I remember Tom from Orchestra - he was a hell of a clarinet player, so I'm not surprised that it became his profession. He was smart, quiet and a little quirky, but weren't we all? Regardless of how well we knew someone, it's always sad to note their passing.
Folks may not realize that Tom was one of the last American civilian hostages captured and killed in Iraq. He was one of a group of four peace activists taken in late 2005, and was the only one killed. Wikipedia has details if you're interested.
I have to admire anyone who is so passionate about their beliefs that they are willing to give their life for them. And, we don't want them to be forgotten. Thanks for the memories, Tom.
Tommy fox was brilliant. I was 1st clarinet at my school and felt I knew nothing once I heard him play. One day, James Tillson said, "Hey, Tommy...how about playing saxophone, today?". My jaw fell off, once I heard him "warming up.". He was a member of the Marine Band (only the best of the best got the "nod."
If you just passed Tommy in the halls and didn't try to get to know him, you probably woudn't. Even with his striking features he was an easy person to miss.... and I think he was just as happy that way. A quiet, introspective fellow, he wasn't one to seek a lot of attention. The world wasn't about Tommy. But those who knew Tom fairly well (in band or orchestra) got to know him (if we were so lucky) as a compassionate, thoughtful (as well as very funny) person. He died helping others in a way few of us ever would. And, ironically, most of the world then knew who Tom was. If there's ever a City High School "Life's Honor Roll," I nominate Tommy.
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Michael Burke (1969)
I remember Tom from Orchestra - he was a hell of a clarinet player, so I'm not surprised that it became his profession. He was smart, quiet and a little quirky, but weren't we all? Regardless of how well we knew someone, it's always sad to note their passing.Folks may not realize that Tom was one of the last American civilian hostages captured and killed in Iraq. He was one of a group of four peace activists taken in late 2005, and was the only one killed. Wikipedia has details if you're interested.
I have to admire anyone who is so passionate about their beliefs that they are willing to give their life for them. And, we don't want them to be forgotten. Thanks for the memories, Tom.
Bill Russell (1972)
Tommy fox was brilliant. I was 1st clarinet at my school and felt I knew nothing once I heard him play. One day, James Tillson said, "Hey, Tommy...how about playing saxophone, today?". My jaw fell off, once I heard him "warming up.". He was a member of the Marine Band (only the best of the best got the "nod."Robert Dean (1968)
If you just passed Tommy in the halls and didn't try to get to know him, you probably woudn't. Even with his striking features he was an easy person to miss.... and I think he was just as happy that way. A quiet, introspective fellow, he wasn't one to seek a lot of attention. The world wasn't about Tommy. But those who knew Tom fairly well (in band or orchestra) got to know him (if we were so lucky) as a compassionate, thoughtful (as well as very funny) person. He died helping others in a way few of us ever would. And, ironically, most of the world then knew who Tom was. If there's ever a City High School "Life's Honor Roll," I nominate Tommy.