Condolence: dear family and friends of tom,

i just found out about tom's death and even though i haven't seem him since our SMC days in 1968, i remember him well. he was someone of action who always was committed to be in the fray of life, giving all he could for people. reading his obituary shows he never stopped wroking, caring, and giving. i will keep tom in my thoughts and music.

i wrote most of this poem with a few opening lines from the hopi people for my parents. now it is for tom and all of us to remember and keep him with us. in spirit and music, royal hartigan

HOPI PRAYER FROM OUR ANCESTORS, FOR OUR ANCESTORS

words form the hopi people of southwest native america and royal hartigan 1999


do not stand at my grave and weep, i am not there i do not sleep

i am a thousand winter winds that blow, i am the diamond glints on snow

i am the summer’s sun on the ripened grain, i am the gentle autumn’s rain

i am harvest leaves of red and orange and gold, i am the life force of all beings, great and small, fleeting and eternal, young and old

i am mountain meadows of brown and tan and green, i am the inner secret shadow spirits of all things, visible and unseen

i am the dawning dew in may’s blooming mist, i am the heartbeat of your dreams kissed

i am the sounds of music and dance and song from up on high, i am the clouds in an endless sky

when you awaken in the morning’s quiet hush, i am the swift uplifting rush of birds in circled flight

i am the soft stars that shine on a moonlit night

so do not stand at my grave and cry, i am not there, i did not die

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

and as before, wherever you go i am with you near or far, and wherever i walk on the paths of this long cold night of life without you, you are right here with me, inside my heart

a mirror for each others’ souls through time and space we are one, and someday yet again we will be whole as we awaken together in the evening’s midnight sun

as we awaken together in the evening’s midnight sun

and we’ll dance with spirits deep, sing the whole way through,

we’ll laugh at life’s old ills, and to each other be true, as we awaken together in the evening’s midnight sun

in the evening’s midnight sun

we are one we are one we are one

all one all one all beyond forever

we will be with you, tom, always

Condolence: Nancy and family.. I'm devastated to learn of the news of Tom's passing. I met Tom when he first came to New Zealand and shared his first flat there. Then I bought a house and Tom became my first flatmate in Wellington. We subsequently had many flatmates and shared some wonderful times. Despite all the years that have passed since those times in the 1970's Tom has continued to be a source of many a tall story at dinner parties. We never ever forgot Tom and I had always hoped to visit him and his family in the US one more time. Sadly...not to be.

Condolence: 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

Condolence: I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your Loved one. Death of a loved one is a pain like no other. Jesus told us about Hope! Hope for those who die in John 5:28,29. The Resurrection! There will be a time in the future when you will see your Tommy again. I hope this Hope brings you comfort.

Condolence: Dear Nancy and family,
It is hard to absorb this news. Tom -- Tommy -- was one of those wonderful people one meets early in life and never forgets. He was a childhood friend, the sweet kid up the block, the high school president, the basketball fanatic. I'm sure he had his challenges as we all do, but he never lost those twinkling eyes and that ready smile. His passing is a terrible loss. I send my sincerest sympathy to you, Nancy, and to your children; and to Tom's sisters, Mary and Katherine.

Condolence: The employees of Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corporation wish to express our sorrow for the loss of Tom Ford, who was the Chairman of our Board of Directors. We are truly saddened to lose an advocate who took such great interest in the work we do for our four communities. Tom was a frequent visitor at the facility, knew most of the crew personally and worked very closely with Jim and Beth preparing for Board meetings and generally making this facility better. He provided insightful ideas and guidance during his time on our Board. There were two projects he was most committed to during his tenure on this Board. The first was the development and the continued relevance of the Mid-Coast Waste Watch Committee which he hoped would encourage productive dialogue and flow of ideas between our community, the Board of Directors and the management of this facility. The second, and no less important, was the promotion of backyard and community composting. His belief in composting had long roots in his endeavor as a small farmer and gardener and he found it hard to understand how anyone could let go of such valuable resources as kitchen scraps into the waste stream. His service and energy will be greatly missed by the MCSW crew, Jim and Beth as well as the Board of Directors and the Mid-Coast Waste Watch Committee as we move forward with a vision he was helping to shape. We extend our deepest condolences to his entire family and his very large circle of friends. Tom certainly has left us better than when he found us.

Condolence: Dear Nancy,
Coretta informed me of Tom's sudden passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Kay

Condolence: So sorry and sad to hear about Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Nancy and your family. He will be missed by many.

Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of Tom's untimely passing. He was a friend, a neighbor growing up, and a dedicated classmate. I loved hearing past stories of Tommy's quest for seeking a life rich in love, beauty, and meaning. I know he found it. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Condolence: Nancy and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom's unexpected death. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. His love of family, community and sports were known by all who knew him. Nancy my heart goes out to you.
Mary and Gordon