Monday Mourning

In memory of one of the finest men I have ever known . . .

 

 

September 12, 1961-April 25, 2008

It is with great sorrow that his family announces Thom's passing. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends from all over the country.

Thom grew up in Pacific Beach and spent summers in Denmark with his sister. Thom was very proud of his Danish and Dutch heritage. He wore lederhosen to his first day of kindergarten at Kate Sessions Elementary but survived that experience to become a quintessential California surfer and a baseball player at Mission Bay High School. Thom's personality was a one-of-a-kind blend of laid-back surfer dude, career-driven filmmaker, and dedicated family man all tied together with old world graciousness and warmth.

Thom attended San Francisco State, pursuing his passion for filmmaking and attended USC film school.  He became a cinematographer and enjoyed a long career with NFL films.  He worked on many movies, among them The Replacements, Traffic, The Scorpion King, Dodgeball, The Longest Yard, Fun with Dick and Jane, Friday Night Lights, Transformers, and Death Sentence.  His exuberance for his work was a hallmark of Thom's personality. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and mentoring relationships he found on film sets.

Thom met the love of his life, Christie, in 1979. They were married in 1987 and have two beautiful daughters, Annelise, 18, and Carolyn, 13. Thom was involved in all the activities in which his daughters participated. He was a presence on the softball field whenever his filming schedule permitted and was quick to help all the players on the team, not just his daughters, making him a favorite among parents and players alike. Carrie followed in her Dad's footsteps to become an all-star catcher, a source of much pride and father-daughter bonding time. Thom and Carrie were a familiar sight at The Batter's Box. Thom also delighted in watching Annie play volleyball and, in recent months, helping Annie choose and get accepted by the perfect college was a major source of joy for both of them.

Thom and Christie worked as a wonderful team all these years, with Christie holding down the home front while Thom worked on movie sets all over the country.  They treasured the extended time they got to spend as a couple during filming breaks. They made the most of the time they had after Thom became ill, supporting and loving each other in a way that many people never get to experience even if they are privileged to have more time together than Thom and Christie were permitted.

Comments

[kcinnova]

I clicked on the link after reading your tribute and was struck with a deep sadness for the girl who will go through high school without such an involved father. Somehow seeing a picture makes it all the more real.
How your heart must be hurting for this family, as well as your own loss.

[debbie]

Jenn...my heart goes out to your friend and her family and all of you who loved Thom so. A parent passing away is one of the hardest things a child has to go through in life, and as those daughters of his are still so young, they will need all of you to help them.
Seeing that he was less that 6 months older than me was...hard to read. How precious is this life that we have been given...

[Suzanne]

I am so sorry to hear this bad news.
I remember the cute post about you sharing a hotel room.
It sounds like all who knew him were lucky people.
Breaks my heart for his family.

[Mary Alice]

I am so sorry, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife and daughters. May the love he had for them continue to warm their hearts and light their world forever.

[Claudia]

Thinking of you and yours today and sending warm, gentle virtual wishes and peace.

[CircusKelli]

I am so very sorry for your loss, Jenn. Know that I am thinking of Thom's family, and yours. (( Hugs ))

[Karen]

Thinking of you and Thom's family. His wife and daughters are blessed to have family friends like you to help them through this hard time.

[Greta]

thoughts, prayers, good wishes

;)

[The Mom Bomb]

Sounds like you've lost a wonderful friend. I'm so sorry.

[melissa]

That is one of the loveliest obits I've ever read--and I am an obit junkie. He sounds like a heck of a guy. Lucky you to know him, but sad for you to lose him.

[Marie]

So sorry for your loss.

[Little Miss Sunshine State]

So sorry to hear about losing a good friend at such a young age. Friends like you will go a long way in comforting his wife and girls in the hard days ahead.

[Alesia]

I'm very sorry. He sounds like an extraordinary guy.

[Hilary]

Jenn, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[mandy g.]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It sounds like he had a wonderful life.

[David]

I am sorry to read about the loss of this wonderful man.
Thank you so much for sharing his story.
Indeed a great tribute.

[mike golch]

that is the best way to go home surrounded by the people that you love the most and who love you the same.

[Deb]

A loving memory of a beloved man and friend.

His family must be touched and honored.

Beautiful, Jenn.

[Janet]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend...so young.

[Amy the Mom]

How sad, but an obviously loving and beautiful legacy.

[Jamie]

Oh my, he was so young. Many prayers and wishes coming your way, and towards his sweet family.

What a beautiful tribute to this family.

[Jennifer H]

This was a beautiful tribute, Jenn. I am so sorry for the loss of your good friend, and I send my condolences along with prayers and good thoughts.

[Twinkle's Mom]

So so sorry for the loss of your friend....

[Mrs. G.]

What a tragedy. I am sorry for your loss.

[Madmad]

I'm so sorry, Jenn. What a terrible loss.

[Wenderina]

As always Jenn you have a way with words that speaks right to the heart. My condolences.

[LaskiGal]

So sad to lose someone so young and vibrant. May his wonderful legacy live on.

You and his family will be in my prayers . . .

[phd in yogurtry]

I'm sorry Jenn. Sounds like Thom will be sorely missed. Especially by his girls. So sad.

[Kristen]

I was thinking of you all today, you did a terrific job on this.

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

Jenn, this is a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. Thom's family and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Chatty]

What a lovely tribute, Jenn - I'm sure his wife and daughters will appreciate it. My heart goes out to them - my mother and I lost my father when I was 8. It is very difficult when a father is taken so early. My prayers are with Thom's family and friends.

[Reluctant Blogger]

It is always extremely sobering to hear that someone so young and full of life has died, even when you do not know them, particularly when there is so much left that they would have wanted to do.

I am really sorry for your loss, Jenn. But I know that your friends are very lucky to have you.

Take care of yourself.

[Tootsie Farklepants]

I'm so sorry Jen.

[HRH]

so sorry...what an amazing man. what a huge void he leaves.

[JCK]

I'm so very sorry.

[bipolarlawyercook]

So sorry to hear the sad news. It sounds like there will be many wonderful memories to temper the sorrow.

[Grandy]

I'm so sorry about your loss, and my heart goes out to the family.