I met Tom at Pinnacol when I started 11 months ago. He was always super friendly. He offered his assistance and was very welcoming. He always spoke when he passed my office or I passed his. He would always tell me how he loved me southern (NC) accent and tell me to come talk to him - he just liked to hear me me talk. He always made me smile or laugh. He was always willing to help in any way. I'll miss Tom a ton. He made an impact on me and my worklife just in the short time I have been here.

I hired Tom in Casper, Wyo. to work for the Colo State Auditor's office as an auditor of oil companies. As I read these wonderful comments, I remember the young man, right out of college, who was quiet and shy. Wow, he really changed! After years of travel, accomplishments, laughs, "serious" talks (sometimes with elevated voices on both sides), we parted ways and went to different jobs. I will always remember an auditee that threatened to take my and Tom's CPA licenses away because we found them owing money to the State. Tom had just got his license, and gotten married - he was truly worried.. I assured Tom that he didn't have to worry about losing his license for finding someone who owed a lot of money to the State. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I am pleased to hear about how this "shy, quiet person" developed into such a good father, mentor, friend, and professional. Tom, I will always remember you. Mike

I would usually see Tom on his way to lunch with his good friend Jim. Our conversations were always about golf, his kids and my grandkids. He was always concerned when he found out that I had not had the opportunity to play golf the previous week-end, express his disappointment for me and then would share his story of where he played. I didn't realize until I read all of the tributes how Tom would know what was important to you as an individual and ask you about the things that he had found about you through casual conversations. He knew what we each would enjoy talking about . Professionally Tom was on top of his service game. He always wanted to help and would check " what can we do for you" or "let us know what we can do for you". Tom you can now enjoy the "quiet time" that you deserve.

I enjoyed working with and getting to know Tom over a period of years at Pinnacol. At work he was always cheerful and very helpful to me on numerous occasions over the years. Tom was a team player upon whom I could always depend. We enjoyed many lunches together including Burritos at the Brewery Bar and Burgers at the Cherry Cricket. We talked a lot about our boys, retirement plans and the annual football rivalry between CU and Nebraska. Tom, you will be missed! Gary Pon

There were no limits to Tom's devotion and love for his boys. Without a second thought, Tom made many sacrifices both personally and professionally to ensure that the boys had a bright future and endless opportunity. He gushed with pride when he spoke about them, which was often. Many have spoken about Tom's zest for life. Yes, it was hard to keep up with Tom! I will always cherish his quick, hearty laugh and that big warm smile. Tom had an enormous giving spirit. He volunteered for Pinnacol's Meals-on-Wheels route, gave money quarterly (from his bonus) to the Denver Mission, collected money for an elderly woman in need (and I might add, against VOA's policy but Tom didn't care...), and prepared friend's taxes for free....these are just a few of the things Tom did. Tom stopped by church every morning on his way to work to pray for his boys and those most dear to him. His love for those around him ran deep. He genuinely cared about those he worked with. Tom's nicknames for his co-workers changed from day to day....Fiddy, Margaret, Rachel, Dawg Man....these were his expressions of affection. Only the most dear, got a nickname. He's up in heaven now...looking down on us, wishing us well as only Tom could do. Rest easy dear friend, you have raised strong, courageous boys.

I first met Tom about 20 plus years ago when Pinnacol was the sate fund. At that time Tom was charged with auditing the Labor and Employment budgets. At this time we were completing an asbestos abatement project I was responsible for and he help me re-align the budget so that the costs fell into the right categories. He mentored me and helped understand budgets more effectively. When he came to work at Pinnacol he said hey buddy were on the same boat now, I hear this is a great pace to work. Tom was there for me as my friend as we both went through a divorce. We talked about the common pitfallls and successes of single parenting. We always talked about how our kids were doing as he was quite proud of his 2 boys. I will truly miss Tom's smile, kindness and his williness to help anyone who needed a hand. Rick Gomez

Whenever I ran into Tom, it would sound something like this: "Hey buddy! How's it going? How's that son of yours? Did you get that (choose one) 1. e-mail; 2. report; 3. voicemail from me? Was that what you needed? Is there anything more I can do for you? I want to make sure we're getting you everything you need. If you need anything else, just let me know. I'll get it for you." Those are some of the Tom phrases that echo in my memory and that I already miss hearing. Whether it was in the hallway, on the elevator, in line at Starbucks or in his office, I think every conversation I ever had with him had at least one of the above phrases in it. Those phrases speak to who Tom was and how he will be remembered. He cared about us, he cared about our kids and took the time to find out about both. He was passionate about customer service and sincerely wanted to make sure that you got more than what you asked for, in less time than you expected it. He instilled that same passion in those he worked with. What a wonderful legacy he left for all of us to admire and emulate! Tom, I can't imagine that you EVER left a party early. I'm so sorry you had to leave this earthly one so soon. Godspeed my friend!

I have known Tom for 12 years - back when Pinnacol was CCIA. He and Jeff had worked together for years and were a big part of Pinnacol's success. Tom was smart, direct, quick and fun loving. I remember dinners at trade events where he entertained the table. It was a priviledge to know and work with him. Rest in Peace Karen

To my great regret I hadn't talked to Tommy for several months when I got the news of his death. But when I thiink of tommy I think of my big brother who always had my back. Even as kids he chased off more guys then I can think of. I'd be sitting on the front steps with a guy and Tommy would come out and give the poor guy so much shit. They couldn't get out of there fast enough. There are too many outrageous stories to tell, but I'll carry them in my heart for ever. We came together as a family over the weekend to celebrate Tommy's life and lay him to rest. It was was biggest number of us to get together in 26 years.. All i could think of was how excited he would have been to be there with us. Somehow I think he was. When we took the family photo all I could picture was Tommy in the back row making everyone laugh. I'll miss you sweet brother. Love always Peg. I hope you read my email I sent you Friday morning.. I'll keep a close eye on the boys, your right they are good boys. You would have beemed with pride at how composed and articulate they were talking at the wake and funeral. You did a great job raising to amazing boys. Rest in peace knowing they are going to ok. Love you Tommy.

I feel fortunate to have known Tom; he always brightened my day. We became friends when our offices were next to each other. We’d talk about what was going on at Pinnacol, but, most of the time, we’d talk about what was going on in our personal lives. He told me all about his boys and what they were doing – he was so proud of them. When I had my kids, he was genuinely interested in seeing their photos and hearing all about them. I will miss Tom’s big smile, his sense of humor, his latest CD recommendation, and, most of all, I will miss walking by his office, his waving me in, and our catching up on each others’ lives. Tom, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I live next door to Tom. The common wall between our spaces feels empty and dark. I can't believe he's gone. He don't hear him climbing the stairs to bed or answering his door or BBQing dinner! It's an empty hole without him there and I do not know how he left us. His jovial voice will be missed by my little family. He was one of those guys that made sugar our of sh_t...took the world one day-at-a-time and made the best of it. Always a compliment to his neighbor coming to/from the house every day. He loved his children with all his heart. We often talked about raising boys as a single parent (I have three) and I used to tell him things would get better as they became more mature. Those teen years are difficult ones for many. Tom, I miss you...you've left a hole in my life. Hopefully we will meet again. God watch over his family and lead them in the right direction.

I am unable to say anything.................... losing Tom is beyond words and I am unable to share my feelings of loss. I loved knowing you.

tom was a great neighbor and friend. he always made us laugh. our family was going to mexico on a vacation to mexico and tom had already been there so he told us all the best places to go and would tease about what we might encounter there. I will never forget all the times we talked about this and how he loved to make us laugh. We will truely miss him. I pray for his sons and family to make it through this.

Tom was a great neighbor and friend. We had so many different conversations that ranged from our children to our favorite football teams. Along with these conversations between the two of us we would drop many "F" bombs along the way. I always looked forward to seeing Tom at home, jogging down the street, driving by or at the store. He would always make my day. Tom was a real, genuine person that I will never forget. I will now have nobody to send trash talking text messages to on weekends as I always have in the past giving him a hard time about his beloved Huskers. My heart goes out to his sons, Collin and Ryall. Together we have shared many challenges and I know that nothing was more important to Tom than his sons. All of us in the neighborhood are still blown away by Toms passing and will never forget what a wonderful, genuine, caring and loving father Tom was. God Bless You my Brother....

To say Tom was a great guy is an understatement.. He was and is the best! He wrote his own eulogy each day by how he treated people, his love and caring for his kids and for each of us and how good he made everyone feel. He'd sit in my Lawson classes and joke and rib everyone, you couldn't help but to love, respect and admire him. He made each day a brighter day for each of us. I hadn't seen him in two years until a few weeks ago. He came downstairs to meet me in the lobby.. "Hey buddy, how have your been?" he said. I said great "how are you boys?" and he smiled "Just great". Well Tom you were "Just great!" Thanks again for the starbucks!.

Tom was a friend from the days he worked as an Internal Auditor and continued when he moved into the controller position for Pinnacol. As a member of the Pinnacol Audit Commitee, I had great respect for his professional competence. But as fellow accountants, we had a professional friendship that went beyond the numbers. As others have mentioned, Tom's boys were clearly the center of his life. On October 21 we had the opportunity to talk for some time, and he brought me up to date on their lives. Clearly, life was good, and we agreed that we had to get some golf games scheduled for next year. Unfortunately we will have to wait until we can play that great course in the sky. Tom, my friend, you will be missed!

Ya know, for being an accountant Tom was anything but reserved. Each morning I would hear Tom greet me as he rushed by my office and then I would hear that same greeting throughout the day. On a busy day I may hear “Hi Mike” ten or more times. Every now and then he would slow down and to have a chat, seldom talked business and usually ended up laughing. I think the one thing people should know about Tom was how intensely he loved his kids and how proud he was of them. His whole life revolved around them through thick and thin. He would share stories about their activities, social lives, and grades throughout high school and then into college. He would always ask how my kids were and have kind words to say about them and my parenting skills. You’ll be missed.

Tom. Doggone you ! You loved Nebraska football so much and you know I hate those Huskers ..... well, I guess not anymore ...... from now on when I see the Big Red, I will forever smile and think of my good friend Tom. Make sure you keep an eye out for us all up there. I am still your "scout" ..... with your best interests in mind :-)

Reading through these tributes, it is apparent that you truly cared about people around you, you had qualities that some of us can only dream of. Your genuine interest in our families and professional development have set you apart from the rest. Whenever I needed help with anything Finance related, you were there to drop everything and help out: 'Tina, we are here to support you. How can I help you?' were the words I often heard from you and would always leave me with a 'wow' feeling. To me, you were the embodiment of everything Pinnacol strives to achieve in the cusomer service aspect of our business. Of course, the famous 'How are those youngens doing?' was the question that made any conversation easier. We both have 2 boys each and your stories of trips, college adventures and other parental experiences always made me laugh. There was no way to pass by your office without stopping by and having a chat. Even if in a closed door meeting, you would still find a second to waive......Eventually, I learned to surprise you with: 'Tom, how are your boys doing?' and your face would just light up and a story was sure to follow.... You were a loving, proud, dedicated father, first and foremost as well as a true professional. You have inspired your team and the rest of us to provide our customers with a 'service with a personal touch'. I miss you and will forever remember you.

Being in the field I didn't see you often, but when I did, you always made my day brighter. What a gracious person you were. You never failed to inquire on how I was doing and if you could help me in anyway. What a great asset you were to our company and you epitomized the qualities that we all would like to achive. There has been a very dark cloud over Pinnacol this past week, but we can also be very thankful that you have been in our lives and we are better for it.

I was fortunate enough to meet Tom through my involvement with AASCIF about 6 years ago. Tom was an instant friend to everyone he met. When I moved in to a job position similar to his at the Montana State Fund, he went out of his way to offer assistance and share information. I took advantage of it often, but will miss his friendship the most. Every conversation with Tom included a good laugh over some wise crack he made, an update on the status of how our families were doing, and a compliment or words of encouragement. He was so selfless and looked for every opportunity to make those around him feel better. He spoke very highly of his co-workers at Pinnacol, and affectionately of his sons, he was so proud of them. My heart goes out to all of you.

Thomas Charles I am going to miss you so much! You were always so nice and kind to me. I would laugh and you would say, “thank you Tom.” You are right Tom, thank you. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for you for reminding me I am a good mom. Thank you for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. Thank you for supporting me in the biggest and littlest of ways. Thank you for you for showing me the right path and slowing me down. Thank you for the golf, the music and good wine. Thank you for the walks, the runs and the workouts. Think about getting a bike and maybe even a pair of skis in Heaven, okay. Oh Thomas, I miss you so. You know, you were right all along…back @ U…now and forever

I met Tom through the AASCIF Audit and Statistics Committee in which we were both involved a few years ago. We spent time together in Las Vegas planning meetings and in New York City at training conferences. I visited PINNACOL and worked with Tom getting to complete the annual AASCIF audit. We spent a fair amount of time on the telephone and hanging out after meetings. I grew to admire and respect his professionalism and wonderful sense of humor. Tom was a smart guy but always sensitive and kind to those around him. He always took the time to help others and often complimented people he worked with. I can't imagine that anyone who knew Tom could say anything but good things about him. We were becoming better friends and he shared confidential things about his personal life, asking for my opinion and advice. I felt special and connected to Tom but now I feel the empty spot in my life without him and I will truly miss Tom. Goodbye my friend. Mike Craig, Wyoming Workers' Safety and Compensation

Tom was a great uncle. I will always remember him as the uncle that would always have a joke, a smile, and a great attitude. A few summers ago at the family reunion we got to reconnect. I was not a little kid anymore and got to have adult conversations and even have a beer with Tom. He had me laughing practicly the whole trip with his fun loving demenor and silly jokes. I will never forget that time. Tom I love you dearly and you will be missed more that you know. I am sorry he wasn't able to meet my daughter, but luckily we have lots of stories and fond memories to share. I am sorry you had to go so soon... Go HUSKERS!

Tom always began a conversation with a question about my family. He showed genuine concern. Tom was a pleasure to work with... always calm and collected... always willing to do more... and always complimentary to his staff ("We are lucky to have X, he sure is a great guy...," "you know, X is a smart gal so I am sure she will know the answer..."). On more than one occasion, Tom would take the initiative to remind me that he enjoyed working with me and that he appreciated all of the help/support we provided. I looked forward to seeing Tom each quarter,as I new I would be greated with a smile, a firm handshake, and a "How are those kids doing?" Tom will be missed.

Tom was always available to help me with questions or to send me to the right person when time was short. He will be missed.

I met Tom within my first couple of months for working at Pinnacol. I called Tom and introduced myself and he cut me off requesting I just come up and meet him. I let Tom know my education background having attending my first two years of college in Montana. Tom and I talked of his son often and how beautiful and fun that state was. Every time I saw Tom he'd say are you going to visit your dad in MT soon? And would always follow with I am planning on a trip to see my son. Tom was such a proud Dad. I loved how Tom would laugh at me when asking how my accounting courses were going and shake his head at me as he remembered how awful they had been. Tom was a mentor to all and will be deeply missed. Thank you Tom for all of your advice and encouragement.

Tom was a genuine kind of guy. Over the years as I interacted with him at Pinnacol, I never doubted that he had Pinnacol's best interest in mind. On a personal level, I never doubted he had my best interest in mind as well. Tom has made the world a better place by being here. I wish you didn't have to leave it so soon.

Tom followed Carnegie's Golden Rule - Show genuine interest in other people and make the other person feel important. In doing so he made many friends and influenced people. It is heart warming to read the messages from his friends & colleagues and know that Tom truly touched the lives of many people. Tom was a great leader in the company and a great leader of people. I feel privileged to have known him.

I have lots of great memories of Tom. I can hear his voice calling me "Missy". It would always make me smile. He was a wonderful person. He was always there to listen and help in anyway he could. He was a great friend and great Dad. He was so proud of his boys. They were his life. I will always remember the great walks and talks we shared. I grew up in Helena so we would talk a lot about life in Helena. He will be missed!

Tom used to be my boss when I worked at Pinnacol and he would say the funniest things that you would never expect to hear from him. The day I told him I was leaving, I was crying and he was laughing at me. I could not figure out why he was laughing, but of course he had best intentions telling me it was my time to move on. He was a great guy and will be missed, my sympathies go out to his boys! Goodbye Flower!

I had first met Tom on the Pinnacol softball team years ago and really enjoyed his humor and sincerity. He was such a good player with a strong arm and when he ran those bases, we called him "wheels". No one wanted to be in front of him in fear of being run over! He would not only ask me how I was doing but he took interest in my kids too. They were touched by Tom and were very sad to hear this news. Thank you Tom for being the person you were. We will miss you.

I started working with Tom about 8 years ago. Early on, we discovered we were on opposite sides--he a Big Red fan, me a loyal Buffalo who bleeds black and gold. For two years we made bets on the CU-Nebraska game, so twice he had to take me out to lunch. He never bet with me again after that, although by now we would have been about even! I will miss him very much. My thoughts are with his two boys and to all those who saw him daily and will now feel his absence every day, and miss his caring and energetic presence.

A couple of us here at the Montana State Fund served with Tom on the AASCIF Audit and Statistics Committee. We are deeply saddend by news of the loss of our friend. Tom chaired the committee this year and we appreciated his leadership and can-do approach to the committee's business. Tom was always intensely interested in people, their stories, their lives. Tom had roots here in Helena, MT, graduating from Carroll College and to our delight would regale us with tales of his college days. We extend our thoughts and prayers for Tom's family and to all our friends at Pinnacol.

Tom was both a client and a friend to us here in Lockbox. We always looked forward to his visits. Tom always arrived with a smile and a "how are you!?" We will truly miss this remarkable man.

What's up Buddy? That's how Tom would always greet me . I first met Tom twenty years ago as we both were participants in the Colorado State Employees Basketball League I had organized here at the then State Comp. Tom worked and played on the Division of Labor's team. Even though it was evident basketball wasn't his dominant sport , Tom's competitive spirit and tenacity enabled him to compete the entire five/six years the league lasted. A few years would pass after the basketball league ended before I would be reintroduced to Tom again. It was his first day at Pinancol Assurance that he sought me out to reminence the "glory" days we shared together in battle! Tom's most dearest friend, Olivia Chambers, retired manager of The Division of Labor , is also a very close friend of my mother and family. I'll always cherish Tom's friendship and his genuine affection that he shared with all those he came in contact with. It was indeed a blessing to have had Tom as a friend.

Tom had a gift for making everyone he came in contact with feel special. Thanks Tom for making me feel special too! You will truly be missed.

Goodbye, Tom. You will be missed

I had the opportunity to know Tom from many of the different aspects already noted in the other glowing tributes posted here. On the Glendale softball field many, many years ago, on the football field in the park across from the old office, professionally sitting through Lawson classes, working on the FA603R report, trying to find the pennies in the Earned/Unearned Premium report, serving on the General Dividend team together, among many other opportunities. Tom always started with “How are you?” and genuinely wanted to hear how you were. Before turning to business issues, there was always time to discuss his boys and his plans with them in the upcoming days. It wasn’t hard to tell how much Tom cared for his sons. Coming from the neighboring state of Iowa, we also had the opportunity to chat about our football teams and their outlook for the season. One year, the Huskers got the opportunity to play the Hawkeyes, but Tom was a gracious winner. Tom was a special relationship for me personally. Most often collaborative, occasionally strained due to deadlines and mutual expectations. After one particular rough interaction, with me thinking the relationship was strained, our next meeting began with Tom thanking me for my help on the last project and expressing his looking forward to our next project. It was that positive attitude and look-ahead, not behind, spirit that I will treasure most about having known Tom. Rest in Peace. And for once in my life, I will say – Go Big RED!!

I work in Customer Service here and I have been here for 10 years. Over the years, there have been times that Tom was very helpful to me with finance issues at the front desk and with customer phone calls that had to do with finance. I know that he was very busy, always diligently working, but he always took time to help to resolve the issue. Tom was always kind to me and I very much appreciated his kindness. He seemed very active and I know that in the Summer seasons, he often played on the softball team. That was just another way in which he made his mark here, he developed really good friendships with the sports activities that he was involved in. He was always friendly, he took the time to remember your name, and he made it a point to greet me.

I use to work in the SIU Dept and first met Tom when I joined the Softball team. Besides being a good player and having a canon for an arm, Tom had a way of making everyone laugh, win or lose. It was fun talking sports with him and yes, he talked about his kids all of the time. At work, we joked around when we would see each other and he was very helpful with anything you needed. You will be missed Tom. From: Nino

I've only known Tom for 6 months, but he was a larger than life personality to me from the very beginning. As soon as he found out about my love for hiking, Red Wings hockey, and Michigan football, he asked me about at least one of them every day. He would consistently make up stories and deliver them with such a straight face, I was never 100% sure he was lying. Of course I was pretty sure that he wouldn't be hitting the ice with the Wings that night, but he definitely sent me to the internet panicking about a fake injury or trade more than once. Tom, my life is better for having had you in it. I hope your running route in heaven is free of darkness, sprinklers, and scary old women.

Tom had the uncanny ability to make work fun, all of the time. It was only 5 months ago when I met Tom, but because of his eagerness in life and his interest towards people, we were able to develop a great friendship. I think Tom asked me, “How are those kids?” 6 times in about a 10 minute period last week. I have never met anyone like Tom and I know I will never meet anyone like him again. Tom, I miss you!

I worked with Tom for many years at the CO Dept of Labor & Employment. When he left the state for Pinnacol, I took over his position. He was a true friend and a mentor to me. He was smart, funny, caring and all those good things. He was crazy about his two boys - he talked about them all the time. I will miss him terribly.

When my daughter was born, I was so excited to show her to everyone at Pinnacol. I was walking by Tom's office and he had this look that made me think he wanted to meet her, too! It made me feel so special by how delighted he was to meet her! She is now 9 years old and Tom always made it a point to say "how are you" and ask about my daughter. He always remembered her age. Tom always spoke to me - even in a crowded elevator! Just recently, he chose me as his partner at the Fine Art of Small Talk session. It was nice to talk with Tom and discuss the things we had in common. Tom, you will be dearly missed!!

I met Tom in November 2007 when I took over managing the Pinnacol merchant account. From the first time we met, he was truly interested in learning more about me as a person. He always would ask me about my son and tried to connect on a more personal level than just business. Every time I would send an email or call, he would ask if I could just pop on by the office to have a face to face meeting. He would spend most of the time talking about how proud he was of his boys. You just knew he was a wonderful father and he always had great advice for me as a new mom. He will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace.