Tom A - A Great Life Well Lived and Much Missed

Not only did I appreciate his hands on experience, but in this age of brash, faceless writers on the internet, he was diplomatic. A gentlemen.

Several times over the last year, I've found myself reading through his old messages here on RFF. The breath of his knowledge was impressive. The happy camera addict.
 
I met Tom via telephone when I was living in Oregon and servicing motion picture cameras. We used to talk about machine shop stuff as it pertained to cameras. Always such a gentleman, in the true sense of the word. He introduced me to Rangefinderforum.com and helped me sort out a password issue back in the day. And got me shooting my old Leica, which had been collecting dust for years.

He is missed.

Best,
-Tim
 
As we get older we find that more and more dear friends have gone before us. But then you discover the joy of talking with fellow friends and laughing and remembering the ones that have gone before.
 
As for myself, I miss Tom's presence here on RFF so much that it seems there is a hole in the forum that may never be filled. Tom helped me so much over the time he was here. It is a parting that has deeply sadden me. Yet, even though this is bitter sweet, I will always remember his vest for life and his willingness to help.
 
Tom & Tuulikki

You are Forever in my Heart...Forever in my Thoughts
Will always Cherish our Time spent together
Sad we can't do it again !
 
I greatly miss Tom's kind and knowledgeable observations on lenses and film. And I miss his photos on Flickr. I'm very glad to be able to continue to follow Tuulikki on Flickr.
 
Tom was definitely a cool cat. Through him I learned that you don't have to be wedded to one brand or the most expensive stuff out there. He helped break me from that aura of owning all things Leica, and even that it was ok to get away for rangefinders. All that was important was get out and shoot. And shoot, and shoot, and shoot. I may not have agreed with all of his conclusions, but usually it was because my own circumstances differed. He always seemed to have a reason behind everything, based on experience, not just something he heard or read on the internet. A good photographer to emulate.
 
A Wonderful and Helpful Soul

A Wonderful and Helpful Soul

I knew him only through the Rangefinder Forum, and we discussed only photography. But within that limited association I came to know him as a very patient and helpful person. He was more than willing to share any of his knowledge while interjecting his own brand of humor into the conversation.

I miss his presence on this forum and I miss his kind and timely observations. Thank goodness I had the opportunity to know him at all, limited as it was.
 
I just stumbled on this thread. I miss Tom very much, he was a dear friend not only to myself but also of my family. Tom and I would talk on a regular basis and he also served as my associate editor for the LHSA Viewfinder. He was a frequent contributor as well. I would also get to see Tom at least once a year for the LHSA annual meetings. We also went to many Photokinas together as well. In a lot of ways, Tom was like the big brother I never had. Always had great advice and wonderful conversation. I miss you Tom!
 
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"A Great Life Well Lived and Much Missed" -- In the end, isn't this the way we all hope to be remembered? As a gentle and humble man, Tom, I suspect, would have been very pleased to have his life summarized in those few words.
 
It is important to celebrate memories, the man, and see all the gifts he gave us. Cheers Tom.
 
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