Tom Don Leeaphon passed away peacefully at home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on November 27, 2017, surrounded
by Etsuko, his wife of 58 years, son Dan and daughter Malee. Though he was contending with several ailments as he
began the 88 th
year of his life, he remained active in mind and happy up to his passing.
Tom was born in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14, 1930. He grew up in Thailand and attended Diocesan Boys'
School in Hong Kong before travelling to the US for college, graduating from Duke University. After graduation he
returned to Thailand to marry his sweetheart Etsuko Ohara from Japan and worked as a sales manager for Esso then
Pennzoil. With Etsuko, he built a successful hotel business, "Surasak Guesthouse" and raised his two children, Dan
and Malee. In 1969 the family immigrated to Canada, first to Vancouver and later to Montreal. Tom and Etsuko
moved to the US in 1980, living in Vermont and Pennsylvania before moving to Cape Elizabeth in 1999. Tom
managed properties and invested in real estate and securities before and during his retirement.
Tom always enjoyed the company of his family and many friends, and loved tennis and boating. He was active with
the Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging in Portland, Maine, where he introduced his own variation of the card
game Rummy, dubbed ‘"Siam Rummy." He was a doting and loving grandfather to Remy, Réka and Laszlo.
We will miss him and cherish the wonderful times we have had with him. Rest in Peace.
Respecting Tom's explicit wishes, there will be no funeral service or memorial. There will be a private Celebration of
Life at a later time. In lieu of flowers kindly consider donating to the Salvation Army Center for Healthy Aging, 297
Cumberland Ave. Portland, Maine 0410
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com