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