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