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Mark Tisdall

Nancy, I am so sorry to read of Tom's death. I am the friend from New Zealand who travelled with him in 1975-6 through Asia and Persia. We parted in Greece and remained in contact with ech other until 1979 when multiple house moves meant that we lost touch. Just yesterday, in clearing out some old boxes, I came upon his last letter to me in which he wrote "On the homefront I have recently taken a large step. As of September I have set up housekeeping with a gal named Nancy." I am so pleased for him that that venture lasted so long. I met Tom In Wellington when we were both dating young aspiring diplomats. These affairs didn't last but our friendship did and we both were looking for adventure and an escape from work and bureaucracy. We planned our trip together and had a wonderful and exciting trip together. Tom's practical knowledge enabled him to dress a badly ripped hand from when I fell down the side of a cliff one night in the Himalayas. His experience in driving in snow and ice meant that he forcably took over the driving in Iran in winter when we were travelling with an indian in a poorly equiped toyota corolla with no chains. I think he probably saved our lives! His last letters spoke of his desire to live a life closer to nature and I am pleased he was able to do that. We both followed that route in life; I am living on a 1 acre block in the country which we are turning into an organic garden and orchard; and our first big crop is is 600 heads of garlic! It is shocking to me that a man of such life and vitality should die at so early an age, but Tom was an adventurous and romantic spirit who made an enormous contribution to the lives of others. Even though I have not had contact with him for 40 years he has occupied a space in my life and heart and will continue to do so. I extend my wishes to you for love and strength through this difficult time. Mark
Thursday September 7, 2017 at 5:41 pm
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