Skip to main content

In memoriam: Michael Panowski

In-memoriam-panaowsky-198x300.jpeg

THOMAS MICHAEL PANOWSKI 1944 – 2021

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Thomas Michael Panowski. He died at the age of 76.

He grew up and lived in Los Alamos until he left for college where he graduated from New Mexico State University with majors in journalism and electrical engineering.

He was able to do some very interesting work tracking satellites in Kwajalein Atoll during work/study programs at NMSU in the early 1960’s.

Tom was a great big brother, initiating games such as “chair tag”, and the rope swing around the big tree in our back yard. He was the adventurer in the family – he loved running the rivers with Explorer Post 20 in his single-man raft that he had salvaged and repaired. He was a small sports car fan, and drove around the west coast and the Southwestern states.

Tom was intelligent, curious, and had a dry sense of humor. He was an avid reader, and loved word games. He had a great library of the classics and favorite novels. His other passions were skiing, ice skating, golfing, and motorcycling.

Later in life he took to the open road on motorcycle trips with friends. It was through his friendship with a motorcycle buddy who introduced Tom to his sister that he met his “forever love”, Jeannie Moore. Tom and Jeannie spent many fun vacations at Los Cabos in Baja, Mexico. They loved to take cruises and made many friends in their travels. Tom also enjoyed gardening and playing with their pugs.

Tom will be missed greatly by family and friends alike.

Tom’s work life was as varied as his play life. He liked traveling, and worked in many locations, preferably warmer climates. He worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory when he was younger. He had electrical engineering jobs in Scottsdale, Arizona and related jobs in San Diego. Before retiring, he worked at Sandia National Laboratories as a technical writer on many projects and proposals.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Eileen Panowski.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie Moore; his brother Bruce Panowski (Lyndi Hubbell); sister Daryl Lopez; and sister Lynn Ensslin (Norbert); and beloved nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces whom he thoroughly enjoyed during holiday and family get-togethers.

A memorial gathering to celebrate his life and stories will be held when family and friends can safely gather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.