Thomas Lee "Tom" Corbin
Sep 29, 1947 -
Dec 14, 2024
Thomas Lee Corbin (Sept. 29, 1947–Dec. 14, 2024, Anchorage), age 77, was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, and adopted by Raymond "Pete" and Evelyn Bailey Corbin. He grew up in Gunnison, Colo., where he developed a love for the outdoors, sharing many moments hunting, fishing and skiing with his father.
Tom graduated from Gunnison County H.S. (1965) and attended Western State College of CO, lettering in cross-country, track and Nordic skiing under coach Sven Wiik. He was a member of the U.S. Cross-Country Ski Team from 1968-75, competing on both the "A" and "B" squads.
After earning his Ed. degree in 1970, Tom moved to Anchorage in 1971 to teach and coach at the newly opened Service-Hanshew Secondary School. He taught various subjects and coached cross-country, skiing and track until 2000. He also spent summers teaching and counseling at McLaughlin Youth Center, later becoming a Juvenile Justice Officer. Tom's career extended into roles as a probation officer and youth counselor.
A coach to olympians and champions, Tom's legacy includes numerous skiers, biathletes and athletes in the Anchorage mountain running, cross-country skiing and biking communities. His influence went far beyond sports, leaving a lasting impact on all he mentored.
Despite 30 surgeries and health challenges, including orthopedic and cardiac procedures, Tom never gave up. He continued to train, compete and coach, embodying perseverance and courage, even through his battle with mantle cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Tom appreciated the community built over five decades of teaching, coaching and friendships. He is survived by his son, Mike of Wasilla, and countless individuals whose lives he touched. As Tom said, "All in all... despite 30 lifetime surgeries and 77 years... it has been a very good ride."
A celebration of life will be held in Anchorage in spring 2025. Email RememberingTomCorbin@mail.com for details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alaska Ski Education Foundation for a legacy trail sign project at Hillside Park, honoring those who helped Tom create trails 50-plus years ago.
