LouDiamond 1 #1 December 21, 2006 I am sad to tell everyone that Tom, the famous tram driver here in Eloy passed today(Dec 20) in his home. Tom was an icon at skydive Arizona and anyone who has jumped here knows who Tom is. Tom was 69-70 years old.Cause of death is unknown at this time. Busch beer(Toms favorite) was ordered by all in the bar in tribute.Tom will be greatly missed."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #2 December 21, 2006 Thats sucks...... Didnt know him all that well but he seemed like a nice guy.Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McBeth 0 #3 December 21, 2006 I will have to have a Busch beer while I'm there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zing 2 #4 December 21, 2006 I spent many hours in conversation with Tom between flying loads over the years. I considered him a friend. His was a character rarely encountered. Breath easy now friend.Zing Lurks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #5 December 21, 2006 I have been to Eloy a few times for training camps/vacations... Tom sounds familiar, but I am having a hard time putting name + face. Anyone have a picture? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stitch 0 #6 December 21, 2006 I don't have a picture. But, he always reminded me of "Phantom" from Z-Hills, only scruffier. A real character for sure. RIP."No cookies for you"- GFD "I don't think I like the sound of that" ~ MB65 Don't be a "Racer Hater" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #7 December 21, 2006 If I remember right longer grey hair, scruffy looking wore a green jacket.Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeForsythe 0 #8 December 21, 2006 To Tom Williams, my prayers are with you.Time and pressure will always show you who a person really is! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #9 December 21, 2006 Its a black square? ?Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BellyFlailer 0 #10 December 21, 2006 Very sad to hear. He will be missed. http://www.SkydiveVids.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaH 0 #11 December 21, 2006 Godspeed............Be yourself! MooOOooOoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #12 December 21, 2006 Condolences to all who knew and loved him.Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #13 December 21, 2006 Godspeed, and thanks, Tom. For those friends and family, this news hits hard especially at this time of year. Remember, then, his laugh, and his smile, and lift a Busch beer in his honor. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenz 0 #14 December 21, 2006 some extra prayers to all those that loved him - especially this time of year sleep peacefully"life does throw curveballs sometimes but it doesn't mean we shouldn't still swing for the homerun" ~ me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #15 December 21, 2006 QuoteI have been to Eloy a few times for training camps/vacations... Tom sounds familiar, but I am having a hard time putting name + face. Anyone have a picture? Picture of Tom taken at this year's USPA Nationals in Eloy. ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #16 December 21, 2006 QuoteQuoteI have been to Eloy a few times for training camps/vacations... Tom sounds familiar, but I am having a hard time putting name + face. Anyone have a picture? Picture of Tom taken at this year's USPA Nationals in Eloy. ltdiver Thanks. Yes, that is the guy I remember. RIP.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aphid 0 #17 December 21, 2006 Hey Zing, I got a call from Eloy this afternoon about this. Knew it was just a matter of time... but still... sad news. If there's anything I can do to assist for arrangements for Tom in terms of funeral expenses, emergency family expenses, or the like... please let me know, I'd like to help as much as I can. I'll be back on the 3rd. I already sent a note to this effect to manifest & Betsy. (They have my contact info if you need it). Sad to see another true "character" and a man of strong personal intregrity has departed, they are becoming fewer by the year. I'll miss his annual guitar serenades at the Invasion hotdog event, saying "good morning" to him as we sat outside at 7:30am chuckling at the jumpers stretching inside, offering him a light (or bumming one from him as the case may have been), listening to him growl/snarl at the slackers and "lazy bastards", commisserating about the new "stars", buying him the first Busch of his day after work on occasion, and especially - enjoying the fine Scotch that he bought for me in honour of our lost mutual friend. Oh yeah... for those who didn't know, among MANY other things, he played on stage at a few small venues in AZ with both Roy Orbison and Willy Nelson back before they became famous, and he also served in combat in Korea with the USMC. From one crusty old bugger to another - semper fi, Tom John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 4 #18 December 21, 2006 That's sad. He'll be missed. Here's a photo of Tom by Mike McGowanSafe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #19 December 21, 2006 Sad news. I liked Tom a lot - talked to him every time I was at Eloy, and even brought him a box of books to feed his avid reading habit. Rest east, brother.Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #20 December 21, 2006 Thanks Sangiro for pulling up that photo. That photo is in the bar and lined on each side by the US flag. Tom was a veteran. Last night we gently placed that photo over the top of the bar in respect for Tom. Busch was tippin' all around the bar. Tom would have been pleased.This Christmas will be difficult for many here at SDAZ. Personally, each Christmas Tom and I would find one evening to get together and sing Christmas caroles. The last few years have been difficult for Tom to sing, but he would always manage at least one song with me. I am going to miss that. Tom Williams...yes THAT Tom Williams... the world famous tram driver. If one were to ask Tom he would have told you..."Yep I am known all over the world. I've been driving this tram for years, and I haven't lost a skydiver yet!" Tom was actually one of the most well read people I have ever known. He spoke 5 languages and knew a little about a lot "he "would say. He was indeed..one of the good ones. B2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azdav 0 #21 December 21, 2006 Thank you Tom for all the safe tram rides and the occasional quiet conversation. Safe landings my friend Noooobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!! M.P.F.C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #22 December 21, 2006 Wow... Thats sad. Had he recovered from whatever kept him away for a few weeks a couple months ago? Blue skies Tom.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #23 December 21, 2006 My condolences to friends and family.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sangiro 4 #24 December 21, 2006 Just received the following email and two great photos of Tom: QuoteHi I've never met you but I was saddened to here about the death of Tom at Eloy on dropzone.com. I've attached a couple of pics of him that you might wish to post. They were both taken in Eloy within the last few years. I didn't know him well and I regret never having the opportunity to let him see these shots. James Stevenson Thanks James.Safe swoops Sangiro Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #25 December 21, 2006 My condolences to his friends, family, and everyone at Skydive AZ.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites