I recently purchased this ring and I believe it to be one of Tom’s pieces. Although I did not know him I will cherish this rings as if I did. It’s a beautiful ring with a beautiful message. “Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34 So sorry to all that knew him.

I’m saddened each time we go to Tubac and see the store now converted to an office. I hardly ever went into The Cloud Dancer planning to purchase anything but Tom always talked us into buying a lot. 

After he died I bought a cross he had made and wore it daily. It reminded me to stop dragging around all my crap and to give it up to God. I was wearing it when I met another who had similar wounds to mine and felt inspired, perhaps Tom’s spirit yelling at me, to give it away. I did so reluctantly and asked the man to let me know when it has reminded him enough and he feels compelled to pass it along to another. 

One of the saddest days was when we came to the store and learned of his passing. His little cave all cleaned out, the smell of smoke long gone. I cried in the store and I don’t cry much. Too soon was Tom  taken away. He had just fought off Covid and smoking and looked as though life had given him another few decades. 

I have many other relics purchases from Tom’s shop and will always remember the salty old crabby guy with a huge heart when I wear them or give them to another in greater need. 

Today I visited Tubac. Having driven from Chicago. I was saddened to learn of the loss of Tom. I suppose in his business, he met many people like me. But I always looked forward to seeing him. I had been visiting his shop over 20 years. One year he sold me the most beautiful deer skin bow, arrow and pouch. He also encouraged me to apply to the Cherokee nation and he gave me the papers. Like my own family, he is from Oklahoma. Later I bought knives and spears and jewelry. I always enjoyed my conversations with him - and his knowledge. He reminded me a lot of my great uncle. I feel that people like him don’t exist anymore really. I felt the loss as I left Tubac without my fun chat and smile. I’ll treasure those memories. I do feel it is a real loss for the community. 

I have only just seen this obituary, and my husband & I are very, very sad to read of Tom’s passing.  
We only knew him briefly, as we would always stop in Cloud Dancer on our visits to my parents in Arizona (we live in Australia), but he was such a warm, wonderful person! 
I have a number of jewellery treasures purchased at Cloud Dancer. 

Once, after I bought a stunning bracelet (& he threw in a necklace I’d admired too), he insisted we come for a beer with him at the local bar in Tubac, which we were delighted to do. We heard a bit more about him and his life then, and about a motorcycle trip he was soon to embark on.

Another time, we chanced to run into him with some family members at, of all places, the “Outback Steakhouse” in Tucson! We had a laugh about the food being good - but definitely not really Australian!

I just came upon a jewellery box with a sticker from the shop on it, and decided to google his name to see if he was on Facebook or etc, and that’s how I sadly came upon this obituary.

My mom died in 2009, and my dad moved away, and so we hadn’t been back since then, but I always thought that some day we would, 
if only to go to the shop and see Tom again.

Our deepest condolences to Tom’s sister and family, and to his friends. We here in Australia did, and still do, think of him with deep fondness and affection. 

He dances now with the Elders, and is much missed on the earth.

We met Tom 3 years ago at Cloud Dancer.  We just came back to Tubac today to shop for art and jewelry there.  So sad to hear of his passing.  He was a great guy. 

  I am so sad to learn of Tom's passing.    Wherever he is now will be more beautiful for receipt of his stunning art and design.  I am fortunate to have several of his rings and other jewelry.  A trip to visit with Tom was always a memorable occasion.  I miss him but will treasure the memories.

I  have a very good friend of mine that  let me know of Tom’s passing.  I was in tears.  I had only known him for a short time compared to my friend but it seemed much longer. He was wonderful to talk to and loved to show you the jewelry he had made and  about the turquoise that his used.
He was such a gentleman. I have  quite a bit of his jewelry. I am very lucky and blessed to have known him.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace.

Thomas was a consummate gentleman. My Mother and I had been his friends since the 1980s. We bought many fine pieces from him. He was full of great information and was a superb craftsman.

I returned from a summer in Wisconsin earlier this month. 

I tried to call today (October 20, 2021) to see how he was.  I was going to try to set up an appointment with him. Imagine my shock when the very kind person answering the phone informed me he had passed away. 

I am very sad!

Be at peace my good friend. I will very much miss you. You enriched many lives. 

My then husband, Larry Golay, and I would go to Tubac often and always stop in to visit Tom.  Over the years, we bought and learned a lot about turquoise and Native American culture from Tom.  At some point in each visit, Tom would play his drum and often would sing for me.  He gave Larry a Masonic ring which Larry treasures.  My love of turquoise has flourished because of Tom.  He will be remembered well!  RIP, Tom. Donadagohv!

Thomas was my friend for over 30 years he was always there for me and I was there for him he was a brother to me I will miss him I hope that he is Dancing In The Clouds

I only knew Tom for about 4 years.  I was already interested in turquoise when I moved down to Tumacacori.  I would come in and talk turquoise and Native American jewelry with him.  We traded a little and he was always more than fair.  He pulled out all kinds of turquoise and quizzed me- it was great fun.  I am a budding silversmith and he was always willing to share tips and techniques.  I was hoping to learn more from him, but as a single dad in Tucson, I couldn’t get to Tubac very often.  I still learned a lot from him.  He was a generous man who gave me a ring I cherish.  RIP Tom.  You were a good friend and I will miss you.  

Last summer while she was visiting from PA, my 10 year old granddaughter and I stopped in at Clouddancers where Tom graciously spent an hour talking to her about Cherokee culture. 
As a result, she was inspired to do a school report on the Nation. 
RIP, Tom. You will be missed. 

Tom was a generous member of the Tubac community.  He strove to be loved by all. His knowledge & willingness to share it will be missed. He was my friend. 

Tom was a character.
He once repaired 2 bolos for my dad who was, at that time, actively dying. I knew his bolos would comfort him, he adore them, wore one daily.
Tom would take no payment. I insisted.
Tom would take no payment!!! and that was the end of it♡
Thanks, Tom.
Rest in Peace

He will be missed  ..  long time friend..Rest in Peace

Oh gee, what a sadness.  Everyone knows the negative about Tom, so we won't go there.  What people don't know, thru this problem child, was that he was generous and giving.  Every year he would buy children's presents for Christmas and fill up the fire truck.  The Tubac Fire Department would distribute the gifts free of charge.  One year he raised $9,000 for a local charity, all was donated.  Then, there were people who were having money problems, they would take their jewelry to him and he would pay an above fair price to help them out.    We all know what a scoundrel he could be and rogue but there was a good side and I am sure the children will be disappointed and the numerous people he did help.  No more turmoil, rest in peace with God's blessings.

My Dearest Tom,
Oh my the adventures,  love and tragedy we have shared.
I will never forget. 
Thank you always for letting me know and love your soul.
The truth lies in the silence between the words.
Rest well my friend.

OBITUARY

Thomas Jess Barbre

7 March, 1947 – 7 May, 2021

Desert Rose Heather Cremation & Burial

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