Steve Keck
We met Tom 40+ years ago at work. He, myself, and my best friend (aka, my future wife) became close friends. The three of us worked out together, traveled together, and drank coffee til the wee hours of the morning. When Kenita and I got married, Tom walked her down the aisle and gave her away. Together, we shared a lot of great times and a few bad ones. Weeks and months would sometimes go by, but we always stayed in touch.
During the last few years, Tom’s life was marred by much sorrow when his life partner and soul mate passed away. He was making great strides in putting the pieces back. He often spoke of wanting to move to the mountains of West Virginia. That dream was almost realized as he purchased property in Pocahontas County, WV and had his cabin well underway.
In recent months, we started traveling together again, enjoying Savannah, Ga and most recently, we had the opportunity see the Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas, as well as, the Grand Canyon. A great time was had by all.
We think the hardest part of Tom’s absence from our lives is his weekly visit which always started with “got any coffee?” even before he sat down. Also missed: Dragging each other to the gym and our weekly eating fest (Italian, Mexican, or most often, pizza.) Mostly, we will miss his quirky sense of humor, being beaten by him at Jeopardy, discussions on Bigfoot, and his love for Victorian era TV shows. Above all, we will grieve the loss of his intense friendship.
Tom, you will forever be missed. You are loved. Godspeed.
Kenita and Steve