Thomas “Tom” Richard Auger Sr.
Thomas “Tom” Richard Auger Sr., 63, of Millersburg, died Friday, December 22, 2023 at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Born in Rogers City December 1, 1960, Tom was the son of Ivan and Maureen “Eenie” (Freel) Auger. Raised in Millersburg, Tom graduated from Onaway High School in 1979. It was in Fort Lauderdale, on a rainy day, back in 1991, that Tom met Isabel “Izzy” Salazar. He asked if he could sit next to her on a bench and they’ve been together ever since. In July of 1999, Tom, Izzy, and their son, Tommy, moved home to Millersburg from Florida. On March 26, 2021, after 30 years together, Tom and Izzy were married in Rogers City.
Tom worked as a press operator at Tube Fab in Afton for many years and for a time was employed by the Lieghio family in Mackinaw City working at their various hotels. A sports’ enthusiast, Tom loved watching sports, talking sports, and catching an early glimpse of Major League Baseball at spring training in Florida. He enjoyed watching baseball, football and basketball. And though he loved watching the Tigers, Lions and Pistons, he loved watching Tommy and Cortez play their sports even more. Tom was their biggest fan, always on the sidelines or in the bleachers to cheer them on and support the Onaway Cardinals. An avid collector of sports’ memorabilia, Tom continually added to his impressive collection of baseball cards.
Being raised in northern Michigan, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing. He spent a lot of time in his garage where he made woodcrafts and tinkered with his projects. Quite creative and artistic, he could draw exceptionally well. Tom’s kids have fond memories of having the best Valentine’s Day box in the class as their dad helped them to craft something unique and incredibly cool with his creativity and fantastic imagination.
Tom’s greatest passion was his family. He was devoted to Izzy and was by her side to raise children and grandchildren. He was her rock and emotional support through her cancer journey. They were always there for each other through the best times as well as the difficult. They were best friends and wonderful parents. Tom loved Izzy’s children and grandchildren as they were his own and couldn’t have been prouder of his son, Tommy.
Much like his dad, Tom was strong-willed and didn’t show his emotions (except when Tommy and Cortez were playing sports.) He sometimes came across as gruff even though he had a tender heart and was quite easygoing. He loved to have fun, joke around and laugh. He had a strong faith in God and atten
Tom leaves his wife, Izzy, of Millersburg; sons, Tommy Auger (Lexi Szymoniak) of Onaway, Cortez Washington of Lansing, and Gregory (Natalie) Smith of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; daughters, Christina Smith (Terrance Jackson) of Fort Lauderdale and Samantha (Shane) Cauley of Orlando, Floria; grandchildren, TJ, Tyre and Vivianna; as well as his brother, Scott (Ursula) Auger of Highland; and his niece and nephew, Brittany and Zachary Auger, both of Highland. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Eenie Auger.
At this time there will be no services as cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in the spring. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Tom to his family to help with final expenses. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.