My relationship with Tom goes way beyond the times that I visited him on Romeria street. I first met Tom through Kurt Papp in about 1971 when Kurt and I were roommates. I remember living at the "White House" during the summer that Tom and Art were in South America and the big celebration when they returned at the end of the summer.
Tom and I are both big cat lovers. I returned to Austin while I was in grad school on the west coast and stayed with Tom when he lived on 8th street (I think?). He made me a cassette tape of rock hits that I could listen to on my long trip back to CA. It was my favorite music and I still have that cassette tape.
During my time in West Virginia, I would stay with Tom and Cecelia when I returned to Austin. They were like my Austin family. Tom was a noted pyromaniac and remember him stringing an unbelievable number of Black Cat firecrackers in a tree in the front of his house and lighting them.
I stayed in touch with Tom throughout his life and counted him as one of my best friends. I will sincerely miss him.
Tom was a great friend of mine and we shared many great moments together. Whenever I came to Austin (and that was whenever I could!), I stayed with Tom and Cecelia on Romeria Street. Tom will forever be in my heart.
Jim Riggs
I knew Tom from high school and as a fraternity brother at UNL. I lost track of him as life took us in different directions- but remember him fondly. He was a great guy and I’m sorry to hear of his passing... much too young. My condolences to Jim and his other family members.
Just learned of Tom’s passing....he was a great friend in law school and later as a coworker for Bob Bullock as Comptroller.....very laid back....lost contact with him except for brief encounter years ago while vacationing in South Padre....we have many mutual friends who will be saddened when they learn of his death....a great party host...Jim Shawn
