>> 1) Tom had planned to host a tail-gate party at Stanford -Palo Alto, CA (where he received his MBA) for some game on Oct 13. Since Tom planned to be with his friends on that day, Ken thought it might be nice to have a service/party there and then. <<

Sounds like a great idea, and certainly something Tom would like. Just a slight clarification, the game is Saturday, Oct. 12, Washington State at Stanford. He was a big fan of both Stanford and the San Francisco 49ers.

>> 2) Tom had purchased a life insurance policy specifically allocated (according to Ken) for the purpose of paying for a party thrown in Tom's honor on the event of his demise. -What a guy! <<

I have never heard of anyone doing this before, but again it is perfectly in character. Tom would rather have it be a party than a sad occasion.

Mike