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/o "Tom had an unbel ievable w e a l t h o f k n o w l e d g e a b o u t t h e sports commu- nity and before the day was over I had a complete list of t h e a t h l e t i c d e p a r t m e n t heads at all the high schools, all the minor sports presi- dents, all the hockey league presidents, a l i s t o f t h e junior B Bob- cats executive, a map of the city 's sports facilities and I w a s on m y way. "That was my introduc- tion to Tom -- he was there for me at the start and throughout my career as sports editor at The Intelli- gencer. When I moved over to the Intell's city desk, Tom was a r i g h t - h a n d m a n a s o u r court/police reporter and we worked side by side until my departure for the managing edi- tor's position at The Tren- tonian late in • 1999." Tom's pass- ing was f e l t deeply by the regional politi- cal community. Elected lead- ers lamented the l o s s o f Tom to the area, at large, but praised his spirit as self- less and com- mitted to serv- ing a community he treasured. P r i n c e Edward-Hast- ings MP Ernie Parsons visited T o m in Belleville hos- pital on Sunday and said he was moved by Tom's courage and cheerful resolve in the face of such odds. "WE WENT BACK 35 YEARS WITH HIS FAMILY AND I WATCHED TOM CROW UP. THE COMMUNITY WILL MISS TOMMY, HE WAS SUCH A GOOD MAN." -- MAYOR GEORGE ZEGOURAS In his last days on the fifth floor of the hospital, Tom went out of his way to make others feel comfortable, despite his personal physical hurdles. "I've admired Tom my whole life, but yesterday was an expe- r i e n c e I ' l l never forget. He was facing many obsta- cles. If I had to d e s c r i b e Tom's life, it was pu t t i ng other people first," said Par- s o n s . " H e enjoyed l i fe r ight to the very end. He was at peace with God, him- self and was relishing talk- i n g s p o r t s with people. H e w a s a n amazing indi- vidual and I can't compre- hend this area, t h e l o c a l media without him." M a y o r G e o r g e Zegouras, alongside Peter Annis, also visited Tom in his last days at Belleville hospital to thank him for y e a r s of m a k i n g Belleville a better place to live for everyone. Choking back tears, Zegouras said an entire city was mourning the loss of a man who was deeply respected in all corners of life, whether it be political, sports or in the general commu- nity. "We went back 35 years with his family and I watched Tom grow up. I gave him a big hug and Tom told me, 'It was won- fern b-er II p *