Hi everybody, 

Due to poor beach conditions at North Beach, we are moving the celebration of life for my dad to the pier. 

The picnic tables to the north of the pier will be where we set up. The event will still be 12-4. And we will keep the party going past that if you would like to stay longer. 

Please bring your bathing suits and towels, yourselves, and all your great memories of Tom to share. 

If there is anyone that may not see this update please reach out to them and let them know of this change. We will all be reaching out to everyone personally to update as well. 

Thank you all and apologies for the inconvenience.

If anyone has questions about the celebration of life here is my phone number:

(949) 632-2149

There are literally thousands of stories I could tell about Tom - that's because we became friends in 1972 and hung out and worked together for decades before life took us on separate journeys.  After Bill let me know that Tom had passed a lot of those memories started to come back. One of them seems to pop into my head - it may not seem all that special - but for me it captures a bit of the essence of this man and the fun we shared - I think for those that new Tom can relate in that the man had some special gifts - a very good eye for sports and on this special night an insight "what needed to be done" to fulfill and complete an already entertaining evening.

So were at a Chicago Blackhawks game probably in the late 70's early 80's back when helmets were optional. The hawks had just rallied from a 2 goal deficit and were just minutes away from a victory - the crowd was jubilant as I was - but Tom seemed to sense something more was needed. He leans over to me and says watch - Secord is going to come out the next shift and beat the crap out of one of the North Stars. Al Secord was a stud in those days and relished a good fight as much as scoring a goal. The Minnesota North Stars were a bitter rival in those days. Well sure enough out came big Al and shortly after the puck was in play Secord had secured a willing opponent and commenced to administer the beating. Well it was just like a good desert after a sumptuous feast , we were laughing and high fiving as the stadium erupted in excitement, Thomas had a very satisfied look on his face - there were many moments like this, and I'm sure all of you know what I'm talking about. 

To Dianna, Sara, and Ryan, the step kids and all the extended family, especially brother Bill - my sincere condolences. I know he will be missed, but the love that he gave will be a blessing for the rest of your and all of our lives.

Favorite Song - Tom Petty - I won't back down

Well, I won't back down

No I won't back down

You could stand me up at the gates of Hell

But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground

Won't be turned around

And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down

Gonna stand my ground

And I won't back down

Hey baby

There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)

Hey I will stand my ground

And I won't back down

Well, I know what's right

I got just one life

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around

But I'll stand my ground

And I won't back down

Hey baby

There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)

Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)

And I won't back down

Hey baby

There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)

Hey I won't back down

Hey baby

There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)

Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)

And I won't back down (I won't back down)

No I won't back down