I celebrate the life of Tom McEvilly. I celebrate the way he lived, his generosity, his compassion, his humor, his hospitality. I celebrate his life, because I have learned to celebrate all life at table fellowship with Tom and Dottie and their family.

They say, in one of the Scripture stories, that companions of Jesus knew him in the breaking of the bread, at table. I grew to know Tom in the breaking of really good bread from Star Grocery, in the pouring of really good wine, usually also procured from Star Grocery, and in the warm and wonderful conversations and camaraderie around his table. And not just at one table, but at the table in Berkeley, the table in Acapulco, the table in Eldon, the tables in some restaurants, and the table in a church kitchen.

I knew Tom as Dottie's husband, father to Mary, Ann, Sue, Joe, Steve and Adrian; I knew him as friend, advisor, supporter, encourager, clear thinker. I knew about him as professor, teacher, administrator, organizer. But I mostly knew him at table, bar-b-queing the turkey for Thanksgiving, serving those of us who had gathered, for whatever occasion, not only with delicious food, but with large helpings of laughter, side dishes of great stories, all surrounded with Tom's generosity and hospitality. I knew him in the serious conversations of difficult times, and I knew him in times of joy. I saw him in the boat at the lake, fishing from the dock, enjoying the sunshine. I saw him in many different roles, but the one I will remember always is Tom at table, sharing with everyone there and giving his energy to his children, to his friends, to his colleagues, to all who came to that table.

So I celebrate life, Tom's life and the life he created and was part of at table fellowship with his family and friends. I celebrate in the breaking of bread, the pouring of wine, the receiving of gifts, the remembering of sorrow and pain, the moving on from one form of life to another.

We celebrate together, as Tom would wish us to, with laughter and music, with hugs and fellowship. Whenever we gather at table, may we remember Tom and his warmth and wisdom, his compassion and caring, his generous helpings of laughter and love.