Singing together somewhere in time
Tom & Gwen
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 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/ .
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/ .
Tom and Gwen
2007
Tom and Aeden
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May 8,2008
Tom and Irene
May 24th, 2008
To live on this earth
you must be able
to do three things:
To love what is mortal;
To hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
And when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
mary oliver
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:
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:
Now the focus narrows to just the steps ahead. You have a chorus of knowing, loving voices all over this planet to sing you home.
flip
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PHOTOS - NOW ON A NEW PAGE
Many of the photos from this page and also new ones have been moved to their own page and can be viewed by clicking on the link below. If you have photos to share please send them to us at tomhunterblog@gmail.com Thanks.
Pictures of Tom, Family and Friends
Singing with friends
Salem Oregon 1990
Laughing at a story
June 7th from Marie
"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today" Indian Proverb
with love from Gege Manolis
with love from Gege Manolis
Tom and Irene
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June 2008
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.
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.
Music, meals, flowers, yard work & farm work
The Hunter Family
Jeanne Herrick has put many photos from the blog into a beautiful slide show. Click below to watch
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
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
Tom with the love quilt
From First Congregational Church of Bellingham
Aeden, Tom & Willard Hunter
Three Generations
Tom and Cindy
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Prayer rocks from Lummi Island
"Sometimes healing is more than getting better. Sometimes it's love revealed....." - Tom Hunter
Aeden and Tom, April '08
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
Irene and Tom last summer
The very best dad in the world
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
May 22, 2008 After baptizing little Maddie
Exchanging blessings
To My Old Brown Earth by Pete Seeger
To my old brown Earth
And to my old blue sky
I'll now give these last few molecules of I
And you who sing
And you who stand near by
I do charge you not to cry
Guard well our human chain
Watch well you keep it strong
As long as sun will shine
And this our home
Keep pure and sweet and green
For now I'm yours
And you are also mine
with thanks to Cori Dusmann
May 22, 2008 At the Shepherd's
"I want my music to be grounded in the realities of what kids and teachers know. I want it to 'ring true; as it helps people laugh, cry, remember, celebrate, and learn."
— Tom Hunter
Tom in his backyard Labor Day 03
"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)
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)
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"But what if we can't get there?
What if it's too far?
What if we can't find our way from right here where we are?
What if it doesn't matter
that we can't find our star?
What if God comes anyway
right here where we are?"
-Tom Hunter
What if it's too far?
What if we can't find our way from right here where we are?
What if it doesn't matter
that we can't find our star?
What if God comes anyway
right here where we are?"
-Tom Hunter
Northwest Teachers Camp
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from Cori Dusmann
Photos
If you have photos of Tom that we can use on the blog, please email them to us at tomhunterblog@gmail.com
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, the Sufi Poet
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, the Sufi Poet
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50 comments:
Tom,
Just a short while ago I was in with Jessica, who was having trouble falling asleep due to "scary thoughts." We talked, as usual, about ways to deal with the scary thoughts and the dark, and we ended up singing the song that goes, "So now, take a song with you, when you go away. A song can keep you company, a song can be your friend." I can hear her in there now, singing a song to keep the scary thoughts away.
Your songs are such a part of our lives, as they have always been for me. I'll always remember being a joy jester, putting Christmas Eve programs together with you, and my senior year in high school when Aiden was a freshman and you were one of our youth group leaders. As a teacher, you visited my tiny little school in the Columbia River Gorge and sang songs with my students. Now my own children listen to your music and sing your songs as well.
Last month, shortly before Megan turned 3, she was sitting on the floor playing. Out of the blue she started singing, "When I'm sad, I cry. When I'm sad, I cry. Sometimes things make me sad. When I'm sad I cry." A precious moment.
Another was just five weeks ago, when you came to visit my Grandma Alice during her final days. You and Jessica held hands and sang "Monsters" together. Before you left that day, you prayed over Grandma. When you finished the prayer, Grandma, who we thought was asleep, said, "Amen!" Thank you for your songs and prayers during her final days.
Thank you for all of the magical moments you have helped to create for so many people. Your songs will live on, creating moments like these far into the future. Wishing you magical moments with the people you hold dearest.
Ann Yurovchak
Kingston, WA
We are thinking of you here in New Zealand, Tom. I always loved your singing, and as part of the Folk Choir, I treasure the memory of singing back-up during one of your recording sessions. When they were littler, our 4 sons used to laugh about your Christmas songs that always seemed to be about sheep, sheep, sheep. Who knew we would end up in New Zealand, a country with 40 million sheep and only 4 million people? Sheep, sheep, sheep. I can hear your voice from the other side of the world. More recently, you have befriended and mentored our son, Boone. Blessings for all that you did for him, for me, and for everyone.
Megan Davidson
Tom,
My roommate just asked me what I've been doing for the last two hours...I told her I was reading what about 200 folks had written in the last 5 days. She was astounded as I tried to explain your ineffable qualities that cause those who know you well, and those like me who have been "brushed by your sleeve" as we've passed, to weep...celebrate...reminisce...connect ...
The table in front of me is stained with tear drops...how can someone who I've only encountered a handful of times be so important to me?
I find myself smiling as I've read of how you have celebrated your way through life...not flippantly, but honestly, deeply, and thoughtfully.
So many simple, yet powerful words have slid back to my lips as others have shared the importance of your songs to the difficult times and transitions of their lives.
And I now know why I was able to share a deep pain of my childhood during a brief conversation with you.
So whether we were at Good Stuff, or I was singing with kids at preschool, or we chatted about the challenges of children REALLY learning at school, or we exchanged emails about using music to inspire folks at SpecialQuest to continue working to include infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in our communities...there was a connection. We may have only brushed sleeves, but what transpired as we have passed each other has "touched the deeps" in me.
Margie Singer really nailed it for me...she "gets it"! ;) I'm so glad we all have this opportunity to share our eulogies with you, Tom.
Susan Stewart
Dear Ones,
I simply don't have the words. Words can't say what I feel. Songs get close, but still, my heart contains feelings that are so deep words can only skim the surface. It's one of the most important things you've taught me. How children (that means everyone) need wonderful memories to draw on, warm-heart memories that will carry them through hard times and bring unspoken joy in good times.
Your gratitude, your smile, your laugh, your heart is contagious.
Thank you isn't enough. I'd do more, if only I could figure out how!
I love you and your family and sign off with gratitude for such dear ones.
Sherry Baugh
Good Morning, Tom, Gwen, Aiden (did I spell your name right?), and Irene -
I saw the Wendell Berry book of poems on your table at yesterday's gathering, and I was going to ready this poem - perhaps my favorite of many, many favorite Wendell Berry poems - but I couldn't find the right moment. So here it is.
The Peace of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
— Wendell Berry
I love you all. Scott
Dear Tom, The internet is a buzz as your news travels through space. Would you have guessed so many people would contact you through a Blog? I remember the time at camp some years back you were focusing on words and their sounds and you stopped your song to repeat upteen times the word Bulb!Asking us to really listen to so we all start saying Bulb numerous times. Smiles break out as usual. Now I am visioning you repeating Blog those many times with a smile. Who would have thunk!
How fitting though, you the lover of words having so many connect with you through the written word.
Please visualize my arms and hundreds others giving you a hug. You are the best of huggers. Another memory: A circle of friends surrounding you at camp with our hands on you to give you strength as you were helping Gwen with her cancer. It was soooo powerful. Now those hands are for you my friend.
Thank you for being a changer, for helping us to see another way. For sharing yourself and being a guide. I love you, Mary Davidson
Tom, my years at the trek are enriched through songs, your songs, which still fill my heart with wonder. You introduced me to Melvina Reynolds and T. Hunter classics many years ago in San Francisco. Thank you for your kindnesses. God be with you.
Affectionately,
Henry Hooper
Hi all
Just gong to continue to leave notes so you know I am thinking of you.
Soo it finally quit raining here in St. Louis. The Cardinals are doing well- who knew!
This is the last week of school.
Alec comes home from studying in Germany Saturday.
I plan to spend a week in July at the cottage.
So- hi
Blog you later
Ruthie (Merrell)
Hi Tom, Gwen, Aiden and Irene,
So many memories are flooding my heart right now. I think more than anything I remember playing a really crazy song I wrote as part of the class you taught at PSR, Tom, and you getting that "Tom twinkle" in your eye and saying something like, "Yeah. Okay." From there the incredible honor of playing music with you on a couple of albums, the joy of bringing our Starfire Singers to your church in Bellingham, staying with you guys a few times during recording sessions, and getting to know the power of simplicity and the integrity of truth through your life and your music. You have taught us all that love heals. Now, my friend, you are surrounded by so much love and so much gratitude. You will be rocked to sleep, with that "Tom twinkle" still in your eyes. Thanks for everything...
Dirk and Carol Damonte
The time,
or was it concern
or was it caring
or was it joy
or was it love
or all of these
shared in Heart and Soul
is second to none.
And so many other experiences, as well……
Love to you and your family
and the family of humankind
you have touched……
….and continue to touch.
Your gifts are immense
Our hearts are with you
in love,
Anne and Roger Griffith
Dear Tom,
When I heard the news, I thought back to how excited I was, being familiar with some of your songs, to find that you lived in this wonderful community we had just moved to. I still am.
Karen and I also thought back to your presence at our housewarming, and the fact that you blessed the house and gave us the gift of song here.
Reading the blog reinforces what I already knew: your life is a continuing series of gifts to your family, your friends, and the greater community and world.
You are truly helping to make the world what you dream it to be.
There is no question that our lives, Bellingham, and the world are far better for having you in them.
Thank you for all that you do and all that you are
Karen will write her own thoughts soon.
With great love and appreciation,
Larry
Dear Tom,
30 years ago I attended my first SFFMC campout. The single dad of four kids I was moved to tears when someone sang, "Tonight I want you to Rock Me to Sleep" around the midnight campfire. Someone saw me sobbing and came to give me a consoling hug.
"Where did that song come from?" I was barely able to ask through my streaming tears.
That's Tom Hunter's song, they said, "He'll be here tomorrow morning."
You came. We talked. You became my friend and the folk community my larger family.
Thanks, Tom. My kids are happy and fulfilled, now aged between 40 and 50, and I'm still enjoying my life, for as long as God thinks this is the place for me to be.
My favorite prayer is the Serenity Prayer, which I will say for you and yours.
Love,
Denis (Franklin, MD)
I just got the news this morning--what a way to start the week. Tom has always been a hero to me, my children and now my grand children. Please tell Tom how disappointed that he may no longer be singing for us, revealing a world right in front of us that we didn't see, and loving life in a way that inspired us all---even thirty years ago when I first met him. He sang lullabies to my babies at Asilomar and Rock Me To Sleep and I'm Coming Home continue to bring tears to my eyes. His wisdom and joy will live on and on. I just hate to see such an incredible human being leave this planet. We were all blessed by his singing, laughing, and smiling among us. With admiration, appreciation, and love, Kibbie (Steele) Ruth
At SpecialQuest, we ended all of our Year 3 events in communal song. No leaders, just color coded words on powerpoint slides to guide us in singing I Am One Voice. We started with a solo voice who turned on her pinpoint flashlight. Each "cluster" of 6 community teams added their voices and their lights as the words came up in "their" color. At the very end, the voice that started the song sang the last verse alone as everyone kept the flashlights on and the powerpoint slides went black. By the end of the song, the entire ballroom was lit up with the accumulation of light from 250-300 tiny flashlights. It was a moving moment and while Tom could not be there, his spirit was evident each time we sang with a different group of community teams.
Susan Lei Lani Stewart, Ph.D.
SpecialQuest
5789 State Farm Drive, Suite 230
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Hey Tom,
Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family.
I was telling my youngest son Jack who is now almost four about when you came and did the parent night and concert at my preschool in Reno, NV when he was just a babe in my arms. We're living in Maryland for now for my husband's work.
I wish I could get on a plane right now and head to the northwest for one more song. Leave it to you and your family to build a community for all to share feelings even during difficult times.
Thank you for everything. Your voice, your songs, your thoughts have touched my life and the lives of so many, many, others forever.
With love to you and your family,
Sarah Booth
I want to thank Bill for coming to church yesterday to play Tom's guitar and sing to us. It was a hard message you delivered, Bill, and you delivered it with Hunter grace and love. The family resemblence is very strong.
Tom and Gwen -
A poet named Bukowski once said that "the years run away like wild horses over the hillside...", and so our lives have run along separate paths after those hours, days, months, and years we spent together. But still, in the quiet, in my heart of hearts, you are, still. Great mysteries brought us into the shared intimacies of our new families, and into our shared struggle for justice. Through time, across space, memories stir of hopes and dreams yet unfolding; from then until forever, my prayers are with you.
With gratitude beyond words for your being in my life,
love
Ron
Dear Tom,
I don't know that we ever met since I moved to Bellingham in 1989, but I've heard you sing many times. I realized today that your voice and music have simply become yet another beautiful thread in the weaving that is our life in this place, this time. Like the sunrise over Baker, the call of gulls over the Bay, the children playing on my way home from work, you have added life to this place on earth. The last stanza of a David Mallett tune came to mind,
"High noon, high tide,
six-string partner by my side.
Don't believe I ever had a better ride,
or at least I can't recall one."
Peace be with you
Rodd Pemble
Hello Tom & Gwen,
I wrote a blog earlier but I think it got lost. Some time ago Tom did a CRECEF Teacher's Summer Conference that I got to help put on in San Juan Capistrano. I loved getting to learn from Tom in a small setting after enjoying him at larger Conferences for years. One of our favorite stories was a little girl who was told by a little boy that she wasn't doing the wave right and she said she was the spray. I learned the value of making people feel welcome from you and I love to sing, We've Been Waiting For You To Come To This Place" Thank you for your labor of love through storytelling, music, and your attention to detail. We will always have you in our hearts.
Love and Prayers, CynDee Allen Fullerton CA.
Not anonymous.
Hello Hunters! This is Rob.
Tom, you are a freaking awesome super-nova of undying life, love, and wisdom that engulfs all in it's most excellent path. That is how it shall remain! Always a bright light!
I totally love all you guys so much!
-Icewizard
Dear Tom, Gwen and Family,
Tom, you have been to Santa Maria, CA several times to hold workshops or concerts for families and children. These events have been talked about so positively for so long after you have moved on to the next venue to share your wisdom, joy and music. I have enjoyed your music as a parent as well as a preschool director and teacher for more than 2 decades. Your music has taught so many children and brought so much joy to children and families. The music, part of your important legacy, will go on and on and on. Thank you for that legacy that will be there for my grandchildren and their grandchildren. It is comforting to know they will be singing your songs with their children as we did with ours.
I will close with something that brings me comfort when I have lost someone dear. It is untitled and from an unknown author. I hope it will help to comfort your family too.
And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
-- behind a veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again
-- both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest and when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart
...I will be there.
Love to you and your family,
Paula VanGalio
Santa Maria, CA
Dearest Tom,
I played some Schumann for you this morning--well, for all of us. It was hard and I definitely struggled with some of those chords, but it was just the kind of struggle I needed today.
Thinking of you - singing in the living room, surrounded by family and friends. What a gift.
Love to you, Gwen, Irene, Aeden & Morgan
Until next time,
Vanessa Reynolds
Hi Tom, Tisch Lynch here.. I just want to say how fun it has been to have you be involved with the Parish Nurses, and I will never forget when you came to BTC to share your response in song after listening to the stories of people living with HIV/AIDS. Your song touched our hearts in a significant way. Our children have grown up with your music, and David and I have appreciated all the time in ministry and music that you have given this community. God bless you on this journey, and know so many are praying for you and your family.
You are one of my favorite people! Truly!
Dear Tom,
You have been responsible for many happy memories in our family - songs with our children, interfaith Christmas Eve at the Mt. Baker Theater, and other community events. Please know that you are loved and appreciated! Dave Lynch
Tom and family,
My son who is now 20 years old still talks about this man who would come early to school and sing songs for the kids in the Library. Kindergarten can be a very scary time for a little one who may have never been away from their parents.But after listening and singing along with you all the fears were gone about this strange place called school. You have always had a very calming way with all children through your music,
God bless you and your family
Tom,
My prayers are with you and your family. You have been a large influence on me for over 25 years-- from meeting you and being introduced to your songs in Mendocino County in the early 1980's til the past 10 years at Community Congregational Church in Tiburon making your annual pilgrimages. When our family had to pull up roots and make a difficult move to Louisiana in 1984 we drove cross country and as soon as we saw the Louisiana state sign we all broke out singing "We're Commin' Home." Your songs always gave us hope. I've played them for my kids, friends, and various churches. Playing and Singing "Beautiful Nightime" at the edge of the Navarro river at peaceful Wellspring Retreat Center is a memory I will always cherish. Being a physician, I realize the gravity of your situation, but I am sure you will write a song about it. You once sang "When I cross that Silent Sea, who will sing for me?" Well, I will do my part and keep singing your songs as long as I am able. Thank you for all your inspiration.
God Bless you and your family,
Doug Cook
I still remember years ago, when I was first teaching music, and I had an energetic and challenging group of 7th grade boys to handle. The class sang "Turning It Around" at a school concert, and I cajoled 4 of the most rambunctious ones to sing a group solo. You know, the one about "the toilet's clogged with someone's shirt...." It brought the house down. And those kids got such positive attention - for being their totally-out-there selves.
Thank you, Tom, for all the possibilities you have created and revealed.
Greta Pedersen
Tom,
You probably don't remember me, I've met you only a few times.... I remember you. You have those eyes that you know you can trust as soon as you see them. Eyes that are hard to forget.
I met you through Irene. I worked with her at the restaurant while I was going to school at Western. You would come in and eat while she was working. Irene is one of the most understanding, forgiving, loving, and kind individuals I have ever met. I will know her for the rest of my life. I'm sure you know she possesses these qualities but come on.... your bias. My parents always tell me "We're your biggest advocates." It is something that will always stick with me. You have obviously been a great advocate of your daughter, as she has to you. I always remember her saying "My dad is rad." She always had amazing stories about you. She always got that goofy grin and giggle whenever she talked about your music. Your are her hero.
I send my love to you and your family during this hard time. xoxo
Kari (rhymes with atari) Nielsen
Port Angeles, WA
Dear Tom,
I just found out that you are ill and am feeling so sad! Even though you will live on and on through your music, I am going to miss YOU. I've loved your stories and our ongoing conversations, and most of all, our friendship.
Ellen Stoddard, Santa Barbara
Dear Tom,
I'd been avoiding this website since I heard the news. I knew as soon as I saw it everything would be real and I would start to cry. And when I'm crying it's impossible to sing.
But cry I must, because that is what we humans do when we feel loss, when we feel overwhelmed with what life gives us.
And when I'm done crying you can know that I'll start singing. And even as I'm singing I'll probably start to dance. And you can know that I'm not the only one, there's singing and dancing being done on your behalf all over this world.
I wish that you could have met my son Ben in person, he already loves to sing. I'll sing your songs to him with all the breath that I can muster.
And as he grows we'll look for your angel presence on the rooftops or perhaps climbing up the walls.
With much love for you and your family,
Amy Roon, Pastor The United Churches of Olympia (former member of FCCB)
Hello Tom and family-
Just thinking about you all today....and wanting to say a hello. I'm out in my garden a lot right now, and I was reminded of our conversation of last summer, Tom, about how proud I was of my cabbage crop last year. You thought I was quite smug, and you enjoyed pointing that out...and I think you were right! But I sensed a challenge was on and that you might be joining in my cabbage fever. So this year, I planted extra....and have given some away to friends, and a few may find their way up to your garden. I've started saving some of my seeds...and all through the growing season the seed song gets sung and I think of you and friends from camp.....so many seeds have been planted by you and others in the rich "soil" of teacher's camp....and they'll be spread endlessly by many, you can count on that! And I thank you and Richard Scholtz and Gwen and Aeden for the sharing of your deeply-rooted relationships in that setting. Such fun has been had! Something I've loved in knowing you...you speak with such eloquence, warmth and humor, and although I have always sensed that you are conscious that your thoughts are something the listener might find useful, the words always seemed to be for yourself as well, a fellow journeyor, and that has always been one of your gifts. Lots of love to you, Gwen, Aeden, Irene and Morgan. love, Julie Mauermann
A poem that makes me think of you:
Some people come into our lives and quickly go,
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom,
and make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
Some people stay in our lives a while,
leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
Dear Tom & Gwen -
Our hearts are breaking with the sadness of your news. You two have endured so much in the past years and with such grace.
We have always admired your music and your ability - it was such fun singing with you at the New Year's party at Nancy's Farm this year. It is a pleasure that we'll always remember.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,
Tina Thomsen-Park & John Park
Tom Hunter
I read this and thought of you. I hold you in the light of my heart.
Dale
Peace my heart
~Rabindranath Tagore
Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.
~Rabindranath Tagore
When Death Comes
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps his purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle pox;
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering;
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth
tending as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
~Mary Oliver
Hi there Hunter Family,
My original post was lost...probably a good thing as I was on quite a rant. Today is a beautiful day, I have spent the night with my daughter and 11 month old grandson Ben. Sharry gave Ben his birthday gift early- a tape of Toms with the most amazing songs. Now we are all singing and guess what?? Ben dances :)
Blessings to all,
Sharon Allen
Dear Tom,
Where should I begin? Perhaps by telling you, as so many others have done, that you have touched my life and the life of literally thousands of others in unique and lasting ways. I have been blessed by the opportunity to work with you for the past seven years as you have shared your incredible talent and delivered your message of hope to so many teachers through your BER seminars. Of all the people I have worked with, I can't think of anyone else who has better understood that there are "too many requirements that squeeze the heart out of many classrooms." And without a doubt, there is no one who has done a better job of bringing the joy back to teaching, helping teachers rediscover the reasons they first decided to spend their lives with children, and expressing not only your appreciation for the job they're doing but expressing hope, through your words and your heart-touching music, for the future impact they will have on their students.
Each year I've looked forward to coming to your seminar and each year I've appreciated the time when we've been able to talk afterward. It's been like peeling back the skin of an onion, hearing about your accomplishments, your hopes, the lives and accomplishments of Aeden and Irene, the challenges you and Gwen have faced together, the joy of your garden, the next program that you and Bev and Michael were planning, the writing of your book, and most recently, the excitement of looking at a new profession as the pastor of your church.
This past March when we said goodbye at the airport in Chicago and the car drove on, taking you to your terminal, I stood on the curb thinking, "There goes a man who has enriched my life in so many ways. Although he won't be doing BER seminars any longer, I know he'll be touching the lives of people who need him in new ways." So our parting was filled with mixed emotions - a sense of loss that I wouldn't have the opportunity to work with you again and a sense of hope, knowing that others would be given the gift you had given to me. Today, under such different conditions, I'm feeling those same two emotions - a sense of loss to be sure, but a sense of hope, realizing that it's my responsibility, and that of the hundreds of other people you've impacted, to carry on your gift by sharing the joy, humor, laughter, music, and conviction that each of us can truly make a difference in the lives of each other and the lives of young children. Okay, Tom, I'm ready to share the joy, humor, laughter, and conviction, but you know as well as I do that the music is best carried on by others. You'll just have to put me in the same category as the teacher you talked about in your seminars who "doesn't do tunes." But I'll be chanting your praises and doing my best to share the message of hope that people appreciated so much throughout the country.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing your music, your stories, your one-of-a-kind friendship with me. And thank you for all the "hooks" you've given me to hang my memories on. The songs you have shared will continue to play in my mind as long as I live - even with the tunes!
I send my prayers for you and your family as well as the loving thoughts from Rich, Nargis, and all the rest of us at BER. Thanks for sharing your vitality, your love of music and songs, and your gift of knowing how to touch the lives of others so effectively. To borrow from the song you wrote and sang to teachers at the end of every seminar, "Somebody Noticed What You Did Today" and it was good, so very, very good.
With deepest gratitude,
Boyce
Tom, you are with us every moment. we are on the path with you in spirit and carry your generous heart in ours.
All our love
Jill and Gene Kennedy
Hello again, Tom,
There is a Fed Ex package winging its way to you with a fragile, adorable lei in it. Thought you'd enjoy a change of costume moment. It also contains hugs around the neck and a grin.
Love, Pat Friday
Tom,
Last night I was back at choir for the first time in 5 weeks, and was able to lift my voice with over 150 others in song. We're preparing for a concert, aptly names Songs for a Planet You've Gotta Love, and have the privilege of Susan Osbourne joining us. There are many, many spiritual songs this time around, and each song seemed especially poignant, and meant just for you. I kept thinking of how much you'd appreciate them -I'm sure there are many you know: Pete Seeger's To My Old Brown Earth, a beautiful version of the 23rd Psalm, an expanded version of For the Beauty of the Earth, John Rutter's A Distant Land and many, many others. But we are a slightly irreverent bunch as well, with a good sense of fun, and despite the rich offerings, if I were to dedicate a current song of ours to you right now, it would have to be Monty Python's The Galaxy Song - complete with a 300-member strong kazoo band opening. I can imagine how you would laugh out loud, when in the midst of all this beautiful music we suddenly pull out those kazoos and break into a very intricate and fast paced, completely ridiculous song.
And...now for something completely different:
At the end of every choir session, we put names in the circle - we always sing in a circle, everyone facing one another, a lovely thing to do - and we lift our voices in a harmony of notes, all on a simple "oh", and let the wonderful energy and music swirl around us and out into the world. I put all you names in the circle - Tom, Gwen, Irene, Aeden and Morgan, and felt as connected as I ever have done, despite the distance. We close with a poem - I know you would love this part too - and yesterday it was the final stanza of this one, not only one of my favorite, but seemingly even more appropriate at this time:
Beannacht
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.
And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
John O'Donohue
With much love,
Cori Dusmann
Tom,
When I got Gwen's email yesterday, I was stunned. For me, you personify Bellingham--gragious, caring, sharing, and so full of life and humor.
I was so happy when my friend Vince told me that FCC had chosen you as the new minister, as were Gabe and Robyn, who have been wanting to visit FCC to see their favorite singer. I cannot tell you what a positive impact your time at Parkview had on my children, and all of the Parkview Elementary community. I know your presnece has similarly reverberated throughout this community for many, many years. The ripples of your contributions continue to expand, and will be a positive legacy for generations to come.
Thank you for all you have contributed to so many of us, in so many ways.
Dan Pike
Tom,
I'm sitting here with tears flowing - joy and sadness equally mixed - seeing the wonderful photos and reading the profound words - remembering the 30+ hours we've spent together over these past 18 years - knowing you deeper than I know many people I've spent much more time with - we never spoke at length but I'm so blessed to have shared all those magical, mystical, musical moments. (sorry, my inner lyricist popped out for a moment) Your soul is deep, your wisdom timeless, your joy infectious, your song always filled with truth - I can hear your voice in my mind with no effort at all - I know it will always be there in the key of the spirit - my only regret is never having recorded with you - sometimes we just shouldn't wait - I love you, my friend.
Scott DeTurk
Hi... I was sifting thru some draft emails and came across this one. I am so afraid I never sent it. I edited out some of the day to day info, but I hope you'll receive this. I am going to miss you so much, Tom Hunter. You are one of the best people I've ever shared a smile with- At the end of the summer, I remember you came to say good bye and you said, "We did good. We did real good." And you smiled that smile. Thank you for everything- I am so grateful. We'll sing songs on our porches and honor you. Thank you for marrying us- I wouldn't have done it without you, you know that. Thank you for blessing us. Thank you for it all. Thank you for being the only other person awake at 5am in Bay View and for coming over and letting me pour coffee in your cup. Thank you for wearing purple so often that I now associate it with you. And, while it's early, I wanted to let you know- we're expecting a little one in late January. You definitely had a hand in that chain of events! Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friend. Our family loves you. I love you, Kristin Yorke
Dated 12/7/07:
Tom Hunter! How are you? I hope all is well- it seems that you've had a terrific fall. I can't believe the holidays are already upon us...Married life is lovely. I look at my photos all the time and smile. We still haven't gotten anything from the professional photographer, grrr. But, when they come, it will be a terrific surprise. Maybe mid February when things are particularly dark and dreary.
I miss you. I just wanted to say that. I miss our little corner of the world. It was a great end to a remarkable summer and really, one of the best times of my life. Thank you for being the conductor extraordinaire. You are a really beautiful person. I am very blessed to have you as my neighbor and friend. XOXO Happy Holidays
Tom,
Just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts. Mimi just taught the Seed Song to several classes of first graders who couldn't stop singing it. The local elementary sings it at most assemblies. Thank you for enriching our lives with so much wonderful music. We hold you in our prayers.
Dear Tom-
My name is Maggie Roesser and I am Teacher Cheryl ’s daughter. Your friendship was important to my mother and she spoke of you fondly. She introduced me to your music as a child and it rocked me to sleep many nights. Now that I’m almost grown up, your songs remind me of a treasured time in my childhood that I still sing along to. When I listen to your music, I can hear the expression in your voice and envision the story, without having to see you perform it in person. That’s why your music is so unique.
Thank you for your music, voice, inspiration, and most importantly, thank you for being a special friend to the most important woman in my life.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Love Maggie
Tom; I have been reading TS Eliot's Four Quartets and thinking of your ordination in Lee, oh, so many years ago. In the interim you have filled so many hearts and minds with the "extraordinary," the "challenging" and the "sublime." Fare Foreward," friend. Linda Clark
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM
(Left on Irene's Live Journal post 05.28.2008 from Faith)
I've always considered Tom a "best friend", felt that we were very close and spoke the same language. His birthday is the day after mine and we would always phone and have a long talk - often about the troubles of the world and how to set things right. Even though the Hunters moved from San Francisco to Bellingham and I saw them seldom, the sense of family remained.
Another treasured memory is the making of the recording "To See The Dawn of Peace" one evening at a church in Marin County. It exists only on tape, but is to me one of the finest recordings of which I was a part. It was a true gathering of friends in a common cause. Larry Hanks, Nancy Gendel, Peter and Gail, Tom and Gwen singing The Prayer Song, Bill Amatneek on bass, Elaine Kirkland, piano, and i got to sing Tenting Tonight and I Didn't Raise My Boy to be a Soldier.
I've tried unsuccessfully to phone but sent a card to the Applejack Lane - the photo by my daughter. love, Faith
(Left on Irene's Livejournal page 05.28.2008):
My name is Gene Nelson, UCC minister in Sebastopol, CA. I have been in the Northern California Conference for 30 years and known Tom most of that time. More than once we have shared a few "cool ones" together. I want to express my shock and sadness at the news of Tom's illness. Our children grew up listening to his tapes and he has played here in Sebastopol a number of time, once even serving as the facilitator for our annnual Family Camp. Tears cloud my vision as I write this. Tom, I love you and am holding you and your family in my prayers and in my heart. Indeed you are in so many prayres and thoughts. You have enriched the journey for so many and may God walk with you now, wherever the next phase of your journey takes you.
Gene
Dear Tom,
I think I posted a message to cyberspace this morning! it probably didn't have anything to do with the fact that I was typing through tears. I have just arrived home from a wonderful trip to the four corners region and my heart was filled with memories of high mesas, ancient puebloan ruins, wonderful people we met along the road. The trip was filled with images that I will come back to again and again.
I will also come back again and again to images of times spent with you, guitar in hand. Times when we gathered with great anticipation to get ready for this year's Christmas Eve service at the Mt. Baker Theater. We could barely contain our desire to hear the new song for the season and the Christmas story told anew through your words and music.
I am struggling right now to put words together. This is not the way I thought our journey would be. So I will just say that I hold you in my heart along with those memories.
Linda St Andre
I am sitting here tonight with tears in my eyes reading all of the wonderful thoughts sent your way. Both of my children, Brent and Cheryl have such fond memories of your songs. Brent has a two year old and his mother has a lovely voice and sings to him all the time. I am getting some of your CD's for him and when he gets old enough to understand I will tell him about the wonderful man who wrote those songs. God Bless to all four of you.
Tom,
I thought I left a message yesterday but I'm not very computer sophisticated and I guess it didn't happen. I'll try again.
I am sort of a newbie at FCCB and you probably don't know me. But I know you. Last year, on Stewardship Sunday (I think) you preached. You used, as your theme, something you had learned from your mother (who must be quite a woman!). Whenever you felt down and out and were enumerating to her all the negative things that were going on (and you gave examples ranging from when you were a wee boy to the present time), she would quietly acknowledge each fact as true. Then, when you came to the end of your litany of woes, she would say to you, "Yes, Tom, but what ALSO is true." Over time she taught you to find the positive in a huge negative.
Within the week of your sermon, my daughter called me....in crisis. As she enumerated the many true difficulties in her life, I silently recalled your words, your mother's wisdom. When she was done I said to her "Yes, Sloan, but what ALSO is trus?" I have incorporated that tool into my bag of tools that I use to get through life.....and I am grateful to you (and to your dear mother) for it!
Now, as I contemplate what you, Gwen, Aiden and Irene are facing....as I read this blog...the stark realities are clear. Also clear is what is ALSO true. It comes radiating through the comments here. In your too short lifetime, you have lived more fully, touched more people's lives more deeply, been more completely the person God wants you to be than most of us will manage if we were to be given three long lifetimes.
Thank you for giving me this way of looking at difficult things.
God bless and Godspeed.
Janet Johnston
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