I know many people feel cheated like I do. For one thing, I never got a chance to tell Tom how much he meant to me. I remember seeing him last year - and remarking to myself how he still had that boyish look about him (he looked even younger than me!). I tried to convey how much he meant to me, but didn't get close - largely because his perennial good cheer and humor deflected my more serious intentions.

Bill Dietrich put it well when he said that Tom always had a "twinkle in his eye". He was like Gandalf: full of wisdom, cheer and good intentions. I remember my first few weeks as a grad student, coming guilt-ridden to Tom because I had been collecting my research stipend, while instead focusing intently on my coursework; he said "don't worry, keep busy with your courses - we'll get blood from you later".

We all get caught up in our daily tribulations, and often forget to stop and smell the roses. But, it seemed that Tom never seemed to get "stressed out", instead taking sincere interest in mentoring others, while so thoroughly enjoying his research interests that his enthusiasm became contagious.

Over the nearly 8 years of my graduate school involvement with Tom, he said so many things to me that I remember and carry with me to this day. He is a role model for me, and I suspect for many others as well.

So, while I cannot directly convey my appreciation to Tom for all he has done for me in my life, at least I'd like to tell his family what a hero he will always be.