Tomorrow I make a sad journey

[Rob]

Several of us have benefited from Tom’s radiator work in Kansas. Tom is an incredible talent, and as it turned out, saved many early Ford radiators.

When we first met, Tom took a Model K and N radiator on that two shops in Omaha said were beyond repair. A good friend in KS told me to check with Tom before commissioning a new radiator.

Skeptical, I took my K rad to Tom, and he said “let me check it out.”

The following Monday, Tom called me. Expecting the worst, I expected he would tell me he couldn’t do anything.

Instead, he told me to come pick up my radiators. He had repaired both.

Since then Tom has repaired many rads, including a few more of mine.

He enters hospice tomorrow and I pick up a few rads for a few friends, as well as a gas tank for our Model K.

Sometimes, life just isn’t fair. Tom is a wonderful craftsman and family man. I wish it weren’t so.

[StanHowe]

That is sad to hear. I talked to him a couple times when we were working on the Buffalo carb for the K. Interesting guy and a real craftsman. I saw that K radiator after he got it done.

Time goes on and the older I get the faster it is going.

My sympathies for the loss of your friend.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Sad. Too few real craftsmen left in too many fields of repair. I knew I wouldn't be able to avail myself of his services due to cost and distance, but I always enjoyed reading of his accomplishments in saving the early stuff! I often wished I could have my T brass radiator sent there. I am currently trying to resurrect it myself.
My condolences to his family, friends, and customers during this difficult time.

[MKossor]

Rob, so sorry to learn of your friend Tom's entry into Hospice and hope he will receive the care and support he needs at this difficult time. Thanks for sharing your experience with Tom and his unique craftmanship.

[KeithG]

Rob, I'm very sorry to hear of your friend Tom's entry into Hospice. This is sad on your personal level, but also for our hobby as a whole. My sympathy on the loss of your friend.

Keith

[1194668jc]

This is incredibly terrible. Its the best of us who hits us the hardest.

[Henry K. Lee]

Rob,

It appears it gave him more time to rest his mind against his illness. Sad for sure as we sometimes forget the past craftsmen that kept these ole girls going and we can not tell where they did the repair. So glad he was able to get yours and others done, it's like the last job so to say! "Job well done" is about all I can say as this becomes a very emotional subject for me. I lost so many Dear Mentors in my life I feel indebted too because they were that good too. I hope and pray he has closure with his family!

God Bless the Craftsman, for only he knows what he did and only others will wonder!,

Humbled Hank

[Steve Jelf]

This is awfully sad news. He recored my 1915 radiator and fixed the top pipe that didn't quite line up. The man at work:

The local farmers got top priority. When their equipment was running again, then it was time for antiques.

[Joe Bell]

Thanks Steve, nice pictures of a man doing what he enjoys most, helping others!

[Atomic Amish]

Rob, I hope you are able to show him this thread, and all of the love and support he has within the old car community.

Life isn't fair sometimes, but knowing that you are wanted and cared about can make a huge difference in one's outlook on things.

Wish him the best.

[Dan1234]

Sorry to hear the sad news,On way home from Chickasha we dropped a brass radiator several years ago ,Tom did a fine job .Since then I found a place close to home who repaired a brass radiator for me.Pages Welding,Zumbrota MN.507 732 5717.

[Bud Delong]

Sorry to hear it Rob!! Those old Fords will out live many of us!!! Be safe!! Bud.

[Rob]

Thank you for all the fine posts. Steve, thanks for the post. Yes, I’ll forward the thread. Tom has helped so many early car enthusiasts. I doubt Tom ever met anyone who wasn’t a friend. What a great guy. It was good to see him.

I picked up a new gas tank Tom made for our Model K. It looks like NOS. He transferred all the old hardware over to the new tank, and made it in the same guage and galvanized, as the original tank was. He’s also rebuilt three Model K radiators for me, and another for a friend.

He rebuilt this Model S Runabout radiator for a friend. The seams were coming apart around the brass tank as the old solder had let go:

[Wayne Sheldon]

Looks like some more really fine work by a true craftsman!
I wish he and his family an easy road ahead.

[Duey_C]

Sorry to hear about your friend entering hospice Rob. A fine craftsman for certain.
Tom, when you find the "right fit" for a caregiver, you and your family will be happier for it.
Voice your wishes when you find the right caregiver.
My wife has taken care of so many good folks over the last couple decades (homecare/hospice) and she is the right fit for many.
God bless you and good caregivers.

[Dan B]

Sorry to hear of this Rob. What a wonderful talent to share with others and body of work will live on beyond most of us.

[bnchief]

I live in kansas and do not know the man where does he live, truly someone I would like to have met.

[MWalker]

Steven -- He's in Sabetha, KS, near the border with Nebraska.