Tom was in Japan in the Air Force. During his free time he would test motorcycles for Honda.

One warm summer day, Tom was slowly riding across a grassy field, hit a branch with his front tire, flipped over the handlebars and, laughing, landed on his back. He severed his spine just below his shoulders.

My father contacted me and I got 60 days emergency leave. I took care of Tom.  We both bought new cars....his with hand controls.....and we spent two glorious months driving all the roads in Sonoma County.

When I had to return to my sub, we said our goodbyes and he promised he would drive to San Diego to see me off. On his way down the 405 freeway, he made an exit in LA to pay a visit to the Vets Hospital. For some unknown reason, his transmission went into reverse sending him careening backwards off the overpass and he smashed into the traffic below, killing him.

Tom was the best friend I ever had and the greatest singer I have ever heard.  I was one of his pall bearers.  There is not a single day that goes by that I don't think of him.

We were all very fortunate to have him as a classmate.

If anyone has further information and/or memories of Tom for his Memorial Page, please send to Gwen.