ALCC community remembers Tom Trench Email
Written by Colorado Green NOW   
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 05:00 AM

“Fabulous!”

Among the recollections of Tom Trench that were shared in recent days, one anecdote was shared repeatedly. When he entered a room or answered the phone and ALCC peers asked, “How are you, Tom,” his reply was always a booming, “I’m fabulous!”

Tom Trench & familyTom Trench was born July 1, 1949 and grew up in Cold Spring Hills on Long Island, New York. "He worked as a stockbroker for a time, but his pride was in landscaping,” recalls his daughter Laurie. His father worked in the landscape industry, and Tom followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing his love and passion for plants, design, and the outdoors.

He was associated with a number of companies in the Colorado landscape industry over the years, notably Cooperative Design Resource (CDR), Colorado Living Spaces and Upbeet Landscapes. He served on the ALCC board and was president in 2004. He also volunteered his time with the communications committee, representing the landscape industry in the media many times on television.

Trench’s upbeat attitude, positivity, and sincere interest in others is what landscape industry peers will remember most vividly. “Tom was genuinely interested in people,” recalls Jillian King, who worked with Tom at Landscape Systems and Designs, LLC. “That was clear, even to clients who never knew him well. When I started working with him six or seven years ago, he really invested in me, helping me build my career and providing me with opportunities. But he also invested on a personal level and cared about what was going on in my life. And he was like that with everyone he met.”

Tom Trench passed away Friday, February 19, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. His family invites those who wish to honor his memory to make a donation to a scholarship fund being established in his honor.*

Tom Trench and CDR teamJennifer Verprauskus, who worked with Trench at Cooperative Design Resources (CDR), recalls, “Few have ever radiated as much enthusiasm and positive energy as Tom. As a mentor, colleague and friend he influenced all around him. His passing is not only a great loss to this industry but to everyone whose life he touched. As a mentor and close friend of mine, Tom taught me the ins and outs of the green industry. It is my hope that through the memorial scholarship he can continue to influence those who didn't have the opportunity to learn by his side.”

Ashton Tucker, owner of Artscapes Landscape and Design, said, "Tom Trench...was an extremely dedicated and hardworking employee of Artscapes Landscape and Design. He came into the office each day with a hearty smile and a strong willingness to embrace the day with positivity. It is hard to imagine an employee more dedicated to his work and clients than Tom. He truly loved his job as a Landscape Designer and took a personal interest in the people he encountered each day. Tom never failed to welcome co-workers, clients and visitors with warmth and acceptance. He would constantly show pictures of his granddaughter to friends and strangers alike and looked forward to time spent with his family. To say we will miss Tom Trench is an understatement; he was a light in this world and we will always remember him as such."

"We were shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing," said John McMahon, ALCC CEO. "He was a valued member of our industry, and it is clear by the outpouring of love we've seen that he had a tremendous impact on many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues."

The ALCC community has begun sharing memories of Tom Trench since the news of his passing. Kristen Fefes, who served as ALCC Executive Director during Trench’s time as ALCC board president, will remember him as someone who loved the industry and loved connecting with people. “He always finished his calls to lapsed members before anyone else and offered to make more calls when he was done….He was an enthusiastic, positive, forward-thinking man who was a peer to everybody regardless of their experience or the size of their company.”

From Matt Schovel of SavATree: “Tom has been a pillar in the industry in Colorado for many years. We go back a long time and share membership in the ‘old timers’ club. Tom had such a great outlook on the future of the industry and always shared his vision with us all. It was always great to catch up with him at industry events and talk about things outside of work. He will be missed.”

Checks can be made to ALCC (please put on the memo line “Tom Trench scholarship”) and send to ALCC, 1660 S. Albion St, Ste. 831 80222. For those who wish to donate electronically, Jennifer Verprauskus has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Condolences can be sent c/o Debbie Trench, 12687 E Bates Cir, Aurora CO 80014.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Get motivated with peer networking
New Plant Select plants for 2021
PPP changes meant to improve access for smallest businesses