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