Thomas Lee 'Tom' Eastburn, age 71, of Hot Springs SD, passed away suddenly July 17, 2019, at his home in Hot Springs, SD.

Born May 25th, 1948, in Williston, ND to George and Doris (Johnson) Eastburn, Tom was the oldest of three children. Tom graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks, ND in 1966, before obtaining a BS in Education from the University of North Dakota in 1972.

Before moving to Hot Springs, Tom spent over 20 years in Alaska working in the oil industry. A former local 375 journeyman pipefitter and parts coordinator for British Petroleum, he spent many years on the North Slope. In 1987, Tom began taking pottery classes at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, with the intention of getting an easy A. From there his passion for pottery grew and he became the well-known owner of the "Works In Clay" studio and galley which specialized in handmade pottery, tile, sculptures, and mono prints.

His energetic cheerful attitude was infectious. Self-proclaimed "Hairy Potter", Tom was more than just a man who knew how to throw pots, he was truly an artist. He had a genuine and gentle soul who often said he was "a lover not a fighter" and he truly lived up to that statement. His pride and joy in the last four years was his grandson, Thomas. Often stopping people in the streets and in restaurants Tom would bombard everyone with photos and stories of the "little rascal". He was a proud and eccentric man who lived by no one's rules except his own.

He will truly be missed and will always be loved.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents George and Doris (Johnson) Eastburn, as well as his nephew, Derrick Rogalla.

He is survived by his daughter, Lauren (Alex & Garrison) Hostiuck; grandson, Thomas; sisters, Nancy "Ootsen" Eastburn of San Diego, CA; and Lori Eastburn of Finley, ND.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held 11:00 a.m., Sunday, August 25th, 2019 at the Chautauqua Park in Hot Springs.

Ashes will be scattered, and a memorial plaque will be placed in Westfield Cemetery, Sharon, ND.

A memorial fund will be set up (active August 1) under "Tom Eastburn Memorial" with Wells Fargo.