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.

Tom Memories from Santa Cruz

Lindsey this is the man we knew, your father tearing down the hill from the university on his bicycle, grabbing his surfboard and heading for the last waves of the day. (We never saw him drive a car. His bike was like another appendage) Dad working in our backyard pulling weeds, mowing our lawn and generally telling us the yard needed an overhaul and his father would be shocked at the state of the plants. He would work hard in that yard for a few dollars and a couple of good home-cooked meals and a lot of laughs. And laugh and talk we did! He was smart and fun and attacked life with such enthusiasm and humor. We never saw him without a smile and he always gave the best hugs.

When my daughter, Sarah, was having a “blue” day he showed up with a bouquet of blue daisies. How sweet is that! Our daughter, Nissa, worked at Nelson and Plumlee Flowers in Santa Cruz with your Dad. The two of them and the rest of the flower crew shared many happy hours together. Nissa married and moved to northern Idaho but she and your Dad would try to talk once a year to keep the friendship connection in spite of busy lives and distance between them. Nissa considered your Dad one of her best friends. That was the kind of man he was. Once a friend always a friend.

The last time Rick and I saw your Dad was early after the move to Alaska, before you were born. He and your mom were living in Girdwood and they fixed us dinner. The place they were staying had a covered porch around part of it and I remember the excitement in your Dad’s eyes as he told of the bear visits on the porch. He had such respect and love for the natural world and for humanity. He was a man who lived a whole lifetime in his 38 years. He just got up every morning and said “Hello world! What have you got for me today?” He was a good man, a very good man!

Rick and Cindy Morley, Sarah Nightingale, and Nissa Bombino

Kicking Pebbles

Tom’s mom, Jane, and I thank all of you who have contributed your tributes and stories about Tom to this website. We knew what a great guy he was and of some of his work. But, now, through letters, emails and messages on this website, we are learning so much more about our son that we didn’t really know – about all the great things he accomplished and the many lives he touched and influenced. We would like to hear more, especially from those of you who may be reluctant to speak out, to tell us your stories and experiences with Tom.

One day recently I kicked some pebbles off an asphalt path so that no one would trip on them. It reminded me of something our family always tried to do – to leave a place better than when we found it, even in small ways like kicking pebbles off a walk.

Tom’s life epitomizes this ideal. He left the world a better place for so many people that he touched: the kids at Challenge whose lives were changed by his encouragement and who learned to ski by his good natured teaching and patience; the native “bush” kids out in western Alaska who learned to ski behind him on a snowmobile and later on the slopes of Alyeska above Challenge; the fishing guides at Royal Wolf Lodge whose lives were enriched and uplifted by his determination to have fun; the many men and women at Royal Wolf whose experiences with Tom as their guide became “once in a lifetime” memories; and all of his many friends who were uplifted by his unique humor, insight and inspiration.

Tom kicked a lot of pebbles to pave the way for a brighter life for so many of us.

Russ Beatty

"Beats Sitting On The Couch!"

(Photo; Tom and Challenge client, child NOT connected to letter)

TURNING LIMITATIONS INTO POSSIBILITIES

Excerpts from a Letter to the Editor of the Turnagain Times in May, 2006

I skied with my family today. It's not possible to express how amazing that is. I skied with all my family. Not that remarkable unless you consider that my oldest daughter is severely disabled and must use a bi-ski. All of this is possible because of the folks at Challenge Alaska, a group of people committed to making the mountains accessible to those with the greatest disabilities. Not just the
able among us, but my oldest as well. Everything is possible for her there. Her limitations are flipped into possibilities, her differences celebrated, honored and respected. She is just another kid who wants to ski, to spend a day on the mountain like everyone else.

The dream of sharing the mountains with my wife and kids has been a part of me since I dreamed of such things. The only reason I can do that now is because of Challenge Alaska and a man named TOM BEATTY. He has taught me all the skills necessary to safely tether a bi-ski down the slopes of Alyeska. Lots to learn over the course of the winter; how to load and unload a bi-ski from the chairlift, how to tether it down the runs without causing harm to my own child or the countless others out there having fun. TOM has taught me much more than that. He taught me that my oldest daughter can do much more than her overprotective father ever thought she could. And no matter the weather or conditions, when asked if we should come down for the weekend, TOM always said the same thing, “beats sitting on the couch.”

I have had the greatest winter of my life this year. I spent 25 days on the mountain with my kids, one of whom can't walk or talk. But she can ski like no one I've ever seen before. And the smile on her face at the end of each run could light up an Alaskan winter night. And her siblings see her in a new way now. See her as an equal, as a sister that can do stuff.

So there we are now, my wife and two youngest children bombing all over the hill, my oldest and I arcing a turn toward the bottom. We don't need anyone's help to ski anymore. We can do something by ourselves and that freedom can only be felt by those of us lucky enough to know the privilege of raising a child with differences. Besides, it sure beats sitting on the couch.

Paralympic Dreams

Tom had a passion and vision for developing a paralympic team here in Alaska and was chosen as one of the 12 coaches for the 2005 National Paralympic Academy August 15-18, 2005. (Colorado Springs). I remember Tom coming back totally stoked and inspired from this experience.

National Paralympic Academy
Hosting Student Athletes--By Beth Bourgeois
August/September 2005
Thirty student-athletes with physical disabilities have been selected by U.S.Paralympics,a division of the United States Olympic Committee,to attend the 2005 National Paralympic Academy August 15-18 in Colorado Springs,Colo. Additionally,12 coaches were named to work with the youth during the experience. The National Paralympic Academy is a biennial event designed to recognize excellence in local Paralympic sport programming.This celebration of sport brings together student-athletes (ages 12-18),coaches and program directors from Paralympic organizations across the country to share best practices, discuss Olympic and Paralympic ideals, and to be inspired by Paralympians facilitating the Academy programs. Attendees will also participate in sports clinics,competition and educational seminars. The National Paralympic Academy is a great opportunity to introduce children with physical disabilities to Paralympic sport,”said John Register, Paralympic Academy manager and two-time Paralympian.“By working directly with Paralympic athletes,these students will learn what they’re capable of achieving athletically and, ultimately, increase the number of children with physical disabilities who participate in health and wellness programs in their home state.” Student-athletes were selected to attend the 2005 National Paralympic Academy based on their essays themed “What Ability Means to Me.” The submitted compositions were judged by Paralympic Academy state partners and national Paralympic organizations. Coaches and program directors were chosen by U.S. Paralympics based on their history of success in conducting Paralympic sport programs for youth.
The Paralympic Academy is a three-tier program with state, national and international components. State Paralympic Academies are hosted by sport organizations in each state that specialize in Paralympic programs. The national Paralympic Academy occurs in odd-numbered years at the U.S.Olympic Training Center, while the international Paralympic Academy is held at the Paralympic Games in even-numbered years.

Tom-The Man He Didn't Have To Be

I'm a volunteer at Challenge Alaska and Tom has always been a huge inspiration to me. That guy could do anything, from teathering a bi skier and sharing in the thrill sailing down the mountain, to assisting a heavy client off the snow over and over again with a smile on his face and encouragement in his voice. He was an amazing office manager yet he never seperated himself from the people that he said "were the ones making it happen-the volunteers". People like Tom just don't come around that often but when they do, it kind of reminds us of just how good the world can be and all that's possible within each of us. Thanks Tom, thanks for being the man you didn't have to be...SkiBetty

Running With Tom

I used to drive down to Girdwood on the weekends to volunteer at Challenge and hang out/ski with Tom..The guy was so much fun and my sanity in the winters. He would arrange it so that I could spend the nights at the Challenge building, that way I could afford to come down often. I'm a runner, and every morning before the mountain opened, I would head out on a 7am pre-ski jog. The funny thing was that it seemed that no matter what time I ended up actually starting (it varied by 1/2 hour), I would always end up running into Tom. He would drive by on his way to drop Lindsay off at the sitters or to grab a cup of coffee. The second he saw me he would always honk his horn, roll down his window and yell something obnoxious at me-God he cracked me up! It got to be such an unplanned routine that we used to joke about that fact that he must be "stalking me"..honestly, it was the best part of my run. Even now, when I run in Girdwood, I can still see him smile through his window of his white toyota and hear him yell "Shouldn't you be going faster, that turtle behind you is gaining on ya!" Since Tom's death, I need very little excuse to drive down to Girdwood for my daily runs..

Tom-Giver Of Hope

Hi my name is Sierra McElroy, I am greg's ex-girlfriend and was there for the first year of the wonderful journey that Tom helped Greg with. Through Gregorys hard times Tom was always a beam of hope. I will always be greatful for Tom and the hope he put into Greg's life. He was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met, and his death is a terrible loss. I am so sorry that he is gone but forever thankful that I was able to meet him. He gave me hope when it seemed everything in the world was unfair and I am sure I am not the only person he did that for so I just wanted to leave a note on what he meant to me.
Thank you
Sierra

Lindsay Beatty College Fund

The Lindsey Beatty College Fund


Some of you have so generously expressed an interest in helping out Tom Beatty’s three year old little girl, Lindsey. We have worked with Julie Beatty and Tom’s sister Carol to make this happen. An education, or college plan, has been set up for her; the instructions for making contributions are below. Tom frequently told us that Lindsey was “the love of his life;” we think he would approve of this fund. It won’t bring her father back, but it will help Lindsey have a brighter future.


Carol is also working on a book that will have many stories and pictures of Tom to show Lindsey when she is older, so that she might have a better understanding of whom her father was and what he meant to all us. If you would like to share a story, or a photo, these can be sent to: Carol Souza – 6223 Prosperity Drive – Anchorage, AK 99504

Phone: 907.344.3774


Checks can be mailed to:

College Access 529 Plan
PO Box 9775
Providence, RI 02940
(1-866-529-7462)

The account will need to be referenced: Julia Beatty/Lindsey Beatty-beneficiary- 6000264157

Thank you so much for your kindness and willingness to help out.

Linda & Chris Branham

Fundraiser For ILC (Tom's Project)

Volunteer Annoucment: If anyone is interested in helping schedule a fundraiser in the Anchorage/Girdwood Area (showing these three awesome films in the next few weeks) to help support Tom's goals and projects at the ILC, please write: Friendsoftombeatty@hotmail.com and we will put you on a list serve for this project.

Documenting the determination of human spirit
• Films tell remarkable stories of individuals overcoming disability to reach their dreams

By Sean Pearson
Homer Tribune
October 24, 2007

Photo by Thomas Sly
James Lilly, racing in the 2005 Chicago Marathon, was paralyzed at the age of 15 following a gang-related shootout. Lilly started wheelchair racing in 1990, and has competed in the Sadler's Midnite Challenge race from Fairbanks to Anchorage eight times.

In an effort to celebrate the accomplishments of persons with disabilities, and follow through with plans set in motion by Recreation Director Tom Beatty, the Homer Independent Living Center will present three films tomorrow featuring the remarkable perseverance and resolve of the human spirit.
Beatty died Sept. 30 from injuries he suffered in a plane crash.
“This was actually Tom’s project, so we dedicated it to his memory,” explained Jim Brady at ILC. “He wanted to do some kind of small fundraiser before the main one we do in April. Since his focus was on recreation and disabilities, this seemed like a perfect opportunity.”
Beatty organized the showing of three films at the Homer Theatre, and had also scheduled wheelchair athlete James Lilly to introduce the film, “Pushin’ Forward” – a documentary about his life. Lilly is unable to attend due to personal reasons, however, the short film festival will continue with a surfeit of inspirational stories.
“Tom chose the films to highlight the achievements of extraordinary individuals who pursued and achieved their dreams,” Brady said. “All three films feature people who accomplished remarkable athletic achievements in spite of what most people would call physical limitations.”

“Pushin’ Forward” Fomer gang member, started wheelchair racing and then moved into ultra challenge..overcomed odds and achived goals--inspirational
“Farther Than the Eye Can See,” tells the story of blind climber Erik Weinhenmayer and his historic ascent of Mount Everest.
“Mountains Without Barriers,” is a 24-minute film featuring extraordinary people, revolutionary technologies and a one-of-a-kind climbing adventure.

ILC Memorial For Tom 10/27/07-In Homer

ILC is hosting a Memorial Service for Tom here in Homer on Saturday, 2pm-4pm @ Land’s End Resort. We’re congregating upstairs in the “Quarterdeck” room. Land’s End will post signs at their entrances to direct us. Land’s End is accessible, including an elevator. Announcements will air on KBBI-Homer and its sister station in Kenai, and run in this week’s Homer News, Homer Tribune & Peninsula Clarion. Anyone who knew Tom is welcomed to attend; please pass the word.

Tom’s parents won’t be able to attend, as they’ve been in AK for several weeks already and are scheduled early this week to fly back home to California. Tom’s sister Carol, however, is planning to fly down from Anchorage. She wants to meet staff and consumers. Tom’s wife Julie said it isn’t likely she’ll attend, as she and little Lindsay are feeling pretty exhausted. Her parents and brother have already returned to their homes in Tennessee.

Memory From Walnut Creek

Tom was my neighbor in Walnut Creek - we went to school together, graduated from Las Lomas together and shared some fun times as kids. I will never forget Tom's smile - he seemed to always be smiling. After reading about his life and family it makes me sad that I did not know him better as an adult - it is clear that he lived a rich, rewarding and fulfilling life. He and his family are in our prayers

Mike Kuimelis said...

Tom Beatty Leaves Legacy Of Kindness-Alexandra Star

It was with true sadness that I read last week about our community's loss of TRAILS employee and all around great guy, Tom Beatty. Tom was truly committed to helping others and was a genuinely nice man. I will miss Tom, as will many others.

As a PRIDE employee, I was personally able to witness the impact of Tom's kindness on several developmentally disabled individuals and was always impressed with his positive attitude and can-do spirit. It was infectious. I often saw Tom in the high school pool with his young daughter and was always struck by the level of his involvement as a father, as well.

It is my sincerest hope that his family is able to take comfort in the knowledge that Tom touched many lives in a very positive manner and will not be forgotten for his legacy of kindness.

Colleen Williams-Homer

To Lindsay; A Poem For You.

Lindser-loo ~
with eyes of ocean blue
you will see the world
as your daddy did...
bursting with humanity
lives to change
and lines to carve.

Through water snow and sky,
he cast his fly
into life currents
The River Why
always begging
the questions

He Stepped Into Liquid ~
a Maverick himself,
he surfed the Chugach
like it was a series of
waves, swells and drops

Riding Giants ~
he chased the Jaws of life
chomping at the bit for every turn
Passion for water
he loved in every form.

He held the ocean, rivers and sky
in his eyes
Lindser-loo~
look into mirror's blue
and you will see your dad in you.

~Ski buddy of Tom's

Skiing With Tom

Hello, In trying to think of stories for this site, I just think of all the times I skied with Tom at Alyeska and smile. Man he could rip on those Tele's! The first day I met him four years ago, I was only in the Challenge building a few min before he asked me if I wanted to take a few runs. I said "sure", we grabbed our skis and hit the lifts. We worked our way to the top and I just remember Tom's conversations (with myself and others on the lift) just beeing so fricken funny (I don't remember what we said)--but we laughed the whole ride. It was a blue bird day with about 6 inches of freshies. When we got to the top of the mountain Tom asked me if I wanted to hit Trapline (which is the steep stuff off the backside- Northface-it's a fun ride about half way down with a trail that leads out). Having skied all season in Colorado with Tele friends that I had to wait for (I'm an alpine skier), I kind of expected to do the same with Tom, but that was the farthest from the truth. He lead the way down and I was blown away, I had to struggle to keep up..I loved watching that guy make turns, and making turns with him..floating in the powder..I felt so alive (how silly does that sound)--even now when I think about it, I can honestly say it was one of the best runs of my life.(and I'd argue that it wasn't one of Tom's as well-it was a great day)..We hit the trail and headed back. When we got back to the front of the mountain, we looked at each other with big grins and said "Let's do that again".That day, I think we only made two runs but I remember thinking how cool it was that, only after a couple of runs, this man I just met that morning, felt like someone I had known my whole life. I knew it was the start of a great friendship--and it was...I really miss our friend but I will think of him everytime I make turns on that mountain and he'll be there with me.Hang in there everyone..
Tom's Colorado/Girdwood Friend-RW

New "Friends Of Tom Beatty" Myspace Site

A New "Friends Of Tom Beatty" Myspace site has just been created by a few of Tom's friends. The site was mainly developed to add the option of "blogging for the purpose to brainstorm and support Tom's causes and passions as a community of friends". It is also a place where friends can have a bit more fun with Tom stories; hear Tom's fav. music; watch fun videos that remind us of Tom (or that we know Tom would have loved)...There is a fun Jack Johnson video on now that showcases Ben Stiller...Tom loved JJ and surfing so, I know that he would have loved this one.

The link is off to the side but just so you know the URL is www.myspace.com/friendsoftombeatty

Please use the "contact me" option for any suggestions and feedback reguarding the site. In addition, I would like to ask all of Tom's friends to please continue to write friendsoftombeatty@hotmail.com with stories of Tom for the main blog. We are getting about 20 hits a day from people enjoying the site-many people are saying that the stories are helping ease the pain of losing our dear friend. (That's great to hear! Thanks Everyone!)...Tom's Friends

Tom Loved His Little Girl

During our friendship and my years volunteering at Challenge, Tom would talk often about his little girl Lindsay, but it wasn't until I saw them together that I realized how much she meant to him. Tom used to tell me stories about his trips with Lindsay (he was always giddy when he told them): how he took her mountain biking (she was in the cart attached) on trails throughout Girdwood and the pennsulia, how he would take her for rides on the kick sled, and he would say stuff like "I have to drive to town today and play in the traffic but I'm taking Lindsay so it's ALL Goood!"... I thought that it was very cool that he loved spending time with his kid so much but it just seemed like a normal connection between father and daughter, until I went to eat at the old Chineese restaurant next to the Merc with my friends. We walked in and were seated right across from Tom, who was having a special dinner with Lindsay. He greeted us in the normal excited Tom fashion, we talked a bit about what a great day it was on the mountain, but after that it was all about Lindsay for Tom. Lindsay was in a high chair accross from him, trying to feed herself and being half way successful. Tom, although he seemed a bit tired after a long day, stared at her with a the biggest grin on his face, laughing lovingly at almost every miss she made but it was always followed up by words of encouragement. The times that she was successful, from Tom's reaction, you would have thought that Lindsay just won an Olympic Gold. He was also constantly pointing at things and sounding the words out for her, talking to her about the day and what they will do when they get home, and he even sang a little song for her at one point. When it was time to go, Tom picked Lindsay up out of the high chair, looked into her eyes, and gave her the biggest hug in the world... It was easy to see that this little one meant everything in the world to him.
Stacy (Anchorage)

A Letter From Darren

To Tom's family,

I am very sad today. I will miss Tom very much. He was a lot of fun and he made me laugh a lot. He taught me to ski in Akiachak with Ms. A and he taught me to ski at Alyeska Ski Resort. Tom was always the best puller with the snowgo. He went fast and would take us on the biggest jumps. Man I had fun! I wanted him to come ski with me again in Akiachak so we could hit big jumps. Tom was soo cool. He was always happy. Ms. A and him made me like skiing. I am happy when I am skiing. I like life when I ski.

Ms. A asked me to tell a story for Toms family..I will never forget that day when I skied with Tom at Alyeska..I begged him to let me hit big jumps my first day and when he finally let me I went full blast without turning and I broke my wrists. Dang, that hurt! Tom and Ms. A gave me a "big air" award, that was cool. Tom told me jokes and made me laugh. I still like skiing a lot but my parents don't want me doing it much.I snuk out and went skiing anyway the last time Tom visit..it was fun. I skied into a bunch of trees and couldn't get up. I think I will ski when I grow up. I want to be as good as Tom and Ms. A.

I'm sorry for Tom's little girl. I hope she knows she had a cool dad and I hope she learns to ski someday. I know he loves her.

I will miss Tom
Darren..

Tom's Heart For The Bush Kids

Tom had a real heart for the children of rural Alaska, and over the past 4 years, he volunteered his time to fly out to villages each winter to help with the AK Bush Ski Program. (AK Bush Ski Program's goal is to teach life skills and foster self-confidence, pride, hope through the vehicle of skiing).

His last trip to the bush was to the villages of Akiachak and Akiak on the Kuskokwim, River. It was extemely cold -40, so cold that they canceled the Kuskokwim 300 (major dog mushing race), but that didn't stop the kids from wanting to ski. The night we arrived in Akiachak we spent the evening walking through the village, making home visits to a lot of our kids, and just spreading the word that we were in town and that we would be meeting at the Rec building to ski in the morning.. By the time we reached the school we had almost every kid in the village following us asking over and over "when are we going to ski?" and wanting us to listen to their skiing stories...many of the kids hadn't done it before but had heard stories from their friends and were saying "I want to ski, can I join?"...At one point Tom looked at me with a big grin and said "This is what it's all about. I don't care if it's -100, we're skiing".
We had told the kids to meet us at 9AM at the rec hall, and bring warm clothes. Do to how late the kids were staying up that night we didn't expect much of a turn out at 9AM but we figured that we would just catch them as they staggered in throughout the day. We ended up spending the night in the school and that morning we decided we should get up early and go over to the rec hall to check the equipment before the kids showed up. We walked out of the school doors at 7:30 AM only to run into about a dozen kids who were so eager to ski that some of them never went to bed. They had been standing outside at -40 below, waiting eagerly for us to start practice (in thin jackets, no hats, no gloves). It blew all of us away. Normally we work with the middle schoolers and high schoolers, due to lack of equipment and time, but this morning we had a lot of elementary kids as well. The numbers were so big and there were only 3 of us, I looked at Tom and said "how are we going to do this" and he said, "I don't know, but this is amazing-we are getting all of them on skis today" (it took all day but it happened).. It was such an increadable day, the kids were so excited that ( even through we were working with frozen fingers and toes) it kept us all going all day with smiles on our faces..Tom, true to his spirit, was as excited as the kids...The kids Loved Tom (he was so great with them)-always positive, encouraging and real.

Just 4 days ago I got an e-mail from one of the Akiachak kiddos (who once was an angry little boy who hated life) that said, "Tell Tom I want to "get big air" with him again this year"....Tom made a huge impact on the children of rural Alaska, from working with them (inspiring-connecting with them) in their villages, to helping with fundraising events, to making their Alyeska experience fun and "life changing"..The Bush Ski Program will not be the same without Tom, he was part of the foundation of the program, to say he will be sorely missed is an extreme understatement. However, Tom believed in what we were doing 100%, he encouraged all of us everyday to keep going, so that's what we are going to do.. the program will continue in his spirit..

Tom Growing Up

I was shocked to find out the bad news while attending he 20 year Reunion for Las Lomas High school. Tom and I attended same schools from 6th grade through High School and he was one that I was definitely looking forward to reconnecting with at the Reunion. I will always remember walking home with him from Park Mead, playing football with him in High School and him always giving me a hard time if I looked like I was tiring during practice. Life is too short and I wish I had more time to spend with Tom. Tom was a great friend. Tom was a genuine person. Tom will be in my heart forever. I’m going to miss you! Costin.

Fishing With Tom: The American

I couldn’t help but remember my last day fishing at RWL last year. My friend Larry and I fished American Crek with Tom for what I believe was his last trip for the season. Reflecting on that day, he told me he was given up guiding to be home more....and he would miss his favorite place to fish-American Creek. At the end of the fishing day, I handed him my rod as we waited for Bruce to fly us home. Tom skipped a mouse he brought with him (I still have it) over the inlet as we all played team fishing. What fun, we caught 9 or 10 respectable fish, and laughed our heads off at how aggressive these fish were with the mouse. Somewhere in my picture book is a snapshot of Tom catching a fish on that mouse with a big grin on his face – last fish for the year in Alaska for all of us.

Such is the fate of our passions that we take what we hope are limited risk to pursue our lives dreams. Tom, Bruce the pilot, and the others all passed from this life doing what they loved most: being in heavens corner of Alaska. I’m sure they are all skipping mice in a new corner of heaven, smiling, while Bruce circles to take them home.
John Bartling (Dallas, TX)

Tom and Greg

I was there when Greg, a young man in his late teens/early twenties came into Challenge, looking for any hope in what had proved to be his new destiny of life without walking again. Greg had just been in a car accident which had left his legs paralized. After he told Tom his story, Tom just flashed him a smile that said "The fun has just started". He grabbed one of the sit skis and loaded Greg into it. While in the Challenge building, Tom patiently explained how the device worked and eased the fears and concern that Greg showed on his face. Although I was on the other side of the room, you couldn't help but hear Greg laughing as Tom got into his gear, pushed Greg out the door, and onto the mountain. That afternoon, I saw Tom and Greg come back into the building, both with "ginormous" smiles caked (along with the snow) on their faces.... Greg had told Tom that "this was it" he wanted to go all the way to the Olympics and he wanted Tom to be his coach. Tom promised he'd be there for him every step of the way.. This spring (March) Tom took Greg to an Olympic Training Camp in Vail, Colorado (even though by this time he had moved to Homer). Tom told me that Greg had gotten so good that he was kicking it in the half pipes totally impressing able bodied skiers in Vail and everyone else.. Tom seemed very proud of Greg and his accomplishments. In talking with Greg just after the camp, he seems totally stoked on life and his future. It is my understanding that through that camp Greg made some amazing connections and will be heading back down to Colorado for more training to achieve his Olympic dreams. These are the moments that Tom lived for..this is what made him so special. Greg, he'll always be with you, always be your coach, keep reaching for your dreams.