A good man, to be sorely missed

We lost a good friend tonight.

When I think of Tommy, I think of a life lived well.

Tommy brought a sense of style. He dressed in elegance and always cut a dashing figure. He surrounded himself with beautiful art, framed elegant prints, collected one-of-a-kind ceramics and scuptures.

Tommy brought a love for music. We went together to countless jazz festivals, we loved his mix tapes and CDs, we loved to learn about new artists and releases from him.

Tommy brought a light heart. I'll never forget our joking recording booth tape of "You've got a Friend," by the unknown band "He, She, and He." He was always quick to tease in a relaxed, easy fashion. He laughed easily and frequently.

Tommy brought a dedication to help others, at work and at home. He loved Tean deeply and completely. He assumed full-time responsibility for her nephew, took him in to his house as a son. He worked in social services as long as I knew him, working for agencies that served those in need. And he worked hard to keep the family reunions together, reminding people of their obligations to each other, and the the scholarship of the children.

Tommy loved our girls, as a godfather and an uncle, dropping by after church or after work to brighten their day and get some running hugs. Tommy taught Leah to play pente and chinese checkers until she could nearly beat him. Tommy would dance with Maya, or swing her around as she shrieked with delight.

I know we will all miss him deeply and painfully.

(Note: A memorial web site for Tommy has been created and can be found here: http://www.tommylwright.com)

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