Thomas O’Brien Mehen

passed away in Scottsdale, AZ on July 29, 2013 after complications from surgery.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Eda Wolfe Mehen, father, Henry O’Brien Mehen, and son, Thomas Richardson Mehen.  Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Lynn Lennartz Mehen of Scottsdale, AZ, daughters Frances McCloskey (Michael), Theresa Velner (Stephen) and Margaret, all of Minneapolis, MN, brothers, Stephen (Jo Beth Conroy) of New Meadows, ID and James (Susie Stevens) of Flagstaff, AZ, brother-in-law William Lennartz (Nancy Mitchell) of Indian Wells, CA and beloved grandchildren Anna and Logan (McCloskey), Henry, Mary, Charlie and Frank (Velner) and various nieces and nephews.   He was born on January 9, 1938 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  His family moved several times and settled in Phoenix, Arizona in 1949.  Tom graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended University of Arizona.  He graduated from Arizona State University and began a successful career in retailing.  Tom and Lynn moved the family to Syracuse, NY in 1969 where he opened the Sibley’s department stores in Syracuse and Fayetteville, NY.  They also owned a successful business, Wilcox Travel, which enabled Tom to travel the world, including playing the finest golf courses with fellow senior amateur golfers.  Tom and Lynn retired to Scottsdale, AZ in 2004.  He lived life to the fullest, especially on the golf course or the family boat on the St. Lawrence River, and at the family cabin in the North Woods near his daughters. Tom is remembered by many as a gracious and generous man, a great friend and a family man, always quick with a smile and words of encouragement.  A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 18, 2013 at The Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ.  In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Tom can be made to:  Living Well Disability Services, 680 O’Neill Drive, Eagan, MN  55121.