It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we share the passing of Tom Coe, who left us far too soon.

Tom lived with integrity, humor, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

By profession, he was an attorney — raised in Manchester-By-The Sea, Massachusetts, graduated from U-Mass Lowell and Seattle University Law School. Tom was thorough and principled. He believed in doing the work and questioning the status quo. Clients trusted him. Colleagues respected him. Opposing counsel learned quickly that he was both kind and formidable. He loved a good argument, especially if it involved logic, justice, or which ski line was clearly the better choice.

Outside the office, his true chambers were made of granite and snow.

A passionate back country skier, Tom found joy in earning his turns. He respected the mountains, studied the snowpack like a case file, and believed that the best runs were the ones you had to work for. Skinning uphill in the quiet winter light was his version of meditation. He would tell you the risk was worth it — not for the adrenaline, but for the silence and perspective at the top.

When the snow melted, he traded skis for climbing shoes. Rock climbing was both puzzle and poetry to him. He loved the focus it demanded, the trust it required, and the way it forced you to commit. Friends knew that a “quick climb” with him was never quick, but it was always worth it – from the steepest parts of New England, the desert Southwest, the Sierra Nevada, the Rockies, the Cascades, the Olympics and the Alps – Tom tackled it all.

Of all the summits he reached, his proudest was his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shelagh, his equal in strength and spirit, who grounded him, supported every adventure, and somehow tolerated gear drying in various corners of the house. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and well-worn trail maps.

He adored his two sons, Russell and Johan, who inherited his curiosity, courage, and, perhaps, his ability to debate at the dinner table. Tom was dedicated to coaching Russell and Johan’s little league baseball teams and loved encouraging them to focus on the ball and teasing them for the strikes they endured. He was their biggest believer, ski coach, climbing mentor, and late-night advice giver. He taught them how to tie knots, how to read a slope, how to think critically, and how to stand up for what matters. More importantly, he taught them how to show up — fully and wholeheartedly.

Tom believed that life, like climbing or skiing, requires preparation, partnership, and the willingness to take a calculated leap. He lived deliberately. He loved fiercely. He laughed often — especially at himself and with others.

Though his years were too few, his impact was enormous. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, adventure, and devotion — and a garage full of gear that will take some time to sort through.

Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife Shelagh, sons Russell and Johan, Ulla Britt Coe, Anna Britt Coe (Walter), Stefan Coe (Sarah, Laila and Annika); Marc Englert (Elise, Melkamu and Mesafint), Missy Stockton (Paul, Will and Henry) and Carol Englert. Tom was preceded in death by his father David Coe. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to spend time outside, advocate for what you believe in, hug your people tightly, and, when facing a steep climb or long uphill skin track, remember his favorite advice: “One step at a time — it’s a bluebird day.”

He will be missed beyond measure and loved without end.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 17, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Bainbridge Island Rowing Center adjacent to the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Park. A livestream link will be provided on this page prior to May 17.