Thomas J. Harack passed away Nov. 29, 2025 suddenly at home. Adoring husband of Mercedes Amundsen. Beloved brother of his twin Anthony Harack (Gina) and sister Joanne Harack (Michael Kahan). Doting uncle of Jonathan Harack. Predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and John Harack. He will be deeply missed by his cousins, his many colleagues and friends in the golfing community, fellow alumni from Evanston Township High School, Cornell University and Northwestern University’s Madill School of Journalism, as well as every pet he ever encountered.
From his earliest years, Tom was a writer. Written for his dad as a Father’s Day gift, his first known work, with chapters “Kittens are Trouble and Smart,” “Kittens are Trouble and Fun,” and “Kittens are Trouble and Small” reflects Tom’s lifelong affection for cats and forecasts his interest in food. As a child, Tom was the fussiest eater on the planet, insisting that his McDonald’s hamburger be specially prepared with NOTHING but the meat. But once he tasted lobster at a surf ‘n turf restaurant, there was no turning back! Phone calls to his siblings invariably included the question: “What are you cooking?”
One of the most traveled golf writers in the business, he visited many of the famous courses in multiple countries across multiple continents. That frenetic travel schedule took its toll and he was happy to avoid airports in his last years.
Tom was a meticulous editor with a wicked sense of humo/ur (as a dual Canadian/American citizen, he acknowledged both spellings) who recognized absurdity, called it out in a mischievous way, and reduced us all to helpless laughter on many occasions. Per his wishes, he has been cremated, with a private memorial round of golf planned for a later date. Please “Have one for the boys overseas” in his memory. Donations in his memory to World Central Kitchen, https://wck.org/ or the charity of your choice are appreciated.