Some Of The Best Times Of My Life!

We would all sit out front of Toms cabin, one guide had a guitar and would play or we would listen to Toms music and B.S. all night. Those were some of the best times of my life.
One other thing Tom used to do that was funny is we would all go down to one of the lakes by the lodge after the clients left and play horseshoes. Tom would line up look both ways then kick dirt back like a bull about to charge.
I know it is hard to imagine but it was hilarious.----good times! Live, laugh, love and be happy is right because that is how Tom lived!

Patrick

The Great Bear Spray Incident

Here is a quick funny story. Tom and I were on our dayoff and got flown out to a river to check it out and fish all day. We had a blast and when we got to the lake to wait for our plane we had left a few cold beers so we were sitting there BSing when I told Tom I had this can of bear spray for 3 years now and wondered if it still was any good. Tom said "Go ahead and spray it once the wind was going away from us." So I gave it a good spray, of course the wind changed and blew it back on us. We both were crying and laughing at the same time. I mean we were both really hurting but we just couldn’t stop laughing. Anyways as you know that was Tom for you.

Patrick

Tom Never Let Anything Get Him Down

Did you ever hear about the night Tom and 2 clients were stranded overnight in Sept up at the pickup lake on the American, if not it was pretty crazy. Tom took these 2 guys from New York that weren’t the best clients, I think they were lawyers of course. I got picked up and a huge storm rolled in when I got back to the lodge. Chris tried a few times to fly in and pick Tom up but he just couldn’t do it. It rained and rained all night long. All I could think about was this really stinks for Tom. I knew there wasn’t much wood out there and all they had was the lunch they took. Anyways as early as Chris could fly he went and got them. I was waiting by the lake when they pulled in. First the 2 clients hopped out looking like death warmed over and not happy, then Tom popped out with a big smile on his face as always. We got back to his cabin and he told me how they were freaking out about the bears coming to get them and complaining about no food, etc. So of course Tom never letting anything get him down tried to keep them busy by picking berries and collecting a little firewood. All night long they whined and were freaked out , but Tom held it together.Tom hopped off the plane after being out in the rain all night with a couple of bad clients and had a big smile on his face. It is just funny how he never let a crazy situation get him down.

Patrick

Happy 40th Birthday Tom! You Are Still The Best!

My Last "Irish Jig" With Tom

This was my last season guiding with Tom in Alaska. Tom and I were dropped off on Kulilk lake with are 2 rafts and 4 clients for the day. We both started pumping up the rafts by a foot pedal and as you know Tom made it fun by doing a little foot dance as he pumped up the little rafts. Like a irish jig dance the clients always howled and it broke up the monotonous foot pumping I always did the same dance with those rafts. They were tiny, I mean big enough for me to sit in the middle and the clients to sit on each end with there legs hanging off the ends.. We had done this a dozen times and we were guiding some Brits or clients from England and they were fun guys. Anyways we finished blowing up our "Charlie Brown" rafts, loaded up and started down the river. Tom was in the lead and I was a little ways back. I came around the first big corner and I could see Tom rowing in front about a 100 yards out but he was waving his arms at me. So as I came around the corner completely I saw a sow bear on the left and a sub adult cub on the right.. I knew this wasn’t good and knew why Tom was waving at me and as soon as I thought about it the sow stood up and started clacking her teeth, it is worst then someone scratching a chalkboard. So I was already commited and couldn’t pull over I started rowing for my life (thinking Tom made it I can to). So I was rowing this little Charlie brown raft as fast as it could go. The sow already mad at Tom was not happy and charged my raft the clients thought it was like Disney Land and were taking pictures without a care in the world. While I was rowing and getting my pepper spray ready at the same time. Anyways the sow stopped mid stream only because it was deep enough she couldn’t get to us and had to swim. I was freaked out, I met up with Tom at the first pull off to fish and set the clients up with there rods. I was still shaking terribly when Tom said when we were alone, "Have you checked your waders because I need to check mine." We both kind of laughed it off as we both trembled tying on flies the rest of the day. I mean I had been close enough to touch Bears by accident all the time but never had one do a full charge at me ready to tear me up. That was the end for me. I told Tom I am done and that was the last season I guided in Alaska.

Patrick

Stomach Still Hurts From Laughing

Hello,
I was glad to find this site for Tom and it is such a great tribute to the great guy he was,
I wanted to add a little bit about Tom as a flyfishing guide. It is hard to put into words the many memories I shared guiding in Alaska with Tom, I first met Tom when we both started guiding at Royal Wolf Lodge. We became good friends right off the bat, he was the best fishing buddy I ever had and I have so many great fishing stories and days dual guiding with Tom that I could go on and on. Tom had such a great sense of humor that everybody loved. We had so many good laughs after a day of guiding that my stomach still hurts from laughing. I will only put in these two pranks that Tom and I did that were pretty funny at the time, we had a young rookie guide that was taking some clients on a long hike the next day to one of the remote rivers we guided. Tom thought it would be funny to put a few big rocks in the bottom of his backpack for the day. So we did and we were waiting for him to return back at the lodge. He arrived looking a little tired and steamed for a 21 year old guy. The next was putting a few beed’s in some unnamed guides waders. It was one of many little harmless pranks that Tom came up with. He was hilarious and his attitude was one of a kind. First off he was one hell of a flyfishing guide. I always strived to not just be a knowledgeable guide but one that people would never forget. I learned that from Tom. He was one of those people that you just always wanted to be around. He was so patient and enjoyed getting other people into big fish more then himself. He was the best teacher/friend anyone could ever ask for. I know there are countless fishermen that have great memories fishing with the best guide I have ever known. I always think of Tom when I wet a line or when I take somebody fishing. He is missed dearly and always will be remembered. My condolences to his wife Julie, daughter Lindsay and family.

Sincerely
Patrick Hamman
www.patrickhamman.com

REMEMBERING TOM

REMEMBERING TOM ...

Nearly a year ago, our son, Tom died tragically in a floatplane crash in Alaska. It has been a very difficult time for us. We have been trying to think how we can best honor Tom’s memory of his life in his favorite place on earth Alaska. In cooperation with Joyanna Geiser, Director of The Independent Living Center in Homer, AK, we have developed a Tom Beatty Memorial Fund to support Alaskans with disabilities. Tom was the Director of their TRAILS program where he enabled folks with disabilities to have fun learning to enjoy the outdoors through fishing, kayaking, skiing and other activities. His love of adventure, teaching new skills, and his unique ability to encourage people of all abilities to expand their horizons gave so many a new outlook on life. His good-natured manner gave people confidence in themselves and immense satisfaction in achievements they never thought possible.

One example, a young man named Greg was paralyzed from the waist down from an auto accident as a teenager. Down on life and close to giving up, Tom encouraged Greg to learn to ski at the Aleyeska Ski Resort in a special device called a “mono ski” “You can sit on the couch or come out on the slopes”, Tom would challenge. With natural ability, Greg soon mastered the ski so well that Tom took him to the Paralympic Training Center in Vail 2007. The trip was funded by The Independent Living Center. Although crushed by Tom’s death, Greg returned again to Vail in 2008 and has committed himself to move to Colorado to continue training for the Paralympics. His training and equipment will benefit from Tom’s Memorial Fund.

Greg wrote us in an email “Tom was such a big influence on my life. He gave me back the thing I needed the most - hope.”

Tom believed that everyone, no matter their disability must take responsibility as their part in learning new challenges. This fund will enable The Independent Living Center to sponsor individuals like Greg and many others willing to take that responsibility to turn their disabilities into new found abilities.

We ask your support in this endeavor by making a contribution to The Independent Living Center. The enclosed brochure elaborates on the fund and its purpose. We also enclose a small copy of the Memorial Citation created by the Alaska State Legislature in recognition of Tom’s remarkable work with the people of Alaska.

signed by Russ and Jane

TOM BEATTY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS & PROGRAMS

Greg and Tom at The Olympic Training Center in Vail, Colorado

JOIN US... in helping others have the time of their lives by donating to the Tom Beatty Memorial; assisting persons of all abilities to participate in recreation and individual pursuits.

TOM'S LEGACY......
Tom loved life and lived it to the fullest, whether he was carving a turn at Alyeska, hooking a big one on the American Creek in Katmai or going on a Monster Slide at the water park with his daughter Lindsay. But most of all Tom loved seeing people of all abilities having fun and trying out new adventures no matter how big or small. Tom's energy and life lives on in all who knew him. The Tom Beatty Memorial will support Alaskans with disabilities to pursue their dreams of adventure, fun and confidence in life.

HOW YOU CAN HELP.....
The Independent Living Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides services to people and families experiencing disabilities. TRAILS is our inclusive recreation component that incorporates recreation, adventure and community into our services and our lives. Tom was an integral part of the development of TRAILS. Tom's family, co-workers and friends have come together to find a way of sharing Tom's love and joy of the outdoors. This Memorial Fund will enable us to provide unique activities and/or equipment for individuals wishing to access adventure and personal dreams. We are asking those who knew Tom and those who support his mission of everyone having fun in life to please make your tax deductible donations to:

TOM BEATTY MEMORIAL (C/O ILC)
BOX 2474
HOMER, ALASKA 99603


Caleb horsin' around with Tom on the Kenai River.

Where there's a will there's a way; fishing the Kasilof with Colton, Tom and Jaha.

Chanda and Tom hit the ice in TRAILS new sledge.

Tom setting up camp for TRAILS first overnight.

Jeremey and Tom paddling in Kayaker's Cove.

Colton and Tom fishing Johnson Lake.

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

Tribute To Tom

We are so grateful to Senator Con Bunde of the Alaska Legislature for this beautiful tribute to our son. Tom will always live in our hearts. He'll never be forgotten. Russ and Jane

Click on image to read.

The smile that will last forever..taken the day before.

A Valentine For You Tom, My Friend!

Tom, I didn't write these myself but I wish I had. It might be a little sappy "smile", which I know will make you squirm, but it states so clearly my feelings this Valentines Day, so I'm going to post it anyway "smile". I Miss You My Friend!! Happy Valentines Day, know that you are loved!!!

Valentine’s Day reminds me
how meaningful my feelings are for you.
You have a special place in my world
that no one else could fill.
Out of your overflowing heart,
you add color and light to my life.
You continually cross my mind,
like a precious dose of sunshine,
lighting me up inside--
as I think of you
and the lasting memories
we have created together.
No Valentine gift
is as precious to me
as you are,
my Valentine friend.

People come and people go,
In and out of your life and so,
When one shines bright among the rest,
And is there when needed, you’re truly blessed.
That is how I see you, friend of mine,
And why I’m sending this Valentine.

Poem By Karl Fuchs
Entry By KA

Tom Beatty Cool

I'm glad to find this site. I didn't know Tom that long, but the time that I did know him was awesome. We both spent years in Santa Cruz, (I grew up there and left in '02) both down at the water, in town, and at the University. I'm bummed we never knew each other in SC, but I bet we passed each other on W. Cliff drive many times (on bikes, of course). We also both worked for Challenge Alaska, which is where I was finally lucky enough to meet him. Tom was a rock star in everything he did for Challenge, at ski school, and also for other projects. He helped me a lot with the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Sadler's Ultra Challenge Criterium in downtown Anchorage on the 4th of July. It was amazing how in tune we were....it was like the vulcan mind meld....we didn't say much, we just dove in and got it done. Thing is....I hear that alot about Tom. My connection with him wasn't really all that unique. He was just one of those rare guys who could put anybody at ease. I think most people who met him immediately liked him, and I'm certainly no exception.

Although I only knew Tom for a brief few years of his too short life, I still think about him often and I know that he's dropping a knee, or dropping in on a wave somewhere right now. Maybe he's out at the Lane or at Pleasure Point, or maybe he's skiing some deep in the Chugach backcountry. No matter, you can bet that I will always tip one for you, Tom...whether in SC, AK or anywhere else I happen to reminded of what cool really is....it's Tom Beatty cool.

- Ian Lawless, Challenge Alaska

Good Vibes!

I met Tom at the Royal Wolf Lodge when I was hired late in the summer of 2001 to fill a vacant position. I soon realized he was revered as a top guide. The clients would gather before dinner for drinks, appetizers and I would get a feel for their character and personality. One client in particular was low key and an avid guide himself (where ever he hailed from) and later Tom said that he learned so much from this man when he was guiding him during the client's stay. I liked that Tom could acknowledge learning something new from a guest at the lodge and the two of them seemed like such a good match. No egos involved, just love of the sport and teaching each other.
I was only at the lodge for 5 weeks, it can get very lonely being away from your family and usual life. All of the other staff would be there for over 3 months with no breaks to leave. Chris and Linda, the lodge owners, welcomed spouses to visit for awhile and I remember when Julie came out. The picture that stays in my head is seeing Tom paddling the canoe as he and Julie cruised on the nearby lake.

Tom recieved letters from his dad and the return address just said, DAD. He said his dad always addressed it that way-I got good vibes from that about his family.

Tom, I and another guide flew out together at the end of the season. We left the lodge for King Salmon where we waited in a local bar for the plane to Anchorage while sipping our beers. A few months later I saw Tom at Alyeska at a Special Olympics outing.
A few years go by, I'm working at the Independent Living Center in Seward and Tom gets hired for the Homer office. It was great to see him again. I knew right away with his background at Challenge Alaska and Special Olympics that he would be an asset to our organization. He was a natural working with our consumers - always friendly, humorous and professional.
He was a whirlwind at his job in Homer and really just getting started. He always had a genuine hug for everyone at our ILC retreats or visiting our office. He was a people magnet.

He visited the Seward office close to returning to the lodge and I made sure I had 1/2 and 1/2 for coffee which he preferred. Outside of work-related topics, we both agreed the coffee and porter beer brewed in Anchorage was terrific. I miss him. Diane Lind

Skiing Bros-Tom and GP

TOM
I know ur up there smiling down that's what helps me with my frown!
While you are up there I hope you know how much I love you so!
I'm sorry I never told you but I know you knew!
It was you when I got on that mountain again I felt like we were the only two!
With you getting so stoked about me winning and me thinking about spinning!
I miss you more and more each day I dont know what to say!
I had the best time of my life with you in Vail, it was sick as hell!
It would be the most fun if we could ski one more run!
Man we are skiing bros and we put on so many shows!
You have belief in me to fulfill any of my dreams, we can beat any teams!
I have a sense of bless with the years I had with you in my life but I am still a mess!
I guess God has gave us the true test to be like you smiply the best!
Thank you for what you did teach me because I dont know what I'd be!
Your strong will gave me the hope to go up any hill!
Every time I race I will remember your face, and it will put me in my happy place!
You told me the goal was to hold the gold!
So when I get there and get it done I want you to know you were the one!
You should know you will always be stuck in my heart like a pro dart!
On that mountain with you there I feel a tingle in the air!

On the mountain there is no other feeling watchin you Tele-Rip It made me feel like I was the tip!
There will never ever be another Tom Beatty, because your the only one I know thats not shady!


LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS IN THE WORLD COULD EXPRESS!!!!
YOUR BROTHER GP!

Special People

Tom had magnetic magical powers that made you want to be around him. I was always captivated by his spell an followed him around like a puppy dog. I wanted to be like him, he was a hero to me. He made everyone feel at ease. He made us all feel like we were the most specialist person in the world. You would come in to challenge in the morning all sleepy and grumpy and the vibration of his energy would wake you up and get you going. Tom's Smile was contagious and he would spread smiles every where he went. Tom was the face of challenge for me. I became a volunteer and stayed a volunteer because of his magnetic powers. He inspired me to tele and for that I owe him a lot. I remember once I could keep up with him we did a tele clinic which turned out to be all women except for him. We deemed ourselves beatys Angels. I remember him feeling extra special skiing with all of us an me feeling extra special being part of such a cool crew.
He worked with special people and was a special person.

Special people are those who have the
ability to share their lives with others.

They believe in their uniqueness
and are proud to be who they are>

Special people are those who allow themselves
the pleasures of being close to others and
caring about their happiness

They have come to understand that love is
what makes the difference in life.

Special people are those who truly make life....
beautiful
Tom was an inspiration to us all. He encouraged me to apply for his job at Challenge when he moved to Homer. When I started last year I missed Tom alot and I wasn't the only one. I called him all the time asking for his advice and help. I feel his lose and I am reminded of him every day. When I see him in my minds eye he is always smiling back a me. I aspire to be like him still, to develop that magnetic magic that inspires and elevates people they way he did. I love him and send blessing to all of us who are grieving his absence on the physical realm. He is always in my heart. Snow Marks

Top Of The World With Tom

I know that there are those who where lucky enough to go into the backcountry with Tom, as his alpine (non AT set up) friend and someone who listened to his stories every week, it was something I always dreamed of. I even switched over to Tele's last year after Tom moved to Homer, just so that I could one day be good enough to "live the dream" of knee dippen in the backcountry with my favorite tree hugger "smile"....He always wanted me to make the switch from the dark side, said that he thought I would be a natural. Little did he know, I spent 90% of my time face planting in the powder last year..I figured I could make all my mistakes without him around and that this season I would just be able to meet him on "the pass" and rip it Tele' style out in the backcountry. Honestly, I know Tom and I know he would have been great and supportive if I did head out with him and trigger every avalanche by flipping over my ski tips, but there is something about ripping down a mountain right next to him that I lived for.
My favorite memory of this happened at the resort (before my Tele' converstion). The resort had opened the top face above "High Travers" (sorry Alyeskers, the name escapes me) basically allowing you to ski from the tippy top of the mountain, a 30 rythemic turned, scary pitch that powder fever skiers droll over all season.. The only way up, a boot packing, single lined, ski/snowboad toaten feista. The killer, twas only going to be opened for a few hours and only this one day. Roomers had started the night before but they were told by way too buzzed bar flies at the Sitz (apre ski bar at the base of chair 3). I was hanging out at Challenge, talking with Tom when the word came in, the roomers were true. At that very moment, the powers that be had just opened up a space in time to allow Tom to take a few runs..he looked at me with a smile and said "Let's hit it".. As we rode the chair you could see the line of snow thirsty ants making their way to the top in the fasion of what looked to us like the "Chilkoot Trail", a few min, and a sketch travers later, Tom and I were apart of this almost verticle march to the top. He, being Mr. Backcountry, made it to the top in enough time ahead of me to take in the view, laugh with some friends who were also up there, and be rearing to go (honestly it was only about 3 min) "smile". -that was Tom. Rubber legged but definetly ontop of the world (both physically and emotionally-I was in an amazing place with an amazing friend). I wanted to stay up there forever (wanted the moment to last) but we didn't climb it to make it our new home and I could see Tom was itchen to surf the verticle sea of white that hed been drooling over while waiting for me...I looked down and felt something between my heart skipping a beat in excitement and my stomach tightning in fear, I looked up at Tom and he had the biggest smile on his face..one of those "This is AWESOME,Let's do it!" smiles. At that moment I knew that even with my girgling stomach and rubbery legs, it was "all good" It was evident in a fash of a smile that moments like these are what make life worth living. I put my goggles down and we both jumped in together...screaming, giggling (maybe the giggling was just me), and making turns in waist deep powder side by side.. It wasn't the backcountry but it is what I had with him..Skiing with Tom down that face will be forever one of my life's "BESTS". It was such a monumetal event, I wouldn't be surprised that with every turn, we made a child smile in Africa or disrupted/corrupted the ever present E=MC2. "smile"

If you liked this story and have your own Tom story, please post it, the stories mean so much to all of us.