This memorial was created to honour Tom (a.k.a. Chuck) Ready whose wit, wisdom, generosity and caring touched many lives. Let's share stories and pictures that will help to celebrate his life for years to come.
The Next Room
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away
into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone;
wear no false air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
...I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well.
—Henry Scott Holland, English clergyman and theologian
From the first time I met Tom Ready, I was quite favourably impressed.
I liked his low-key style and the way he listened to what you had to say. I mean, he really listened. This inner confidence he possessed gave others freedom to say what was in their hearts. What a gift!
Other positive impressions: that he was a wonderful and caring husband to Sharron......A loving and examplary father to his children........And, oh my! What a grandfather Tom was. Gabby and Charlotte are fortunate to have a Grampa Tom in their memories. They'll likely carry on several of the stories to tell their own children one day. I must say, I love the photo of The Nights in White Flannel...what a hoot!
My final note is regarding my son Gregory. After I met Renee, Sharron and Tom, I knew my dear Greg was in very good hands. Who knew he would follow their example and become a teacher?! I'm glad he did and likely his students are also. I was relieved he had Tom to talk man-to-man with and confer about his future. I honestly had total trust in Tom.
A good, honest, fun and caring man is synonymous with the name Tom Ready.
My sincere gratitude,
Carol
I am attempting to add several of the pieces that Tom sang in the evenings: familiar ballads and music from the 60's & early 70's. These were great times together - especially when he wrote a song and played it to me.
MMMMM. Perfect!
One of Tom's favourite past times was to play sail-cats. I had no idea what he meant by that and asked him to explain. When he told me the particulars, I was quite taken aback. Sail-cats, -frogs, -squirrels.
I can visualize him having the best of times. I truly can.
Sail-Cats: If you are not sure what they are, please go to the Urban Dictionary on the internet. I would love to include Tom's story as an explanation, but it would be "socially inappropriate," as Tom would say.
