The last time I got to speak to Tom was about 2 years ago, maybe a bit more. It was at a local pub where I sometimes served as security. I had a blast. We talked about the past (there had been a highly publicized "dispute" between us many years ago) we talked about the present and we spoke of the future (who knew).

I think some were surprised to see us together, especially laughing and having more fun than should be legal

Tom was a great guy, a great coach and a great person. I was perhaps in a position to know better than most that he had a great heart. He was a tough guy with a heart of gold.

I guess the best tribute I can give him is to say that he cared, he really cared. Some of this is probably "fuzzy" to anyone else but I know exactly what it means.

Our last conversation started with dual apologies for some past events. I'm so sorry we weren't friends longer, I'm heartbroken.........

Mark