Kenneth Thomas "Tom" Decoster

Kenneth Thomas “Tom” Decoster, 85, passed away on July 12, 2026, with his loving wife of 31 years, Callaway, by his side. Tom was an avid outdoorsman, a passionate advocate for conservation, a lifelong student of behavioral psychology and financial success, and an extraordinarily positive person.

Tom was born on April 7, 1941, in Berlin, New Hampshire, to John and Mary Decoster, and grew up in Gorham. He spent his youth roaming the beautiful wild lands of the White Mountains. Those early years fostered a deep appreciation in him for the rhythms of nature, as well as a lifelong connection to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

After high school, Tom entered the U.S. Navy, where he learned the skills of a jet aircraft mechanic. Following 14 years in that trade, he deliberately pursued a series of career steps that ultimately led him to financial planning. He began his formal career as a financial planner in 1983 and earned his Certified Financial Planner accreditation in 1986 from the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners after attending The College for Financial Planners in Denver, Colorado. Over the course of his career, Tom participated as a member of the International Association of Financial Planners, the New Hampshire Estate Planning Council, and the New Hampshire Employee Benefits Council.

Tom married Callaway, known to many as Callie, in 1995. Together they built a life filled with travel, laughter, friendships, and the companionship of their many beloved dogs.

Tom’s personal mission was captured in his own words: “My mission in life is to help people build, maintain and perpetuate wealth & happiness. I do this by helping them recognize the difference between an ocean of information and the essence of wisdom.” He studied lifestyle and financial success for more than 50 years, and at age 71 wrote Creating the Good Life—A Practical Guide to Personal and Financial Happiness, a self-help book drawing on his life experience to help others make meaningful changes and maximize daily opportunities for happiness.

Throughout seven decades, Tom remained an enthusiastic hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. His adventures took him to Alaska, Newfoundland, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and across New Hampshire, where his outdoor pursuits even included lobstering. His time in nature deepened his commitment to conservation, a cause he championed in local towns, in Concord, and Washington, D.C. Tom served as president of both the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited and participated with distinction in numerous other nonprofit organizations.

Tom was also an avid lover of music, especially country, and played guitar for more than five decades—for anyone who would listen!

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Callaway; his children, Laura, Gary, and Rebecca; his stepchildren, Robert, Ryan, and Caitlin; and six grandchildren: Benjamin, Jacob, Riley, Jasmine, Makennah, and Sayward.

Tom’s life was defined by curiosity, resilience, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of building a good life. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, conservation, friendship, music, passion of the outdoors, and deep devotion to those he loved.

A Celebration of Life honoring Tom's life, enduring friendships, and lasting contributions to his community will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized.