Thomas G. Van Amburgh's Obituary
Thomas G. Van Amburgh, beloved husband, father, brother and son, passed away December 15, 2018. He was born July 17, 1951 to parents John H. and Joanne Van Amburgh in Dallas and was raised in the Park Cities. A gifted athlete and lifelong Highland Park Scot, Tom graduated in 1969 from Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he was voted Class Favorite and excelled on the field as a star quarterback and Captain of the 1968-1969 Highland Park football team. Tom attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He played football during his four years at the school, his senior as team Captain, and earned his Bachelor’s in Business in 1973. Tom was as a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Law School in 1976. He began his legal career at Turner, Rodgers and Calloway, and started his own practice in 1994. Widely respected in the field of general civil law in North Texas for more than 40 years, he was a dedicated practicing attorney until the time of his passing. A devoted husband, Tom married Sarah Marlar Van Amburgh in 1975, and was a loving, supportive and involved father to his three children, Taylor, Kirby and Peyton. Tom’s love of athletics, especially football, led him to coaching, where he volunteered for the YMCA and other youth sports leagues as a coach for over 40 teams over 24 years. His leadership, discipline, focus, and commitment to excellence inspired hundreds of young men to strive for greatness, not only in sports but in all areas of their lives. His proudest moments were developing character in his young players. As the oldest of five children, Tom was known for his integrity, strong sense of responsibility, outstanding character, and determination in everything that he did. He was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Tom could also grill the “perfect steak” and was happiest sharing jokes and stories with loved ones over plates of Texas Barbecue. Tom is preceded in death by his father John H. Van Amburgh. He is survived by his mother Joanne Van Amburgh, his wife Sarah Van Amburgh, his sons Taylor and Peyton Van Amburgh, his daughter Kirby and her husband Greg Rock. He will be missed by countless friends and family, including his siblings Steve, John, Michael, and Amy Van Amburgh, the “fifth Van Amburgh brother” Bob Young, and his beloved dog and best buddy Beau. A memorial service and celebration of Tom’s life will be held Friday, December 21st at 11am in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home at 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas in Tom’s name.
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