For Tom · April 2026
A collection of stories, memories, and moments from the people who know him best.
Read the stories ↓From friends gathered across decades, continents, and the occasional rugby tour.
Tom, to me, is the definition of friend and friendship.
Most people make a lot of good acquaintances through their journey called life, and some become friends. Tom has not only made a lot of friends over the years — he has kept them. He works at it.
I’ve known Tom for over 55 years and am still amazed at the job he does keeping those friendships strong. We met at BC High in September 1970.
Not only is Tom your friend, but all his friends become your friends. And they are for life.
Tom, best of luck with this new chapter with Jane and the family. You deserve it.
Your friend for life,Joe
As a matter of fact, all my memories with Tom make me laugh. For over 50 years we’ve known each other, and every encounter has been an opportunity for a joke between the two of us.
And I’m pretty sure it won’t stop anytime soon.
After about a 45-year hiatus, I received a letter from Tom — by snail mail. I was so touched by the effort that I broke a self-imposed exile after essentially disappearing for a time.
In high school, he was uniquely hands-on, curious, intelligent, moral, and loyal. As we used to say, “a man of the trestle.”
I am happy to report he still stubbornly puts forth all those wonderful qualities. I will forever be grateful for his reaching out, which opened doors for me.
Happy retirement and 70th birthday.
I’ve had the pleasure, with Conkey Hockett and Elizabeth, of cycling around the world with Tom.
In Spain, the guides encouraged Tom to increase his cadence — his RPMs — going up inclines. Tom responded that he was saving the easier gears “just in case.” We always chant the refrain “Alta cadenza” when Tom approaches a climb.
He was the only one to go both up and down the highest pass in Norway.
To my friend Don Tomas —
Wishing you many more blue skies and smooth rides.
Con profondo rispetto,Don Davide
I would have loved to be there with all of you to celebrate the retirement of my friend Tom.
During a trip with our team, ASPTT Nantes Rugby, Tom and I wanted to symbolize our friendship — but we didn’t have a pennant. So we exchanged our underwear. It was a great moment of friendship, and I still have Tom’s boxers to this day.
Warm regards to the whole family.
“You built something rare. We are all part of it.”
— From all of us
A few decades’ worth of moments. Click any photo to view full size.