tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27287050971169892962024-03-12T19:46:29.065-05:00Tom SwatekBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-62379006395505693792009-01-29T19:25:00.002-06:002009-01-29T19:36:57.704-06:00Too soon..To the family, I'm sorry to have found out today about Tom. I saw Tom regularly at the Wednesday night track workouts and at Edwards Health Club a few years back. Outside of him being a phenomenal biker/runner, I remember that large welcoming smile he greeted me with every time I saw him. With that large smile and a firm strong hand shake, he made you feel good about yourself...a quality that not everyone has.<br /><br />We love you Tom and we miss you badly.Harold (Harry F)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06459409383887942277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-58862668354502235602009-01-11T21:17:00.002-06:002009-01-15T13:22:16.347-06:00Video slideshowI did the best I could with the photos I had to work with.<br /><br />If you think this will work, please pass on to the rest of the list and family members.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Tribute%20to%20Tom">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9YfPHjd7Mk</a><br /><br /><br />-It was truly a labor of love, we miss him so much.<br /><br /><br />Star McAleese<br />Star Design/Graphic Design<div><br /></div><div>NOTE: If you would like a DVD of this, Star will make them available for $10.00, to cover the cost of materials, packaging and postage. The quality will be much improved over YouTube. Email Star to order: stardzn@comcast.net</div>Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-44145485212943162172009-01-10T08:42:00.001-06:002009-01-10T08:43:25.134-06:00From Hal CarlsonI believe there were five of us that started that 200 mile bike ride some years back, Tom, Terry, Brad, Brad's old business partner, and I. We started at 1 a.m. in the morning so we could "finish up" with the Sims Ride. Even at that time in the morning Tom was smiling and with his always positive nature helped us all finish. It was great to see him again at some of the Wednesday night track workouts this past year. Tom will truly be missed from this point forward and in my book will always be a member of the "Hammer" "Hammer" "Hammer" Club. Say Hi to Chuck for me Tom … Hal.Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-61651425631580155202009-01-10T08:36:00.009-06:002009-01-12T17:25:12.141-06:00Our Friend TomMy name is Brad Kampschroeder. Tom knew me as “Kampy”. He must have made it up because he is the only person who has ever called me that. Like many of you here, I came to know Tom through running and cycling. There is a bond among runners and cyclists that is tempered by long hours of training together, on countless miles of asphalt and trails. We talked about everything from our training regimen, to work, to politics, to our love lives, to the latest techno-gadgets for our bikes. I have long maintained that endurance athletes lose their sense of shame around each other. In fact, there is no bodily function that isn’t fair game for conversation during a run or ride.<br /><br />It was in these long conversations that it became abundantly clear how much Tom loved his family. He always had a place in his heart for Joanne. He beamed with pride when he talked about what his kids Brad, Stevey, and Corey were up to. He was proud of their accomplishments, and stood by their side in the face of adversity. We rode the roller coaster of their growing up through Tom’s stories. By the way, I’ve got a lot of dirt on Stevey . . . something about a car.<br /><br />It would sound like an exaggeration for me to say that Tom Swatek is the most generous person I have ever known. But it’s true. He would give you delicious baked goods that he made himself. Quick story: Tom always toted all his stuff around in a bag. And somewhere in that bag was sure to be an old banana. Not a banana that you or I would eat, but an over-ripened banana. He gobbled those old bananas up like candy. We said, “Dude- those bananas are barely fit to use for banana bread.” A week later Tom shows up with banana bread. The early batches were just “okay”, but they got better, and he kept bringing them. His most recent batches of banana bread were some of the best I've ever had. Then there were the “gems” he pulled from the garbage - he always had one picked out just for you. “Kampy- I thought of you when I found this,” wearing his trademark grin as he held up a bike part. “Can you believe people throw this stuff away?” Tom would give you the shirt off his back, but most of all he was generous with his time. Whether it was moving furniture, a fix-it project, or just a little moral support during a difficult time; Tom was there. When our good friend Marta Bush died, Tom would go over to play with Spencer during the weeks and months that followed. He set up an obstacle course in the basement, American Gladiator style, much to Spencer’s delight. He was even generous to his dog. When Merlot was dying, Tom sensed that she became distressed if he came home from work and left again for a long workout. Tom changed his workout schedule to a shortened run right after work so he could be at home with her, uninterrupted.<br /><br />Tom was a garbage man, but he was also a renaissance man. He enjoyed music, cooking, current events, art, and science, to name a few. He was always curious, always learning, always eager to try something new. Most recently he aspired to become proficient at a European form of bicycle racing called cyclocross, which is basically racing a road bike on an off-road course with obstacles. It requires a lot of special technique and he was ready to learn.<br /><br />My favorite quality of Tom’s was his acceptance of people, regardless of who they were. I honestly never heard him utter a bad word about anyone. Even when a group of us would start laying into someone who wasn’t there to defend himself . . .Tom’s contribution to the conversation? A smile and, “C’mon he isn’t <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">that</span> bad- he’s got <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">some</span> redeeming qualities.” And so it went, for the entire 14 years I knew Tom. He could find the best in a person, a reason to like everyone.<br /><br />So as we gather here trying to make sense of how tragedy can take down that strong body you see in the pictures and the larger-than-life personality that went with it, I ask you to join me in resolving to be a little more like Tom. Take care of your body, take time for someone who needs you, accept people for who they are, grab hold of every day with the smile and vigor that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">is</span> Tom Swatek. With a little of him in each of us, the world will surely be a better place.Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-84080449424101257322009-01-09T13:33:00.000-06:002009-01-09T13:34:09.078-06:00We are confirmed for Ballydoyle's tonight. You will need to tell the front door that you are reserved for the Cathedral Room to avoid paying a cover charge. this is from the owner:<br /><br />Jim:You and your guests are confirmed for the Cathedral Room this evening with an anticipated arrival time of 9PM. CASH BAR. Please have your guests let our doorman know that they are here for the gathering in the Cathedral Room so a Cover Charge is not assessed.I will not be in this evening, but you will have a server assigned to your group that can take drink and/or food orders.Enjoy your evening.<br />Warmest regards,Eve DunnDirector, Special EventsBallydoyle Irish PubJimBeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357336387324335949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-78658497611300338102009-01-09T09:23:00.000-06:002009-01-09T09:24:40.790-06:00How about meeting up at Ballydoyle's after the service to tell more stories and have a brew in honor of him. It's been said that Tom's been know to tip a few there.JimBeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07357336387324335949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-39843495529845702122009-01-08T23:14:00.000-06:002009-01-08T23:15:53.446-06:00Peddle stroke high and to the rightI see many people mentioning Tom's crazy peddle stroke. I don't remember how he said it happened but at some point he had broke his pelvis, I'm sure Mike will remember how. Imagine that broken pelvis and all, and he could still hammer with the best!Becky Mokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169911855262524544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-90521223340992227032009-01-08T23:13:00.001-06:002009-01-08T23:15:22.199-06:00From Kris Hartner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbdW6IwsaI/AAAAAAAAABM/4kErI52ydHI/s1600-h/IronTrain2003paceline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbdW6IwsaI/AAAAAAAAABM/4kErI52ydHI/s320/IronTrain2003paceline.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289158198026088866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbdQu8igMI/AAAAAAAAABE/4PttRqGCNnA/s1600-h/IronTrain2003group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbdQu8igMI/AAAAAAAAABE/4PttRqGCNnA/s320/IronTrain2003group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289158091942822082" /></a><br />Per Rich's request, here are a couple of the photos from our training ride in Madison in 2003. Sorry, aren't high res. Here are my notes from that day:<br /> <br />-It was June 7th, 2003. 79 mile ride. Had never ridden over 50 miles in my life.<br />-Androo showed up with two water bottles, no cages on his bike and nothing else to eat or drink<br />-Witnessed, first hand, Rich's scary habit of veering into the oncoming lane of traffic. Tom told me not to worry, that he'd seen Rich do it many times before and he hadn't been hit yet.<br />-Rich blew a tire at the bottom of a very steep hill and managed to maintain control of the bike. If I'm not mistaken, Tom helped Rich replace the flat.<br />-At the beginning of the second lap, Tom put the hammer down (I believe there was a bit too much dawdling around at the halfway break at the Mobil station for Tom's liking). I decided to go with him. Mistake! I would hang on his wheel as long as I could, he'd get a couple hundred yards ahead and then slow down until I caught back up. Then we'd hammer again. Repeat. Repeat.<br />-Cramped so hard with three miles to go, had to jump off my bike. Took several minutes to get back on my bike because every time I lifted my leg over the top tube, it would cramp again.<br />-When I finally got back, Tom was there, rested and waiting to go for a run. <br />-While driving home, my legs cramped so bad in the first five minutes, had to pull over, move to the back of the van and had Gary drive the rest of the way.<br /> <br />Tom taught me many lessons that day - nutrition, hydration, pacing, etc. But the one thing that I always thought was so cool was that he wasn't even training for IMW, he was there to be with friends and lend a helping hand. The definition of a true friend. We'll miss you Tom.<br /> <br />Kris HartnerBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-51238866797858576592009-01-08T22:48:00.002-06:002009-01-08T23:21:59.980-06:00Black Dogs in the mud...from Becky Mokelke (Malecki)One of my very favorite memories of Tommy, Uncle Tom, or Tomas was a few summers back. Anyone remember Green Valley flooded? Tom decided we should go out for our run even though it was completely mud. Before Tom's dog Merlot was really having a hard time we took her and my dog Chicago out into the overflowing river and threw sticks for the dogs until they were exhausted. Merlot and Chicago sure did have a great time!<br /><br />Gosh, I just can't believe that he is gone. Just Monday he said he was going to stop by my parents house to drop off Christmas gifts for the kids. I keep thinking of all of the things Tom, his daughter Corey and my family did together, you really don't realize how interwoven your friendship has become with someone until you are the only one left standing holding the dog leash huh?<br /><br />About 3 weeks ago, I called him last minute to ask him to watch my dog and of course he said no problem. I get to his house and what does he have for me but one of those dumpster gems that Jane was talking about! Cracked me up! He hands me a bottle of Dawn dish soap and says hey come look I'm finally finishing the basement bathroom!<br /><br />Tom was just a good guy, never had anything bad to say, never judging anyone and always there to help. Many times when people die everyone says "oh he was such a good guy" but Tom truly was. I don't know any other way to say it. Joanne DT and I were talking tonight and she said that they just don't make 'em like Tom and I said yes they do his daughter Corey has the same heart as Tom.<br /><br />God Bless you Tom and all who are missing him. Thank you for making me part of your life, I'm honored to have called you a friend.Becky Mokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169911855262524544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-9566362807727205032009-01-08T22:36:00.000-06:002009-01-08T22:42:36.670-06:00Here you go, Tom!I promised Tom I would embarrass him with this picture someday. <br /><br />Be at peace, brother. Your running and biking family loves you.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbVonJ0RWI/AAAAAAAAAA8/vGSlZMM0DlA/s1600-h/SWATEK~1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbVonJ0RWI/AAAAAAAAAA8/vGSlZMM0DlA/s320/SWATEK~1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289149706074867042" /></a>Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-40666504901552128702009-01-08T22:09:00.000-06:002009-01-08T22:10:04.067-06:00from Tammy DIt's rare that you meet someone who seems to be truly happy all of the time. Tom radiated happiness and goodness. He will be sorely missed.Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-77604225817222749162009-01-08T22:06:00.000-06:002009-01-08T22:07:13.054-06:00from Kathy KentAs a good friend at the club told me...he tells his grandchildren when they are sad (that school is over or that the soccer season has ended, or that vacation is coming to an end, etc..) to not be sad that it's over, but to be happy that it happened in the first place. So, whenever something sad happens such as the loss of a friend, try not to be sad, but (as we've all stated) to be happy that Tom came into each of our lives. Pay it forward.<br />kathyBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-47267519406712202642009-01-08T21:33:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:52:45.571-06:00Photo from Star McAleeseHere is one from the Mattoon Ironman where he cheered on Mike<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbJuFpbruI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Ox0nKzim-ds/s1600-h/tom+full+res+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWbJuFpbruI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Ox0nKzim-ds/s320/tom+full+res+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289136606020349666" /></a>Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-41114402996531634042009-01-08T21:29:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:30:24.723-06:00Newspaper article about this tragedyhttp://www.mysuburbanlife.com/downersgrove/news/x497782923Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-57906229233843030942009-01-08T21:27:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:33:27.600-06:00from Lindsay (RedDog)I can say that riding with Tom and the guys made me a better cyclist. I learned to love going on those rides with the guys, trying to keep up, then eventually getting faster. Tom always picked my brain on what I was doing to train for whatever the upcoming race was that I was doing. When I got my new KM40 1 week before IM FL, I got a flat on the last training ride. Tom and Brad helped me fix it, because of course I was stressed about this going into my first Ironman. Tom was always laughing, and new how to make you feel better.<br /><br />I just saw Tom this fall at a cyclocross race in St. Charles. It had been a while since I have seen him, but it was just like I had last seen him yesterday. He was raving about how hard cyclocross was, but he loved it and we were talking about how cool cyclocross bikes are.<br /><br />He will be greatly missed.Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11933056747219386541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-74357934274669091102009-01-08T21:26:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:27:17.655-06:00from Jim Bey (dogfish)we are planning on getting all together after the service to hook up for a beer. more details to follow. i think tom would like the fact that we got together at a bar for a few beers in honor of him.Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-25307667632203692772009-01-08T21:25:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:26:07.092-06:00From Mike McaleeseI have been a Friend to Tom along time.. anyways the local paper here in Downers Grove is going to Run a article about Tom , Jan 17th I believe The Reporter would like to interview some of his friends and get some great stories about him.. If you can pass this on that would be Great... Here is Her information:<br /><br />Catherine Leyden 630-589-4435 or cleyden@mysuburbanlife.comBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-6738152495736794022009-01-08T21:23:00.001-06:002009-01-09T07:57:10.854-06:00From Maria Roca-Bey (Squirl #2)For the past day I haven't been able to stop thinking about Tom and how he was always smiling. I can still hear the sound of him laughing. Every time I would run into Tom, I would stop to talk to him and catch up on things. That's the kind of person Tom was, not just someone who says "hello" in passing, but a guy who always had something funny or interesting to share and he wanted to know how you were too. He truly cared about his friends. If you knew Tom at all, you were his friend.<br /> <br />There aren't many guys I can think of, other than Tom, who could hold their own with a bunch of chicks on trainers watching The Bachelor...Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-85439893284038604322009-01-08T21:18:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:19:37.272-06:00from Michelle Sims-Lisek (Squirl #1)Thoughts of mine that stand out about Tom (forgive the repeats:)<br /> <br />Whoever he was with, he enjoyed. He was a weekly regular of "Spin Flicks". A pack of us (in contrast to the Nightie Night, usually all women except him) would squeeze into my tiny basement with our trainers and spin, usually watching the latest episode of The Bachelor. I can picture Tom, shoulder to shoulder with the girls, bandana on his head, watching the TV intently and grinning at our catty commentary.<br /> <br />He could bake. He almost always showed up for Spin Flicks with homemade brownies or another baked good- usually still warm from the oven. One time he stopped by my house a couple hours before a cookout to bring over some of his homemade goodies. He knew he would be late to the cookout, and wanted to make sure everyone would have some brownies in case he didn't get there in time.<br /> <br />He particularly loved hanging out with Brad, and referred to him as "Kampy".<br /> <br />He swept the roads for us before training rides for IMW 2002. I know several people have already mentioned this, but I have to mention it again. I think it captures the essence of Tom. Spending his weekend morning trying to keep us all safe and riding fast.<br /> <br />I'm honored to have had Tom as a friend, and am heartbroken that he's gone. He's a perfect example of why I feel so lucky to have this circle of friends...Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-91730164166944906552009-01-08T21:08:00.001-06:002009-01-08T21:09:05.885-06:00photo found by Eric Ott<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWa_y4CKLCI/AAAAAAAAAAs/oQ9t8kiPiFY/s1600-h/Tom+turkey+trot.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 231px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWa_y4CKLCI/AAAAAAAAAAs/oQ9t8kiPiFY/s320/Tom+turkey+trot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289125693149031458" /></a>Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-49237541570716808832009-01-08T13:54:00.001-06:002009-01-08T14:00:09.465-06:00some pics from Brad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZbRLgt7AI/AAAAAAAAAAk/chrj3XJtJDk/s1600-h/DSC_0036-4x6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZbRLgt7AI/AAAAAAAAAAk/chrj3XJtJDk/s320/DSC_0036-4x6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289015163099147266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZa7_eZaUI/AAAAAAAAAAc/vqEALG-oKB4/s1600-h/DSC_0042-5x7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZa7_eZaUI/AAAAAAAAAAc/vqEALG-oKB4/s320/DSC_0042-5x7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289014799090936130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZaj4MPOPI/AAAAAAAAAAU/jIEJmS4_V8Q/s1600-h/DSC_0037-5x7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uekO19Q68es/SWZaj4MPOPI/AAAAAAAAAAU/jIEJmS4_V8Q/s320/DSC_0037-5x7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289014384818862322" /></a>Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-90646812285395264012009-01-08T13:53:00.001-06:002009-01-08T13:53:51.734-06:00from Rich Jecha (Hornet)Speaking of Pics of Tom........ When Droo and I and Kris H were training for the Wis 03 Ironman Turbo came up to sag our ride and shoot some photo's. Tom came up with us to share a great day. Of course he was ahead of the Droo and I, with Kris, .. and those two were killing each other up ahead. Turbo Took an amazing shot of Tom on the way up the hill heading into Mt Horeb (of course all by himself ahead of all of us). Typical Tom with all his idiosyncrasies (like the finger sticking out and of course the "shit eatin grin". <br /><br />I thought I had that photo and looked for it for hours last night but can't find it. I know (hope) somebody's got it. Maybe someone can get ahold of Turbo and get it from him. Could be printed poster size for his wake, everyone should be able to see this one. What say you Brad?Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-88312990223669409002009-01-08T13:52:00.001-06:002009-01-08T13:52:58.312-06:00from Kris HartnerI have the photo - I'll forward it to everyone tonight when I get home. It's good that Tom smiled a lot, because I know there<br />weren't many happy expressions coming from my face during that training ride in Madison!<br />As I've been telling our employees the bad news, even though some of them didn't know him really well,<br />they all said basicallyl the same thing "he was always in a good mood and smiling." <br />Pretty amazing to think of all the people he touched in such a positive way, even people he only met once or twice.<br /> <br />KrisBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-2228263139791945792009-01-08T13:50:00.000-06:002009-01-08T13:51:22.566-06:00from Terry LuedersI have the same pedal stroke as Tom. Someone opened a car door on me many years ago.<br /> <br />Tom has helped me many times and always with that famous smile. He was there to help me on that night we start our 200 mile ride. I was in trouble at the 40 mile mark, after 15 minutes with Tom, I finished the ride. <br /> <br />I ran into Tom a few weeks ago. I was really happy to see him with that famous smile and concern for my well-being. I left Tom that night with a new attitude. If only I could go back in time and give Tom a hug for being such a great friend.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Terry LuedersBrad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2728705097116989296.post-13710693124714476522009-01-08T13:48:00.000-06:002009-01-08T13:49:27.396-06:00from Liz Attig (Kibbles)Eric and I were reminicing last night about Tom. We remembered his pedal stroke too. How funny. Any sweeping the roads...<br /> <br />Tom was a great guy. I don't ever think I saw him in a bad mood. He was always smiling. For all I know, he may have had a terrible day, but he never let on when I saw him. I don't remember when I first met Tom, but it was probably on one of my first rides with the Rocket Dogs. Eric said that the first time he met Tom, he thought that he was putting on a front, with his kindness, his smile.... Obviously he got to know him and this wasn't the case, but it just goes to show that there really aren't many people like him that you meet in your lifetime. Like Kim mentioned, he was alway interested in how you were doing and what you were up to. I can still hear him saying, "Kibbles," whenever he randomly ran into me. He was probabably one of the only people that still called me that. <br /> <br />Great idea about the binder Jim. I was thinking that his kids probably didn't know how much his dad ment to other people, or how much he'll be missed. Sometimes you think know a person, but you only meet them or know them in a certain light. Unfortunately, sometimes you don't come to learn the full scope of who they are until they are gone. I'm sure it would mean a lot to them to hear all the kind words we have and all the great memories we share. I wanted to find a picture of Tom last night. I had a hard time processing the information and thought it would help me. I'm glad these emails got started, becuase I think its helped me even more. But the binder makes me think that maybe we could also include some photos we have of Tom. Maybe at races or at parties, or whatever. Do you have any that you could include?Brad Kampschroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09491353048832984827noreply@blogger.com0