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