I did not have Tom in any of my classes that I can remember, but I really feel compelled now to give him credit for one thing that no one else in our class has attained.  To this day I still smile and laugh at his idea of posting his "now" and "then" photos used in our 20th reunion profile book.  The then picture was simply his high school graduation picture I'm sure and then he repeated the same pic for the "then" pic and drew in the 20 year differences with a black marker.  He added glasses, a beard, a mustache and a burning cigarette out of his mouth.  I laughed so hard when I first saw that!  He was one creative soul who left an impression on me that I cannot seem to shake to this day.  I can see him and another classmate I did know well Mark Griffen, both pranksters trying to out do each other up there while waiting for all of us to join them someday.  Thanks for the memories Tom!

I got to know Tom in 12th grade art class. We were both born again hippies and we became fast friends. I still look fondly at his dry-humored tribute to me in my senior class yearbook. I was saddened to see he had passed so young. He should have outlived me. I miss you Tom...   Peace,   Wayne Klayman Oakdale, MN

Met Tom in Grade 7 when I was much taller then (relative to other kids our age) and we played basketball together.  Very sharp elbows and a great guy to be on a team with.  By 10th grade, he was getting awfully good.  Athletic and artistic, strong views, yet often quiet in the group. Enjoyed my time trying to get his official approval, because if Tom thought you were OK...

Tom and I lived on the same block grew up together and became good friends.  I have many fond memories of Tom, David Le Sage,Dean Benjamin,Steve Steige, and I hanging as the pack of boys terrorizing the neighborhood.  I can still here his sweet mother opening the front door and saying in the kindest of voices " Tom you'll have to come in now, Boys you'll have to leave".  I know what his mother thought that some of us were a bad influence on Tom, but those of us that knew him knew that along with that kind demeanor was just was a boy just as mischievous and adventurous as any of us.Tom and I were also roommates when we went to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. We spent many nights,smoking,drinking and listing to Cat Stevens and T-Rex while solving the worlds problems.  He was a very talented man with a gentle sole.           

Know how great a belly laugh feels?!  Tom could make me belly laugh.   I looked up to him as both my brother and friend.  Tom was inclusive, supportive, an encourager and kind.  Full of ideas, his creativity was a joy, his music beautiful. His tender heart and compassionate spirit led us to name our son after him.We thank God for Tom's wife Sue.  Tom was gifted with and valued Sue's love and companionship in the final portion of his life.I loved hugging Tom 'round the middle as he was so tall.  I miss you Tom!!

What a great friend Tom was.  We grew up across the street from each other at the age of one and continued our friendship until Tom’s passing.  I admired Tom’s positive outlook on life and his ability to always see the positive in other people.  Because of that, Tom had a lot of great friends.  One of the friends Tom made after graduation was his future business partner, Bruce McFarlan.  Bruce has a great tribute to Tom on his business website – www.reelworks.com.  Look under Info, Company Bio.

Tom and I spent a lot of time together in the 5 years after HS.  We camped our way around Europe for four months in 1975.  He was  a funny, gentle,  creative, dog-loving guy.   I keep in touch with his sister, Jane,  and we share good memories of him.  The world lost a creative soul when Tom died.  He is missed.