Thomas Michael Christian, age 74, passed away on December 9, 2019 at his home in Dearborn, Michigan.  Born on July 3, 1945 to Frank B. and Mary H. (Winand) Christian, Tom grew up in Dearborn and graduated from Dearborn High School.  During his high school years, he participated in Dearborn's Junior Hockey League, in which his father was a coach.  Following high school, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor's degree and an MBA.

For some years after graduation, he worked as a CPA at major accounting firms and as an investment broker.  A discovered aptitude for land development led him to work with three different companies in real estate development for companies such as Kraft.

Following his retirement, his increasing respect for and concern with veterans led him to become an honorary member of the Dearborn detachment of the Marine Corps League, where he formed several fast friendships with WWII vets.  Also, his life-long love of the University of Michigan, his passion for Wolverines football and his connection with a veterans' organization moved him to co-found, in conjunction with the University, the Veteran of the Game Tailgate LLC.  This organization honors a U.S. veteran at every home football game, presenting him or her to the packed stadium at half time and hosting the veteran and family at the large VOG tailgate area, where they can watch the band march in and get to meet the drum major and band members.  In inclement weather, the veteran and family can watch the game in a suite.  His association with the Veteran of the Game Tailgate gave Tom great joy.

Tom is survived by his daughter Lauren, his sister Mary Beth (Harris) of New Bern, NC, niece Kathleen Monroe of San Francisco, CA and cousin Jan Sturges of Tucson, AZ.  A private service is planned.  Memorial donations can be made to the Veteran of the Game Tailgate LLC; see their FB page for information.