I never met Tom in person, but have appreciated his music since first hearing it many years ago. Last year, when my husband who is a sculptor, was commissioned to do a piece for the City of Walla Walla's public art collection, he designed a sculpture called "A Delicate Balance." He wanted to use a verse of Tom's song as part of the piece. Using the miracle of the internet, I was able to find Tom, to ask his permission. I sent him Wayne's drawing of the proposed piece, and asked what the fee would be for use of the lyric. He answered right away, with great enthusiasm for the project, and saying, "The fee is a bottle of 16 year old Lagavulin Scotch, and I'd like you to save it so we can share it when we meet." We corresponded a couple of times after that... I sent him a dvd of the dedication ceremony for the sculpture, where we played his recording of "A Delicate Balance." (Which he very kindly sent us, since we didn't own it.) I also sent him the bottle of Lagavulin, since I was afraid he might not ever make it to Walla Walla, though he talked of coming here some day to see the sculpture. I figured we could get another bottle to share with him then. We so hoped we would be able to meet this kind and generous man.

Our hearts go out to all who knew him in this sad time. . . . our spirits are heavy, even after so brief and transient a connection with Tom.

If anyone would like to see the sculpture, it's on Wayne's website http://www.waynechabre.com/pubart_pages/balance.html