I had never met you or your family but my son graduated Eastlake with your triplets. I had heard about Toms accident and was following and praying for your family. Please know there are many people holding your family in their hearts. Jennifer Cardwell ( Max Gardiner’s mom)
Lisa, in the near 20 years I have known and worked and traveled and laughed with Tom, I never, ever, ever conceived of him not being here. It’s surreal. Hateful unreal. I’m just crushed, and my heart aches so badly for you and the kids.
Over those years I saw Tom earn the love and respect of so many people because, as others have mentioned, he DID take time to listen and help, he DID care about our work and was passionate about helping the warfighter, he DID truly care about others around him. And he acted on that. And they noticed. Now, I and others who got to spend time with him will painfully notice his absence, missing his (yes, frequently blunt) honesty, his drive, and maybe most of all his ready laugh that came often and easy. On this eve of Thanksgiving, Dawn and I give thanks for the interesting and fun times we’ve spent with you and Tom, and hope that memories of those times will help you heal as much as they help guide us to acceptance. Love to you, to the kids, to Tom. ---Michael and Dawn---
Hunter Family our hearts and prayers go out to you. I had the pleasure of working with Tom on several fun and exciting projects over the years and he was always there to provide support and leadership to get things done. His absence will be a huge hole for all of us who've worked with him...God Bless you all.
Forrest and Karen Utsman
St. Peters, MO
Tom was a great engineer and a powerful spirit as well as one of my good friends. It breaks my heart to read of his tragic accident and his struggle to survive. He was taken from us way too soon. Tom was a natural leader and one of the toughest, smartest and hardest working engineers and managers I had on my SDI team. He had the stuff to be a terrific Executive for the Boeing Co. When he left SDI to take an assignment in BR&T, I felt like he was moving closer to such a position.
I lost touch with him over the past five years, but always kept his business card, thinking if we needed a few good men to do an impossible job, he would come for the challenge and to help me. He was just that kind of a guy, and I loved him for it. The work he did in SDI on coatings for our Army warriors was groundbreaking and undoubtably saved numerous lives in southwest Asia. He left a wonderful legacy of purpose and good works and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s loving family and his many, many friends.
Rest In Peace, Dear Brother, I hope to see you again in a better place.
Sincerely, Don Bingaman - Director, Survivability Design & Integration (SDI)
Boeing Phantom Works (Retired)
Hunter family, I am so very sorry to hear about Tom. I don’t have the right words, but know that your close family and the way you love and cherish one another has made a difference in this world. Tom has left behind a great legacy for his family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Our hearts are aching for your family. We send you our deepest sympathy for your loss of a loving husband, father, brother and friend. Much love, hugs and comfort to you in the days ahead.
Kathryn, Gary and Ben