I wish I could be as upbeat as many of the responses here reflecting on Tom's life. Those responses are totally appropriate, given his upbeat view of life.

Personally, I am completely devestated by this news and right now, am having trouble dealing with it. Having known Tom well for many years, I suspect he would wish I were a little less serious about his demise, but at this point I cannot be otherwise.

Two weekends ago, we had a great 3 hour phone conversation. Tom was making plans to retire in a couple of years and move to a retirement community in Florida, the same place his mother lives. He expressed 3 motives for doing so: (1) guarantee that he would be taken care of for life for a fixed fee, (2) be near his mother, and (3) be near the beach and the Babes there (Yes, Tom!)

Knowing Tom, I'll bet # 3 was his prime motivation <g>. Wish we would have the chance to hit the beach together and check out the babes one more time.


When we last talked, we planned to get together someday soon, the next time I went to the Bay area. Now that can't happen. I don't know how I will deal with this major loss in the long term.

But for now, I am very happy that my life was greatly enriched by having Tom Piper as one of my very best friends.