Louis Thomas “Tom” Conlin of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a devoted family man, lifelong champion of his hometown community, and a pioneering travel entrepreneur passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born October 30, 1933, Tom was a proud fourth-generation Ann Arborite who deeply loved the history and heritage of the city he called home throughout his life.

Tom graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1952 and went on to attend the University of Michigan, earning a degree in economics in 1956. Tom was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. While at Michigan he met his future bride, Carolyn Ulrich. The two married during Tom’s senior year, beginning a remarkable partnership and a lifetime of shared family, travel, and adventure. Following graduation, Tom served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1959.

In 1959, shortly after completing his service, Tom founded Conlin Travel in Ann Arbor. What began as a small local travel agency would grow into one of the region’s most innovative travel organizations. Tom entered the travel business just as the “Golden Age of Travel” was beginning, before the jet era transformed international travel.

Over the decades, Conlin Travel evolved into a diversified organization that included offices all over the country, a Travel School, a meetings and incentives company, a corporate travel division, a strong leisure travel division and The Great Lakes Cruise Company, and an Athletic Tour company running Rose Bowl tours and other bowl tours for colleges across the country.

Tom became known throughout the industry as an innovator. He organized early student charter flights to Europe and helped pioneer alumni group travel programs long before such travel became common. He organized the first ever alumni trip to China and was the first to charter the Concord for group travel to Europe. He also re-introduced cruise ships on the Great Lakes. In recognition of his decades of leadership and innovation, the American Society of Travel Agents honored him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor in the travel profession.

While Tom achieved national recognition in the travel industry, his greatest pride remained his family and his community. He shared a remarkable seventy-year marriage with his wife Carolyn. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and travel. Tom made it a priority to bring the family together regularly, believing strongly in the importance of staying connected across generations.

One of Tom’s most cherished traditions was taking each of his grandchildren, one or two at a time, on a special trip to Washington, D.C. He delighted in showing them the nation’s capital and sharing his enthusiasm for American history, occasionally even managing to arrange visits to the White House.

Travel remained a defining part of Tom’s life. When asked after decades in the travel industry what his favorite destination was, he always answered Bermuda. Tom and Carolyn traveled extensively throughout the world, exploring new cultures and places together. In retirement they developed a special affection for San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, returning there fifteen times over the years.

Tom also enjoyed a rich social life in Ann Arbor. He loved the game of golf and spent many happy hours with friends at Barton Hills Country Club. He was also active in clubs such as Golf and Outing, the Ann Arbor Club and the VP’s Club, and he treasured long lunches with close friends.

Tom’s love for Ann Arbor extended far beyond his business. A proud fourth-generation Ann Arborite, he believed strongly in supporting the institutions that shaped the city’s character and community life. Over the years, he remained actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations. Tom was a past president of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club; chairman of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Community Health Board; a member of the Advisory Board of Directors for KeyBank in Michigan; and past president of the University of Michigan Club of Ann Arbor. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Presidents Club, the Exhibit Museum of Natural History Advisory Board, and the Victors Club Friends Council.

His broader civic involvement included service on the Mayor’s Transportation Task Force and the Board of Directors of Siena Heights University. He was also an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and Barton Hills Country Club for many years.

Those who knew Tom often spoke of his warm personality and easy ability to make friends wherever he went. He had a genuine curiosity about people and enjoyed learning about their lives and work. Whether meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with an old friend, Tom’s kindness and interest in others made a lasting impression.

Faith and philanthropy were central to Tom’s life. A devout Catholic, he remained deeply supportive of his church and its community throughout his life. He was generous with both his time and resources, supporting numerous charitable organizations and causes in Ann Arbor and beyond.Tom was also known for his personal style. Having worked in a clothing store during coellege, he developed an appreciation for dressing well and carried that habit throughout his life.

Music often reflected his love of travel. Among his favorite songs were The Girl from Ipanema and Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World, reminders of the spirit of exploration that defined so much of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Ann Arbor at St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:30am with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Catholic Charities Washtenaw County (Formerly Catholic Social Services): https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cssow

Tom was a member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor for 64 years. He served as President from 1998-1999. He was active on numerous committees and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Sustainers’ Society and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.