Thomas Hudson Bay

July 15, 1931 - September 20, 2014

THOMAS (Tom) H. BAY, 83, died suddenly Saturday, September 20, 2014. Born July 1931 in Ohio, Tom was a long time resident of Bradenton, FL before moving to Sun City Center, FL two years ago. He was a mechanical engineering graduate of University of Ohio, served in the Air Force and was a rental property investor for many years in Bradenton. Known for his love of flying, Tom was a member of AOPA, EAA, several flying clubs in Sarasota and was considered the leading USA wood wing Mooney expert by Mooney Aviation Co. Next to his love of flying was biking. He often biked 50 miles daily on weekends. Tom was also an avid animal lover and broadly contributed to their welfare. Tom was a member of the Bradenton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for over 30 years and well known at the Sarasota Unitarian Church. Predeceased by his brother, Robert, he is survived by loving family: sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Don Iuler; son Jay Truesdell and family, nephews and their spouses Robert and Ruth Conner Iuler and Stephen and Lisa Iuler, all of Ohio. Also, his extended family, former spouse, companion and caregiver, Julia Bay Zem of Sun City Center, step children and spouses Mark and Tammy Crawford, Debra and Terry Shaw and Gregory and Hanh Crawford. Celebration of Tom's life will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th Street West, Bradenton, Fl. (941) 746-0067. The celebration will be followed by lunch at the fellowship social hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory to Sarasota in Defense of Animals, www.sdasarasota.com or P. O. Box 15653, Sarasota, FL 34277-1653.