I met Thommy at the Boom Boom Room in Laguna when I was just a wee pup of 21, 1985 I think. I was working behind the bar and Thomm was a friendly regular that took me under his wing and made me his friend. Gave me some tips about life in the gay community. Watched out for me, incouraged me to try things - I was a little shy, and became a big brother to me. Thank God!

He introduced me to my current career actually - Nursery owner and Landscape Designer. He showed me the wonderful world of Gardens! He taught me the fine art of being a Gardener - much different than being a landscaper mind you. He took great pride in his gardens and God help the home owner that wanted to wreak havoc (change) a part of Thomms', (thier), garden. We worked together 4 to 5 days a week sometimes 3, depending on social schedule and dance calendar of course. After work we would go to the beach, play smash ball, swim and body surf and just lay in the sun and appreciate the beauty we were surrounded by. I miss those days!

Thomm opened my mind to the wonder of the world beyond the horizon. His stories of Paris, Berlin, all over Europe, inspired me to go with Curt on my first European excursion. He helped plan, educate, introduced us to friends there. Tried to get my mind around the French language. We actually went together a couple of years later, Paris, Berlin, Munich, met friends in Prague, Greg, Kathy, Cal. What a visual memory that is, all of us walking down the narrow cobble streets, our black coats (all of us of course, Thom and I in leather), swirling around us, the coal smoke hanging low making the flicker of the gas lights dim. It always seemed magical somehow when Thomm was around! He made Paris come alive for me! Showed me the insiders version. I have been in love with Paris ever since and have shared what I've learned with others.

Thomm had a way of infecting others with his joy about something! Could be a plant, a place, a person, a dance, an idea! He wanted to share, to teach, he loved watching people appreciate something that he also loved! I don't think he ever fully knew how much he influenced my life, or knew how many lives he touched! I will miss him but his influence will continue!

I met Thom in on the beach below the Boom in Laguna in about 1993.  Even though I really didn't like country music, he convinced me in his charming way to try dance lessons, and I was hooked and became one of his many fans.  I remember how his face radiated such positive energy when he was braking down the steps of a line dance on a crowded dance floor at Floyd's, a festival or rodeo.

I was able to see several sides of Thom's life because I dated Danny Wells.  So, I got to help him occasionally on gardening jobs.  I think of him every time I water a potted plant because he showed me how to make the water bubble just so.  As I reflect on Thom, I realize that he lived his life as an art form, and I learned so much from simply watching him.  The way he pruned flowers, designed his own garden, or reacted to a handsome cowboy.  He was so sensitive and socially aware, and often chastised me for my moodiness.  We shared a love for Europe and he helped me plan a trip to Munich, Amsterdam, and Paris and convince Danny to go, too.  He even introduced us to his friends Pierre and Bernard who invited us to dinner when we stopped by their antique store in Paris.  

I fell out of touch with Thom, and regret that I didn't have a chance to say good-bye to him.  He was such a good "mom" to me when I was coming out and estranged from my family.  I am a better person because of Thom's teaching and kindness and love.  He gave me courage to be my own man and follow my own heart.  I didn't think so at the time, but I'm sure now that he was a big influence in my decision to quit my doctoral studies at UC Irvine and pursue my teaching credential.

I wish my boys could have learned the Tush Push from Thom.  My partner and I took them to Europe this summer.  Thom would have been so proud!

Curt Southworth

I remember going to Thom's place in Laguna Beach and walking through his garden patio to his front door and he had noticed that I had noticed NOTHING of the beauty in the garden. Basically, he took me by the hand returning me to the gate and he introduced me to every flower in the garden.

I never walk through a garden without noticing the beauty to this day. I make sure I say "hello" to the beauty in all gardens. Thom taught me mindfulness. I am so grateful to him for that.

Lee Armentrout