Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My good friend & great musician Tom lost his battle with cancer last Friday. I will not only deeply miss his friendship but also the opportunity to play guitar with him. He had been playing guitar for 54 years. Even though his ability was far beyond mine he always afforded me the time to play and learn. He leaves behind a wife of 25 years. I am deeply saddened.
Tom is on the 335 Gibson in this video:



He also played on this recording:

Ken: I am so sorry to hear this as it is apparent that your friend played a very big part in your life. I am reminded that in sharing good times our joy is doubled and that in sharing a loss of a friend our grief is halfed. I will be thinking of you during these sad days and I know that Tom will be doing what he can at his end to strum along with you.

Sorry to hear this Ken.

I'm so sorry, Ken. I lost a friend this week, too, so I can relate to your sadness. Let's try to give it some time and be good to ourselves.

My sincerest condolences, Ken. It's tough to lose somebody close, and the best we can we can do to honor them is think of the good times. That's how we all want to be remembered, I think--with a smile or even a laugh.

So very sorry for your loss, Ken. My sincere condolences.
Yeah, it's tough to lose a close friend. Diane and I just recently lost a best friend. This was a guy that was always there when we needed him. He had no family. We're going through a rough time, not just with grieving, but also trying to get his remains taken care of for the past 2 months.

My condolences, Ken.

So sorry to hear this Ken. My deepest condolences.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I went to the memorial service last night. They showed a video of Tom just a few weeks ago performing at Gilda's Club. I also found out that he had a studio session the weekend before his passing. He had been on this project for about a year. I don't know if I will ever be able to hear any of this music. His roots were jazz but he did play rock too. He was also proficient on the bass, both fretted, fretless, and double bass. He was able to play right up to the end.
With a dry sense of humor and the ability to find the negative in most anything, it was appropriate that he passed on Friday the 13th.
RIP my friend.

My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to you all and Tom’s wife, for the loss of your dear friend. I truly believe that now he is closer to you than your own heart. I’m glad his battle is over but wish it could have ended differently. Revel in memory all the good times you all had. As Paul said "..with a smile or even a laugh!"

My sincere condolences Ken. I believe I know how hard the death of your friend Tom has hit you. As always you have my support and my prayers.

As today is the one year anniversary of Tom's passing (Firday, 5/13/11) I though that I would post another video that Hugh put together a few months ago. Tom wrote this song. The tape of this is over 40 years old so the recording quality is not the best. I actually met Tom through Hugh who was a neighbor of mine growing up. Hugh attended the first Gilfest and owns the '72 4001 MG I have posted pics of in the past. Also below is a pic of myself with Tom, Hugh, and Frank (three Bishops) taken 8 to 10 years ago. Earlier this year the Bishops other guitarist, Rick, past away.

In the '70s Tom moved on and played/recorded with the jazz group Skat. Even though he played alot of rock, I believe jazz was number one.

Ken, thanks for posting the video. It is a geat tribute.

krick wrote:Ken, thanks for posting the video. It is a geat tribute.

+ 100%

DoubleThink wrote:

krick wrote:Ken, thanks for posting the video. It is a geat tribute.

+ 100%

I agree.