Thomas Harvey Nankervis, 68, passed away on August 21, 2026, at UCHealth Anschutz Medical Campus after a courageous battle with MDS.

Tom was born on November 8, 1957, in Flint, Michigan, to Cliff and Madalyn Nankervis. He grew up in Flint and graduated from Flint Southwestern High School. From an early age, Tom had a love for hockey and went on to play junior hockey before eventually making his way west and building a life in Fruita, Colorado.

Tom was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family. He worked as a heavy equipment operator before becoming a supervisor of Road and Bridge for the City of Fruita. But while his career was something he could be proud of, Tom would tell you that his greatest accomplishments were being a husband, a father, and a grandfather.

Tom was the kind of person who made life more fun simply by being in the room. He was always ready with a joke, a story, or a way to make someone laugh. He had a big personality, a big heart, and a way of making people feel like they belonged. If you knew Tom, you probably have a story about something he said or did that still makes you laugh.

His greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband to Nancy and a loving father to Rory and his wife, Mackayley, and Brett. Being a grandfather to Manu, Moana, and Nixon brought him an incredible amount of joy. Tom loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports and was always their biggest fan. Their accomplishments were his accomplishments, and he never missed an opportunity to tell someone how proud he was of them.

Tom and Nancy shared a love of the outdoors and making memories with the people they cared about. They loved camping with family and friends, especially their Memorial Day camping trips and trips to Ridgway. They enjoyed riding their side-by-side together, taking the boat to the lake, and simply spending time outdoors. Tom didn't need anything fancy to be happy. Give him his family, his friends, a campfire, and a cold night under the stars, and he was right where he wanted to be.

He also loved golf and treasured the time he spent playing with his sons and his good friends Russ Crawford, Steve Martin, and Rick Stengel. And there was never a shortage of conversation, laughter, or competition.

Tom never lost his connection to Detroit. He was a lifelong fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions. Whether they were winning or losing, he remained loyal to his teams. His passion for hockey, football, and sports was something he loved sharing with his family.

Some of the memories that will be treasured most are the simple ones: sitting around a campfire with friends and family, singing Bob Seger songs all night, laughing until everyone was exhausted, watching the kids and grandkids play, or just riding around with Nancy enjoying the day. Those ordinary moments were never really ordinary when Tom was there.

In recent months, Tom faced one of the greatest challenges of his life. He was diagnosed with MDS and began a difficult journey toward a bone marrow transplant. His son Rory became his donor. Father and son shared a bond that went beyond words, and Rory couldn’t be more honored to give him one more chance at life.

Tom underwent his bone marrow transplant and began the long road of recovery. His son Brett in a selfless act spent every day with him in the hospital. Even after everything he had been through, he continued to fight. Unfortunately, during his recovery, Tom suffered a massive stroke and a blood clot in his heart. Despite the incredible efforts of his medical team and the love and support surrounding him, his body could not overcome what it had been through.

Tom's final chapter was marked by the same courage and determination that defined so much of his life. He fought hard, surrounded by Brett and Nancy who loved him deeply.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Cliff and Madalyn Nankervis.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Nankervis; his sons, Rory Nankervis, Brett Nankervis, Rory’s wife Mackayley; his grandchildren, Manu, Moana, and Nixon; and his sisters, Ann Yancy, Linda Sterling, Mary Walker, and Ruth Nankervis. He also leaves behind countless friends, extended family members, coworkers, and loved ones whose lives were made better simply because they knew him.

Tom will be remembered for his hard work, his loyalty, his love of sports and the outdoors, and most of all, his sense of humor. He will be remembered for the jokes that came at exactly the right—or sometimes wrong—moment. He will be remembered around campfires, on the golf course, at the lake, on the trails, in the stands watching his grandchildren play, and every time a Bob Seger song comes on.

But most of all, Tom will be remembered for the love he gave his family.

He was Nancy's husband, Rory and Brett's dad, Manu, Moana, and Nixon's Umpa(Grandpa), and a friend to so many. He was a man who worked hard, loved fiercely, laughed often, and made memories wherever he went.

Although his time with us was far too short, Tom left behind something that cannot be taken away: a lifetime of love, laughter, stories, and memories.

Until we meet again, Dad. We love you, and we'll miss you more than words can say.

Funeral Service

A viewing will be held on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m.

Downtown Vineyard Church 402 Grand Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

The service is open to all friends and family. A funeral reception will follow the service.

Please join Tom's family and friends as we celebrate his life, honor his memory, and share the stories and laughter that made Tom so unforgettable.