigan fan, especially when it came to football and basketball.

Tom was known for his sharp wit and playful sense of humor, especially his abundance of well-loved “dad” jokes. Friendly, genuine, and kind, Tom left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A devoted and supportive father, he never missed his children’s extracurricular activities and even coached a Little League team. Dogs were always a special part of his life, and he went above and beyond to care for them, most notably, giving daily insulin shots to his diabetic dog Max to ensure a long, healthy life. A loving husband and father, Tom treasured time spent with his family and absolutely adored his granddaughter, who affectionately called him “Papa.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ganfield; his daughter, Elizabeth and son-in-law Kevin Smith; his son, Andrew Ganfield; his granddaughter, Lexi Smith; his sister-in-law, Gretchen Ganfield; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jeffrey Ganfield; his sister, Nola Borg; and his brother-in-law, Dan Borg.

The family would like to thank Tracy Prosser, Tom’s CNA, who took such excellent care of him. They feel blessed to have had her kindness and skillful, loving help.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Ste. 100, Southfield, MI 48033 or Parkinson’s Foundation Great Lakes Chapter, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Ste. 310, Miami, FL 33126.