In loving memory of Thomas Philipp Speelmans
April 19, 1956 – September 12, 2026
Thomas Philipp Speelmans passed on September 12, 2026 after a brief illness.
Thomas, son of Frank and Edith Speelmans, was born on April 19, 1956 in Santiago, Chile.
At age five his parents returned to Germany for several years before emigrating to Illinois for his father’s work.
Another relocation brought the family to Katonah, N.Y. During his high school years, he pursued, among many interests, his lifelong love of aviation.
At 18 years old he earned his pilot’s license, an accomplishment that foreshadowed the career he would follow.
After graduating from Purdue University in 1978, Thomas began his career in the aviation industry.
His professional journey took him to American Avitron, Lear Siegler and eventually TWA in New York City.
With TWA he had opportunities to travel extensively which expanded his appreciation for travel, aviation and the many cultures he encountered along the way.
In 1985, turmoil within the airline industry led Thomas to a career change and he joined Flying Tigers at LAX airport.
Four years later he took another important step by striking out on his own as an independent aviation consultant and contractor, drawing on his extensive experience and knowledge of airline operations and fueling facilities.
In 1997 Thomas relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego, beginning a new chapter in both his personal and professional life.
He met his wife Heidi in 1998 and they married in 2005.
The years also brought them many riches in the form of their growing family.
Thomas was looking forward to retiring from Menzies Aviation at the end of this year.
He is survived by his wife Heidi, two stepdaughters Jessica (Joaquin), and Lauren (Nick), and three grandchildren, Julian, Jordan and Jayden, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his sister, Maya Speelmans from Rumson, New Jersey, and her partner Alex, as well as his niece and nephew Katharine and Michael.
When not focusing on his career, Thomas was a gourmet cook, a yogi, a gardener, a blacksmith and a dog lover.
The beach was his happy place. (A private scattering ceremony will be held.)
Thomas will be remembered with love by his family and by all those whose lives he touched throughout his journey.
