A Time for Sharing: Monday May 26

Tom Hunter

For information about Tom Hunter, his ideas, and his music, visit www.tomhunter.com.

Tom Hunter left all of us a legacy of celebration, music, compassion and giving to our communities. Throughout his lifetime, Tom worked with people of all ages and backgrounds to teach new ways of learning and living. We all are committed to "keeping it going" by remembering his smile and his music and his voice.

There was a tremendous outpouring of support for the Hunters during this transition, and the family is deeply grateful.

TOM'S HEALTH

Tom Hunter was diagnosed on May 20, 2008 with Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease and died on June 20, 2008.

On September 2, 2008, a letter from the National Prion Disease Pathology Research Center confirmed that Tom had what's called 'sporadic CJD' (sCJD). His was an extremely rare type of sCJD that one in 4.5 million people are diagnosed with annually. We're very grateful that he did not have the inherited form, but it's critically important that a cure for all forms of CJD (caused by scrapy proteins in the brain which can take up to 40 years to manifest and kill their victims) are found. All forms of CJD are fatal.

The most accurate and up-to-date site for learning about CJD and supporting efforts to find a cure is http://www.cjdfoundation.org/ .

DONATIONS

Please help provide financial support by sending whatever you can. We are hoping for lots of $25. hugs- or whatever works for you - to help the Hunters with medical and transition expenses. They also want to protect the wetlands, forest and farm* that have seen so much of their love over the years and to help keep Tom's work alive in the world. (*Contributions given specifically for the mortgage have been moved with overwhelming gratitude to the new Tom Hunter Memorial Account described above.) If you wish to make a donation please make checks payable to Tom Hunter Family Donation (or to Tom Hunter Memorial Account) and mail to:

Whatcom Educational Credit Union
PO Box 9750
Bellingham, WA 98227

If you'd prefer to donate safely and securely using your credit/debit card, use this button:

COMMENTS and HOW TO HELP

To leave a comment for Tom and his family please scroll to the bottom of this page, and then come back up to today's date on the left side. Click on "comments" and leave your message in the box on the right side of the comments page. Your comment will not show up immediately as all comments go through the postmaster. They will be posted as soon as possible. If your comment is not posted within 24 hours please contact the postmaster at tomhunterblog@gmail.com

There are many ways to help. Please click on www.tomhuntersupport.blogspot.com under Music, Meals, Flowers, Yard Work, Farm Work below or look for the How to Help section opposite the daily comments on the right side of the blog towards the bottom.

Words from Tom's Dad

May 26
Somebody noticed what you did today
Somebody noticed little things along the way
How you watched how you listened to what children do and say;
Somebody noticed what you've done alway
'Tis grace has brought us safe thus far,
And grace will lead us home.

May 29
And the Angels took care of him.

May 31st
The Lord bless and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you, your family, the city of Bellingham, and the world, peace-- both now and forevermore. Amen

For my dad
May 20, 2008

Here I sit, feeling my feet on the floor
An image of grounding you’ve used lots before
Trying to make sense of this surreal, difficult time
While loving where I came from with infinite pride

It’s been amazing how many lines from your songs
Have been lights in the darkness when it all feels wrong
Have comforted, questioned, been profound and fun
Your capacity for humanity is second to none

This world is a better place because of who you are
And that’s known widely – near and far
In music, education, and matters of the heart
You’ve bettered lives right from the start

I’m so proud of you, of where I’ve come from
You’re a huge part of me and have taught me a ton
About being human, love, laughter, and tears
And how to keep going despite life’s fears

Please don’t worry about the rest of us
We’ll take care of each other and will always feel your touch
Your laughter, music, compassion, and voice
Will always be with us in the midst of life’s noise

So here I sit, feeling my feet on the floor
With love and gratitude deep down in my core
I’m so grateful for the time we have had
You’ll always be my mentor, my best friend, my dad.

-Aeden

Laugh Lines

i’ve always loved your laugh lines,
the way you smile ear to ear
and you always have this easy way
of crushing any fears.
we’ve shared so much so far in life
and i’m so proud and glad
that i can say with confidence
i have the very best dad.

from raspberries to hasty moves
and the cutting edge again?!
to times when you have comforted me
over troubles with my friends.
you know how to relieve the weird feelings
when things don’t feel quite right
you let me put them in your hands
and throw them into the night.

we’ve shared trees against the sky
and books, poems, songs and walks
you taught me respect by looking again
and i’ve always loved our talks.
from dream stories to lake padden eagles
and coloring outside the lines
i can say with ease and confidence
you have the most lovely mind.

i remember all those wakeful nights
and running down the hall
you and mom sang lullabies
and sound asleep i’d fall.
i’m your goofball now—
i’ll always be whether we’re near or far
i’ll hold you close in who i am
no matter where we are.

i know it’s getting harder
to take in this fantastic world
just know i love you—i always will—
as daddy’s little girl.

Irene

"I've been visiting schools to sing songs for almost 30 years. I've been in a lot of classrooms, presented a lot of workshops, talked with a lot of teachers, and sat on a lot of floors with kids. If I bring reminders of what's important in education, they come from finding those moments when the heart shows up, moments that peek around the corner and need to be invited farther into the room so we can see them. Such moments might seem ordinary but they are way too important to be captured in test scores. They fill teachers (and sometimes children) to overflowing."

Quoted from Tom's introduction to his book of essays : "Visits to the Heart of Education: Remembering What's Important" (available from Song Growing Company - see link below)

Clarification -- How to Comment

To comment, please click on the "comments" button below todays date. On the comment page - please write your comment in the box on the right side of the page and then sign your first and last name. Your posting will go through the postmaster - and will be put on the blog as soon as possible. To read comments from others, click on "comment" and read the left side of the page. Thanks
If you have questions about the blog or if this does not work for you -- send your message to the postmaster at: tomhunterblog@gmail.com and it will be posted for you.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Monday May 26

Thank you for all your comments and love.

28 comments:

postmaster said...: Hi Tom,Gwen,Aiden and Irene
I think of you everyday - and smile through the blur in my eyes because even now, you all share love, kindness and strength in the way you are living each moment, each hour, each day. Over ten years ago may have been the beginning -at the alternative church services (with soup) and Tom drawing us near with his music - or starting the Community Foundation - "lets include a little extra money for them to celebrate"- or asking everyone to "bring whatever traditions or strength you have" to bury our son - with grace and love; walks in your woods. listening to birds and building the gate; or talks over coffee, over the counter, across the street,on the boat,at the dinner table and always music - healing, loving, teaching - when you really love someone they just become part of who you are -- and you are -- and I celebrate you. You are all gifts in my life and I cherish you.
love always
sue webber; May 25, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom,
Imagine a four year old little girl with her four and two year old friends who are brothers, singing throughout a Mexican village, "Angels might be anywhere at all..."

The gift of your soul and music are carried to many, many places across the lands -- nothing can stop this uncontainable, contagious gift from flowing on, as our children so beautifully show us.

Thank you for you.

With gratitude, love, and prayers,
Lisa Iversen; May 25, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Anonymous said...: From Martha Doty Yorke...

A BIG Thank you to the creator and keeper of Tom's blog.

I've known Tom all of my life. His family shares the cottage next door to ours in Bay View, MI. I knew his great grandmother. His grandmother and mine were dear friends. His parents and my parents are dear friends. Tom was the minister who officiated at the wedding of my oldest daughter last September 1st in the park across from our cottages. She walked out the front door of the cottage and into the park where Tom stood in his "wedding shirt" (the one made by Gwen for their wedding) waiting to bless the marriage of two of the dearest people in my life. His parents were among the guests, as were his uncle and aunt and another of his cousins. That day the continuity of family and the importance of "roots" was very much a part of the underpinnings of our celebration. Tom and his father even sang an ad lib duet of "Daisy, Daisy give me your answer do..." as my daughter and her husband rode off to the reception on their "bicycle built for two."

Almost all of the cottages in Bay View have front porches. Tom has often talked about the "community of porches"....how people gather on porches and how the conversations which happen on porches, whether among the people on the porches or with the people passing by, create community. What you have created with the blog is a BIG, warm "front porch" for all of us who know and love Tom and his family. Thank you so much for "building" the porch.

Happy Memorial Day as you continue to help "the memories wrap their arms around" all of us...but especially Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene.

With much love,
Martha; May 26, 2008 at 5:57 AM
Cadence and her family live in said...: Tom,
Yesterday morning, waiting for church to start, Janet told me of your subversive hymn - the one about the Great Redeemer Clementine. I am taking that as part of my legacy from you effective immediately. Between Janet, Evan, and I - well, it might get a bit raucous over by the piano.

The kids and I will be looking for angels climbing up our walls for the rest of our days. One of them will be you, I'm sure. Just don't be a spider, ok?

Keeping the humor going,
Meril, Tim, Eliza, and Emma the Chicken Rustler; May 26, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Don Drake said...: Tom,

The two long messages I sent last week disappeared into the ether, so I will now try only a small part of the one I saved by printing it.

Before I re-type it, I just had an insight from reading some of the wonderful comments: you just may be the best Memory Making Maven any of us have seen. That is an extraordinary gift, to have created easily-accessed memories in hundreds, probably thousands, of people.

The second paragraph of my second message reads as follows:

As others have written, you have touched countless lives and made those lives and this world better for the breadth and depth of your national impact. I value more than all the other gifts you have shared with so many your never-ending sense of wonder and awe at all that surrounds us.

If this gets through, I will try again with the rest of the message. If not, I will just mail what I have printed.

My best to your family as well, my friend and inspiration,

Don Drake; May 26, 2008 at 9:16 AM
Anonymous said...: Lois Todd
Dear Tom,

As I’ve read what others have said, I’ve come to realize that we are among an elite group of persons (and they number in the legions) whose lives have been enriched by knowing you. Ted and I may belong to a subset of the ‘oldest” by virtue of being 85 and 82, but maybe I’d better claim the category of “older” by reminding you that I was the local agent for your visits to northwest co-op pre-schools in the early ‘80s. You started with Cedar Hills and when other schools became jealous I arranged a schedule that would choke a horse: 2 schools each morning and a family event in the evenings. These grew to be popular and you became our PCPO keynote speaker with concerts following. I’ve always been proud of being quoted on one of your earliest brochures: “It is hard to know if Tom is a little kid masquerading as an adult or an adult who has magically retained a view of the world from an eye-level of less than 4 feet! In either case, both generations are sure that his music was meant just for them.”

Your songs started with the littlest ones with “When I’m Sad I Cry”; and moved on
to “Rock Me to Sleep”, “Memories” and “Tears”. Every generation has learned the value of tears as ‘the washers of the windows of our souls’. I cherish the quote from the introduction to your song “Tears” – “Tears are so powerful and necessary but we mostly have negative ways to talk about them. Maybe instead of being “reduced to tears” some of us are elevated to tears. And instead of “falling apart”, tears hold some of us together.

One summer, as NWTC campers hugged and cried for each carload leaving, I handed out stickers that read “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Thank you, Tom, for happening in our lives. We love you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Gwen, Aeden, and Irene

Ted and Lois Todd; May 26, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene, I pray for you throughout each day and I love each one of you so much! It was on a holiday that I met you in your backyard and I sat back and heard all this wonderful music for the first time in my life. I didn't like the iguna that much but I recall CRACKING up at the haircuts Tom and Aeden had using this machine and then the vacuum to assist in their haircut. I loved the Sunday nights at the church with Tom awhile ago and others, an informal time and that meant alot to me to be a part of that during a transitional time in my life...a time that affirmed God was still in charge regardless where I worshipped. Thank you for that time! I've never been to a funer rehearsal than with Aeden and Tom. I love your laugh Tom! All of you touch my heart in your own special ways, thank you Hunter family and I'll be sending you a copy of my first Native American Christmas song I wrote last Dec. I was going to call you from work right after I wrote it and sing it to you over the speaker phone. lol...Love you! C Minkler; May 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom and family,
If you don't remember me, that's OK, because we haven't met much. (One of my big regrets over the years is not having been more involved in the music community.) But I wanted to thank you for all your work in the community, and in building community, and say you are much appreciated. My best to you all.
Linda Twitchell,
Bellingham; May 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Anonymous said...: Thank you for setting up this blog...there are so many wonderful thoughts and memories shared.

Tom, Gwen, and family - Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all at this time.

David and Angela MacLeod; May 26, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Bonnie Baer-Simahk said...: Tom,

We are all so sad to hear of your struggle, a sadness we clearly share with so many. We wish it wasn’t so. We wish we could be there to give you a hug. We’ll reminisce instead, and share a little news. My boys and I have been talking about old times we shared and it got me thinking back.

I remember going to a BER workshop and watching a guy named Tom Hunter make weird sounds with PVC pipe and music with all kinds of other strange things. He talked about singing with children and helping teachers maintain joy and vitality. He talked about how song brings people together. I knew I needed to bring him to teachers in Fitchburg… and so you came. Remember all those trips to Fitchburg, Massachusetts? Family concerts and conference presentations. A house concert and demonstration sing-alongs in early childhood classrooms. We were so lucky.

And it turned out, you’d been to Massachusetts before. We learned you went to school in our state!

Teachers in Fitchburg have your songs in their classrooms now and in their hearts.
We were so happy to have you in our home state, some of us decided to check out yours!

So we came across the country to teachers’ camp. What a place. What a group!
I kept coming back, with my sons, Sam and Tyler. Remember? You and Richard gathered a group of like-minded friends to create an event that brought people together in new and powerful ways. We loved it. We got to spend amazing time with wonderful people! Flip, Gretchen, Dale, Aeden, John, Linda, Mary, Fran and Cricket to name just a few.

There was workshop time and play time. Time to eat and sing together. Time for long wonderful conversations and walks to waterfalls. Time to look at Geoducks in Seabeck, and the farm animals in the pastures at Camp Brotherhood . I remember Ellen’s great stories and songs. Matt’s songs and throw away comments always made us laugh. (Those two had us giggling until our stomachs hurt.) Remember Matt from Alaska? We do too. And Ellen’s Lily song… Debby Handy and that California gang inspired us with their autoharp adventures! And Jan’s piano playing was second to none! Dale and Aeden had terrific programs for the kids. My boys loved being there as much as I did! Especially great for two young actors to have that time with Gretchen! Flip always had something precious in store for us, whether it was greeting us with fresh fruit from her cherry trees, or firefly lanterns for the walk home on lullaby night. Most precious were her songs, and her gifted guitar work. Remember the campfires? And the singing. Every night, the singing together. Singing with and for each other. And lullaby night. Lullaby night was special. What got me about lullaby night was how even the teenagers took to it. That was something. So many wonderful memories.

Camp was such a place for ideas. My two kids got to see adults sharing their ideas and passion for education in a creative and supportive learning environment, and everyone was enriched by it. Mary Davidson shared her school district’s work in music and movement, and I brought her ideas about motor groups back to the East Coast. Thanks to that connection, the Motor Magic program is still going on in our preschools!

Remember those barn swallows that nested in the overhang just outside the big windows in the dining hall? Remember how beautiful the foxgloves looked growing on the side of the road? Remember how my youngest son learned it’s not a good idea to play “Ostrich Tag”? Remember the kids dressing up and putting on shows for us? My favorite was the year they all performed in the roles of NWTC staff. Remember Aeden mass producing t-shirts for the whole camp…with lots of little helpers. Aeden and Dale were so great with the kids. There was always something fun to do. Who would have thought of decorating bananas? Who would have thought of the Bob Marley banana? The kids got to see creative and supportive adults working together to provide respectful and interesting times for them. My boys learned so much from coming to camp.

Richard’s quiet presence and organization supported our time, and his beautiful autoharp music started and ended each day, along with you and your guitar. Every day Tom, you or one of your friends would say something that I carry, still, in my heart. Northwest Teachers’ Camp: Where seeds of cynicism fail to prosper. I’m so grateful to have been part of that.

Many thanks to Gwen and Irene for sharing you all those times when you were creating this amazing space for the rest of us!

Sam, Tyler and I loved coming to the Pacific West Coast. You know, I don’t believe I ever would have been able to make those trips with my boys if you and Richard hadn’t created a professional development event for teachers that made room for their children. I kept coming back as much for them as I did for myself! And because of it, we had opportunities to visit some of the most beautiful places. After camp, we always made a little side trip. Over the years, we saw Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Seattle, Victoria, Bainbridge Island, the rainforest and a hot springs! My boys and I shared countless ferry rides around the Puget Sound, and special times together that were an indirect outcome of your capacity for bringing people together, in all kinds of ways. Thanks so much for that. I’m sure it strengthened our family in ways we don’t even know.

And remember that time you and Aeden came to New York City to the NEAYC Conference? It was so wonderful to meet you both at the Holy Basil, my sister-in-law Lek’s Thai restaurant, and spend some time together. (My husband, also named Tom (!) had cooked for us when you visited the house one time years ago when you were in Massachusetts…but I think Lek’s food was better. Just don’t’ tell anybody I said so.) I think Lek’s restaurant may just be the first place my youngest son, Tyler was willing to eat something other than a chicken nugget. As I recall, it was chicken sate, but at least it was a start. As I recall, Aeden also had a little culinary adventure at the Holy Basil. The way I remember it, he and Tyler both tried squid for the first…and perhaps the only time.

News from Home: You might recall it was the selling of our Siamese kittens that financed the boys’ trips to camp each year. They haven’t been buying any plane tickets lately! Now those helpful little kittens are helping pay for Sam’s college! He’s in the musical theatre program at Emerson in Boston, and works during his vacation time at a residential home for kids in state custody. He also works at a local theatre camp for four weeks in the summer as a recreational counselor. Tyler is a freshman in high school. Both boys remain enthusiastic actors and singers. My daughter, our oldest, finished up at UMass, and is an English teacher at Waltham high school here in Massachusetts. My husband continues to do freelance art work, along with interior painting and general handyman work. Currently he’s also clerk of the works for a local municipal building project. I told him he’s a regular renaissance man, but he smirked and corrected me: “baroque boy!” and he’s thinking of a new business card for his handyman work: “Tom Simahk, Baroque Boy. If it’s baroque, I can fix it.” (Glad he’s not a stand-up comic.) I have a new job for the Fitchburg School district now. No longer the early childhood director, I am now the director of the office of English language acquisition, and k-8 enrollment. It keeps me off the streets. I still do a lot of professional development and get to share songs every summer at the Responsive Classroom institutes. I always tell the participants about your songs and use what I learned from you about singing with teachers.

I often think of you Tom, our West Coast friends, and those great times we had coming out to camp. Your contribution to early childhood education is evident in those preschool and kindergarten classrooms in my city, where singing with children and being joyful in our work continues on. I look forward to the time when we will find ourselves in another amazing place, with amazing people singing new songs together. Until then.

With all fondness,
Bonnie Baer-Simahk; May 26, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Nancy G said...: Dear Tom, Gwen, Aeden, and Irene,
My heart is aching. I send my love and hope you all can feel my arms wrapped around you tight. But my heart is also full of gratitude for a very special friendship I treasure and will treasure always. Tom, thank you for your beautiful music and for letting me be a small part of it once upon a time. That has always meant so much to me. And thank you for your wisdom, your generosity, your big heart, and, yes, that big laugh that is ringing in my ears as I write. Gwen, you are my favorite singing partner and I'm your pal forever and ever. You are truly wonderful and I love you dearly. Aeden and Irene, your awesome poems are a tribute to your dad's beautiful spirit and a testament to your own beautiful spirits as well.
Love,
Nancy G; May 26, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Karee said...: Hey Tom-

Camp
The need for a blank wall, a meandering path, Chairs to mend, Owl Moon--again?! delight in the questions, encouragement of "what else is also true", an embarrassment of riches...

You gallantly singing at Parkview Elementary
the sun comes up...
plant a rose...and an apple tree
making the CD with the first graders

agenda-less coffee
talks of aging parents, loving teachers,
traditions--which to keep and pass on, which to let go...

details

And then just the other day, with Richard, we went on and on about all the people you have touched near and far, your remarkable self and life.
And this morning, with Keajn, who hugged me deeply saying, "I'm sad Mom, but we will always have Tom's music..."

You are a great big gift to the world.
I love you.
Karee.; May 26, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,

Drat - my message sent last night did not make it - being a certified tech hazard is tough - especially when I want you to know I am sending you love.

Here are the snippets I remember ...

~ Deep thanks to your loving friends who created and are keeping this blog sp beautiful. The warm pictures draw me in - how I love that one of you looking down with the sun on your face, Tom!

~ Aeden and Irene, what incredible words of yours. They are such a gift to all of us. Thank you.

~ Tom and Gwen, you must be so proud of those two. Makes me think of the "If you got the sun ..." song. You planted little seeds (literally and figuratively :) down the old back lane and then racked and hoed.....and with some sun and some rain and your INCREDIBLE love, look at what beautiful things sprouted and grew! What a wonder!

I keep your happy smile in the front of my mind, Tom, and the memory of your warm, long hug after church on that "first" Sunday sustains me. May each day hold specialness and peace for all of you.

Love,
Margie Kimberley; May 26, 2008 at 1:49 PM
Cori said...: Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,

I'm back to work today after over 3weeks off, and was mobbed when I came through the door. How lovely it is to be cherished in such a way. Reading all these messages only reinforces how very much you are cherished as well - all of you.

Almost immediately upon walking thrugh the door, I put on one of your CD's, one way of keeping you as close to my heart throughout the day as possible, and one of my littles, a 5 year old named Sage, came over to say thanks... Apparently they didn't listen to any music the entire time I was gone, and from the way they sang along and danced, it was clearly something that was missing. I can't imagine a day without song now, let alone weeks. I never thought I'd need to put music into the schedule, since it just IS, but I guess I've learned something new...

I think of you gathered together, reading these notes, singing and listening to music, holding one another and just being present with each other and imagine how much love must be lifting up and spiraling around the world to you and then back into the air.

Love to you all,
Cori Dusmann
Victoria

Today, Like Every Other Day

Today, like every other day,
we wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks; May 26, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Crowfire said...: Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,

The kids of FCCB were blessed with so many amazing 'grown ups', but Tom was a particularly key player. I firmly believe that every congregation needs a minstrel, because church is about gathering people and nothing does that like music does. My childhood memories are infused with your music, Tom, singing in church, your back yard, annual meeting, Columbia school (I can still hear the song 'Transportation' in my head), playing cello with you at Christmas (I was so nervous and I didn't want to mess up and let you down . . . but there was grace), in the recording studio . . . I could go on. My memories continue into adulthood with the playing of your Christmas CD every year - it's just not Christmas without Tom. On Thursday I led the closing prayer in my liturgy class and we sang your hymn in the New Century Hymnal.

I remember at annual meeting one year I arrived at a gathering just as you were packing up your guitar and I asked for just one song. So, you unpacked again and played a song, and then another, and another . . . I think you played 5 or 6. It's like you have this life, this flow coming out of you that you can't help but share. You move people with your own spirit. As I become a minister, I am paying attention to all leaders in my midst; I watched your life energy come forth many times and move people in many different ways, but mostly to sing together, to look around together for angels, to notice one another and acknowledge that we are doing this together. My wish is for every child to have such an experience, to grow up in a context where people come together in song.

Thank you for your life and for making our community your home. Thank you for every moment and every song. Thank you for the gift of your family, who I have cherrished and will continue to cherrish. My life has been blessed by knowing each of you. Tom, I will keep you always in my heart.

with love and tears,
Karen Kennell; May 26, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom-
Among the many things we've missed since moving to Spokane, watching you perform is high on the list. We've tried to bring a little Tom Hunter magic to our new church, Westminster UCC: we now sing to our kids after Time w/ Children and just had our 3rd annual Pajama concert!

I'm grateful for the special ditty you composed and sang at the twins' baptisms in the park, for the many wonderful Christmas Eves at Mt. Baker, and that you encouraged me to tell my stories.

At church on Sunday, Westminster Congregational UCC lifted up you and Gwen and the kids in prayer. Afterwards, I was amazed by how many folks came up to tell me their "Tom Hunter" story. You've blessed so many lives! We hold you close in thought and tenderly in our hearts.

Love-Laurie Powers, Breean Beggs, Carter, Bridget & Fiona; May 26, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Anonymous said...: To Tom,

Crossing the desert today, the clouds were full of rain;
My eyes with tears streaming
I sang again “Rock me to Sleep” and “Coming Home”
This time to you.

So many memories and gifts:
--Children and stories, faith questions, journeys, being love in the moment, wide-eyed and expecting;
--Setting my alarm for 6 a.m. on Sundays so not to miss a moment on KGO radio;
--Sitting in my parent’s kitchen talking, you always interested, questioning and listening;
--Or sitting on their livingroom floor sharing guitars and stories including a childhood story-of how you were a good teacher then-that has helped me to be a better speech therapist;
--Getting to share your songs with children, teachers, family and friends, camps, youth groups, and now my own grandchildren;
--Singing “Rock Me To Sleep” over the phone 17 years ago, to my now life partner, and to learn just today as we shared memories, that this sharing had a profound effect on our being together – thank you!

Your presence in my life has been a constant in my becoming a questioner, an educator, and a person of faith, in this world.

There is this mystical yet tangible web of interlaced connections, hearts and lives touching, you and your music have given to me and so many others.
We are a smaller, more connected, more loving world because of you Tom, your stories, and your music which you so generously invite us to share, as in sharing the bread and the cup. And, “There is yet more light and more truth to break forth…”

Thank you Tom, with hearts full of love. And to Gwen, Aeden, Irene, and others in the extended family, thank you for sharing Tom with so many of us, so much of the time; and for your part, of him being who he is. Please know and feel the love and prayers coming your way. With Love,
Judy Brooke; May 26, 2008 at 5:52 PM
The Hebert Family said...: Hello Tom & Gwen,
Rather than wish I did, I wanted to post a note to you with my well wishes. Gwen I have met you through Usana and have only met Tom once after last year's Christmas Concert at First Congregational Church. Last year's Christmas Sing-Along was for me extra special as I attended with my 3 month-old son, Benjamin. He slept in a sling near my heart as I (and the rest of the attendees) sang along with your music. I remembered most of the words from the year before! I thank you for putting on the Christmas concert that brought so much love and light into our holiday. I love to sing! Prior to the arrival of my son, when asked what I was most looking forward to with my new little one I answered. "singing to my baby." Now we sing songs everyday like You are my Sunshine, Puff the Magic Dragon and made-up songs about “Benny and Mama goin' on a walk” or “Doin’ a Diaper Change”. I'm going to order all of your music CDs so that we can get to know you better through your songs. Just the titles have me excited! I suppose I just wanted to raise my voice up with the others and tell you how you've touched and will continue to touch my and our lives-through your music. I can pretty much guarantee that we’ll be singing your songs around here for many, many years. Sending you and your family much LOVE.
Jenn and little Ben Hebert
Bellingham, WA; May 26, 2008 at 7:33 PM
postmaster said...: Dearest Tom,
What a wonderful gift you gave to me last July 4th. You lifted my heart, spirits and soul with your songs. As always you were giving your love to many on that day.

I meant so much to me to have friends around to help me forget for just a little while my pain from chemotherapy. Thank you and Gwen for being such great friends
to the new comer in town. I continue to send prayers to all of you.

Love, Calene; May 26, 2008 at 7:40 PM
postmaster said...: To my dear friend.
I heard the news today. Please know how much you are loved; how much I love you. I have been remembering the times we spent together; short moments really, grabbed here and there at conferences and seminars, just easily talking about life and children and life and songs and life and teaching and life. Just little snippets of your musings and ideas and wisdom and dreams.
You have lived a precious life and have given freely the many gifts you have to all of us and we have all been blessed just knowing you. You have been an inspiration and a mentor. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
You will be loved always,

Carolyn Tripp; May 26, 2008 at 7:52 PM
David said...: Greetings Tom –

I still vividly remember sitting around you as a child at UCC Belmont. It was probably over 30 years or so then and it’s coming on 25 years since you came to the church to sing at my mom’s memorial service. “Rock Me To Sleep” was one of my mom’s (Marilyn Coleman) favorite songs and it meant a lot to all of us then to have you there for the first memorial event we had for her. I still know the words and when times get tough I find myself singing those words to myself (or trying to at least). You’re a very special man and your songs have a wonderful ability to help understand and live life. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you sing, but I will never forget how special some of those songs were to my family.

You’re in my thoughts and your songs will be continually in my head.

David Coleman; May 26, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Anonymous said...: About 27 years ago when I lost my wife, Marilyn, your songs and consideration was a great support. All of us at the Belmont Congregational Church, particularly my family, remember you so fondly, and all our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Jerry Coleman; May 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom, Gwen, Aeden and Irene,
Kaye and I have been at a loss for words since hearing of your condition Tom. Thankfully, our roads crossed many times over these past years, from meeting you when we came to check out the "thinking person's pastor" at the Lummi Island church back around 1984 to being blessed to have you stand with Carrie and Justin on their wedding day nearly six years ago. In between and since, you and your entire family have been close to us and many a cup of coffee has been shared down at The Bagelry, especially back when Dick Beardsley held court on Railroad and pushed all of us with his quest for understanding of this world. Oh, Tom, you have been there for children and teachers and I am in awe of your passion, your zest for seeing answers to those questions, and your joyfully rich laugh that painted its way throughout a room and brightened all within earshot. You helped Kathy Hayward die the way she wanted, even singing that dirty song (the title slips me now) whenever she requested it. You came when I needed you to help my class deal with the death of a Columbia student by singing with them, listening to them, asking them questions, telling a few stories, and...and I know you remember this, playing baseball at lunch recess as they learned that death is part of life and not to be feared. When I called to congratulate you on your appointment as lead pastor at your beloved church, I left a message saying that when most people are planningretirement at your age, wouldn't it be fitting that Tom Hunter, would be starting in on a new verse in his song of life. Thank you for being part of my life in the past, in the present and in the future when I play your songs for Carrie's little one (she's due in Nov.) and teach him/her about a man who changed lives through music, laughter, stories and love.

I love you, Tom...Bill; May 26, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom

The little time that I spent with you left me thinking what a wonderful and warm person. My family and I are so sad that you will be leaving the neighborhood. Your soul shines brightly for those who barely knew you and for those who knew you best. You and you family are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and love to you all.

Virginia; May 26, 2008 at 9:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom~I keep trying to express what I feel but I think your son Aeden said it best in his poem. "You've bettered lives right from the start." Your generosity and joy lighted my life and the way I teach. You are like a light showing us the way. Love and thanks to you, Tom Hunter, and to your whole family. Kathy Sible; May 26, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Tom,
I just heard this news. It is bad news for you and all of us, but I know you will meet this challenge with courage, your unique chuckle, and a twinkle in your eye. I know you will be inspiring folks with music on the other side, as you will continue to do so back here.

I want to see you. In case I can't, here's what I would remind you of: Conejos Peak: "a new way of hiking" -- Denver: "we always go exploring on Thursdays" -- Denver: the watergate hearings on TV in the little corner room -- the basement tape -- Silver City to Portal with a 6-pack -- "Tonight I'd like to rock you to sleep" and "Cottonwoods" become standards at The Gulch -- Irreverance -- "The cat's in heat all the time" -- Portal: the weird yuccas -- In other words, good times, good laughs, stout frienship.

I love you,
Arch McCallum; May 26, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Unknown said...: Dear Tom & Family:

I just got the word about your illness via John Brooke. The irony is that for me your music is forever linked to the last decade or so of my mother's life - some 27 years ago. Several of your songs meant a lot to us as we went through her struggle with cancer. To this day - and forever more, one in particular is a very special prayer to me that gives great comfort in times of sadness.

****
All I can hear are the crickets
And the whistle from some lonely freight
I've been working so hard to make everything right
But for now it'll just have to wait

`Cause tonight I'd like you to rock me to sleep
I'd like you to sing me a song'
I'm tired of trying to figure things out
And I'm tired of being so strong

I've never been too good at asking
I'm more apt to do it alone
And it's strange how a lot of us think something's wrong
If we can't do it all on our own

It's funny how times when you're hurting
Make what's so familiar seem strange
So when you need help, it's hardest to ask
And it always takes so long to change

`Cause tonight I'd like you to rock me to sleep
I'd like you to sing me a song'
I'm tired of trying to figure things out
And I'm tired of being so strong
****

Bless you Tom. I am deeply grateful for your wonderful muse and enduring message.

With Love,
Michael Coleman; May 26, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Jennifer said...: Tom, Growing up at UCC I will never forget the songs you wrote that inspired me. To this day "Angels might be anywhere at all" is on my top 10 list of all time. I especially loved the version you wrote specifically for Bobbi Virta. I loved when you did circle times at church and sang to us. You are a truly inspirational person. We are all hugging you right now as Angels dance around you. Thank you for being an amazing, loving, talented person who I will never forget.
You are incredible.
Jennifer (Zell) Liggett; June 1, 2008 at 4:16 PM