Edward Tom, 40, of Boulder, CO, died Friday while hiking in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Ed was a unique and vibrant energy who radiated from inside and touched all of those around him.
To the climbing community, Ed was the man they trusted with their lives, with an irrepressible drive and a keen sense of adventure, always confident, strong, and completely dependable, ready to meet any challenge set in their way.
To his friends, Ed was the big kid with the witty and contagious sense of humor. He was a man with an insatiable appetite and curiosity. As someone with the initials EAT, he could eat more than any human should in one sitting. As a born scientist, he was fueled by his desire to understand everything about everything, natural or technological, always willing to take something apart, examine it, learn from it, and fix it or salvage the broken pieces for another time when they would no doubt be valuable.
To his students, Ed was the pinnacle of understanding that they strived to achieve. He was a man who challenged them as much as he challenged himself. He always had the time for someone who needed a little extra help or wanted to explore a little further.
To his coworkers, Ed was the go-to guy when it came to anything about the spacesuit. There was no problem he couldn’t figure out. When the stress and intensity cranked up in the Mission Control Center, Ed stayed calm and cool and worked the problem through until its end. He always had a smile on his face and kept his officemates entertained with games of hallway hockey and a desk drawer full of chocolate.
To his second family, Ed was the first pick for their team. He was the most completely sincere person who made no judgments of anyone; rather, he opened his arms and gave the strongest, yet most tender hugs whenever we met. Ed was the quiet instigator who no one suspected and everyone adored.
To his nieces and nephews, Ed was the rocket propellant who sent them to the sky and the cushion that always guaranteed a safe landing.
To his family, Ed was balance. He was a goofball kid who grew into the strong and wise man they have come to depend on. He was always true to himself; sincere, quiet, and unassuming. He did his job well, without fanfare, but lived life with a zest and gusto that few others possessed and can only admire.
To the love of his life, Ed was her everything. A true companion by her side for every adventure no matter how small. Ed was her rock. Comfort. Security. Compassion. Humility. Ed was the man she fell in love with more and more every day. A true best friend.
To all, Ed was kind, genuine, and fully present: a man with a beautiful smile and an even more beautiful spirit. He challenged us to soar while always keeping us grounded. Ed’s loss leaves us shaken and feeling the fragility of life. We miss him more than words can say.
Ed is survived by his love, Sara Beck of Boulder, CO; his parents, Alfred and Billie Tom of Centerreach NY, sisters Anna (spouse Aaron) and Judy (spouse Heike) of California, two nieces, Keira and Kasenia, and an extended family who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please support Search and Rescue.
To the climbing community, Ed was the man they trusted with their lives, with an irrepressible drive and a keen sense of adventure, always confident, strong, and completely dependable, ready to meet any challenge set in their way.
To his friends, Ed was the big kid with the witty and contagious sense of humor. He was a man with an insatiable appetite and curiosity. As someone with the initials EAT, he could eat more than any human should in one sitting. As a born scientist, he was fueled by his desire to understand everything about everything, natural or technological, always willing to take something apart, examine it, learn from it, and fix it or salvage the broken pieces for another time when they would no doubt be valuable.
To his students, Ed was the pinnacle of understanding that they strived to achieve. He was a man who challenged them as much as he challenged himself. He always had the time for someone who needed a little extra help or wanted to explore a little further.
To his coworkers, Ed was the go-to guy when it came to anything about the spacesuit. There was no problem he couldn’t figure out. When the stress and intensity cranked up in the Mission Control Center, Ed stayed calm and cool and worked the problem through until its end. He always had a smile on his face and kept his officemates entertained with games of hallway hockey and a desk drawer full of chocolate.
To his second family, Ed was the first pick for their team. He was the most completely sincere person who made no judgments of anyone; rather, he opened his arms and gave the strongest, yet most tender hugs whenever we met. Ed was the quiet instigator who no one suspected and everyone adored.
To his nieces and nephews, Ed was the rocket propellant who sent them to the sky and the cushion that always guaranteed a safe landing.
To his family, Ed was balance. He was a goofball kid who grew into the strong and wise man they have come to depend on. He was always true to himself; sincere, quiet, and unassuming. He did his job well, without fanfare, but lived life with a zest and gusto that few others possessed and can only admire.
To the love of his life, Ed was her everything. A true companion by her side for every adventure no matter how small. Ed was her rock. Comfort. Security. Compassion. Humility. Ed was the man she fell in love with more and more every day. A true best friend.
To all, Ed was kind, genuine, and fully present: a man with a beautiful smile and an even more beautiful spirit. He challenged us to soar while always keeping us grounded. Ed’s loss leaves us shaken and feeling the fragility of life. We miss him more than words can say.
Ed is survived by his love, Sara Beck of Boulder, CO; his parents, Alfred and Billie Tom of Centerreach NY, sisters Anna (spouse Aaron) and Judy (spouse Heike) of California, two nieces, Keira and Kasenia, and an extended family who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please support Search and Rescue.
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