Gary T. “Tom” Spivey, 79, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 16, 2026, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, sitting in his favorite chair, a fittingly comfortable goodbye for a man who lived life entirely on his own terms.

Tom was born on March 3, 1947, in Orem, Utah, to George Pete Spivey and Ruth Jane Arrowsmith Spivey Blair. He spent his early years in Orem, later lived in Provo, and eventually settled in Pleasant Grove, where he spent the last decades of his life making memories, telling stories, and enjoying spending time with family.

Tom proudly served his country as an Army medic during the Vietnam War, an experience that remained one of the accomplishments he was most proud of throughout his life. Those who knew Tom knew he was someone who showed up when people needed him, whether that meant helping financially, lending a hand, or simply making someone laugh when life got heavy.

He was a jack-of-all-trades over the years. He worked for a brief time in vacuum and sewing machine repair, ran a Stuckey’s Restaurant, and eventually found his place working at Provo Power, later UMPA, alongside his brother Glen Spivey. Jobs were never what defined Tom most. What people remember is his humor, generosity, and ability to turn almost any situation into a story worth retelling.

Tom loved adventure, especially if it involved an RV, a road trip, or a casino. He and his wife Joan spent years traveling the coastlines from Washington to Ensenada, Mexico, often collecting comedy-of-errors stories along the way. He loved nights under the stars in Canyonlands, boating and fishing with his stepsons, and occasional trips to Lake Powell. He also enjoyed cruises, listening to music, seeing plays and musical productions, playing slots and poker in Las Vegas and Wendover, and proudly sharing the free room nights he earned through his favorite pastime. He even played in the World Series of Poker. Joan and Tom also made custom shirts in an attempt to be on Wheel of Fortune.

Tom had a playful streak that lasted his entire life. In his younger years, he loved prank calls and harmless mischief, including convincing unsuspecting people they had won sweepstakes they absolutely had not won. Later in life, he maintained a legendary sweet tooth and could often be found sneaking treats he was not supposed to be eating; especially chocolate-covered raisins, Little Debbies, and dark chocolate orange sticks. Not to mention the numerous Diet Cokes he’d sneak throughout the day.

Tom deeply loved his family. From his marriage to Robyn Finch, he is survived by his children Rachaell, Dianna, and Michael. He was also a loving father to Melissa, whom he loved and treated as his own, and to Amanda Lyn (“Lou” to her dad), from his marriage to Janalyn Leavitt Spivey. Later in life, he married Joan Bench Spivey and lovingly embraced her children,Tami, Robby, Bryan, and Jimmy Bench as part of his family. He also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, many of whom lovingly answered to “Peanut” at one point or another.

He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn McDougall, whom he loved dearly.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents George Pete Spivey and Ruth Jane Arrowsmith Spivey Blair; his brother, Glen Spivey; his wife, Janalyn Leavitt Spivey; and Joan’s children, Tami Bench Richins and Robby Bench.

Tom will be remembered as a jokester, a traveler, a proud veteran, a gambler, an entertainment lover, and most importantly, a man who loved his people deeply and generously. His life touched more people than could ever fit into an obituary, and his stories will continue to be told for years to come.

He will be deeply missed.