Dear Barbara,
Could you please call? I have misplaced your number and 411 could not find a listing. I had meant to call Tom this autumn for a sail. I just heard of Tom's death; otherwise I certainly would have visited Gawler's.

Sincerely,
John/Jack Sherwood
410-353-5567

Tom and I were colleagues at the Washington Star and we kept in touch through the years. Whenever I had a feature assignment, I always tried to get Tom to shoot it. I will miss him.

I would like to add my sympathies to that of many friends of Tom Hoy.  We attended countless regional and annual meetings.  He did an outstanding job of representing the rural electric program to members of the media and the important farm broadcasters.  He was always optimistic and he made those who worked with him appreciate his quiet contributions to his chosen profession.

Goodbye, Tom.  Rest in peace.

Wally Rustad

Tom was a bright light in everyone's day.  His enthusiasm for life was unbounded!  My real introduction to Tom was at the 1978 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas when he asked if I would join Barbara and him to see Frank Sinatra!  As a little girl from Amish country, I was thrilled & intimidated.  Of course, I replied.  So off we went with Wally Tillman & Barbara.  Life was never the same!  I bet the same is true in Heaven.  God Bless.

Tom always had a smile and he always made me smile. What more can you ask of a person?

I would like to extend my sympathies to Frank L. Hoy's passing which I learned through a friend of mine when I arrived to Washington, D.C. from Ohio. Am a Dummy Hoy researcher and I have been asked to see if Frank is related to William Ellsworth "Dummy" Hoy in "cousin in sense? Would appreciated an answer from you to assure Frank is related or not. Thanks in advance and my sympathies.

I am sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful colleague, who always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He will be missed my many.

Tom's contributions to the world are legion - from his work in journalism and capturing forever, many historically signficant photos to his work with NRECA and through NAFB associations I knew Tom through. 

But most of all was his warm, friendly, honest and genuine interest in and work with people.  No one could top his special attention to details and his service to others may never be equalled.

To Barbara and family - sincerest condolences.  Fond memories will always be cherished.

Christy, I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him at Barnes and Noble where he was a distinguished presence. My family sends you our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Best, Cathy Gagnet (mother of Alexi Rahman from Stone Ridge) and family.

Such sad news to read of Tom's passing.  He was truly remarkable.  He was always so happy, full of humor and so interested in everyone.  He adored his wife Barbara, his children and the grandchildren.  We have kept in touch through the years since our Falls Church High school days.  He shall be greatly missed.

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  He always had a smile for everyone and it was a pleasure working with him at NRECA.  He will be missed.

Nancy and I offer our heartfelt sympathy to you Barbara and your family. I was a friend of Tom's for the past 40 years and had the highest regard for him. He was talented and knowledgeable about many subjects. He was devoted to his family and very proud of his wonderful daughters.
It was a pleasure to know him and he will be missed by all.
Don Smith

Barbara, Rollie and I are sad to learn of Tom's death.  For sure, he leaves behind friends and fans all across the nation's countryside. In many ways, he was like a roving ambassador for NRECA. Former NRECA General Manager and CEO Bob Partridge spoke highly of Tom's talents.  Farm radio and TV broadcasters were members of perhaps his biggest fan club.  Tom could get them the interviews they most wanted when no one else could.

I last talked with Tom at Barnes and Noble one day a few years ago. His warm smile, once again, made me smile.

Our sincerest condolences, Mattie and Rollie Olson

My heart goes out to Tom's family who was always #1 in his book and life. He was a talented colleague and good friend to many across the country. His contributions to the work of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters through his work at NRECA were often recognized and always appreciated.

I am very sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  I worked with him awhile ago while we were both at NRECA, and he was always with a smile and made me laugh.  Spoke of his family all the time with great love.  I often thought of him through the years.  What a wonderful man.  Very sorry for your loss.

Tom was a rare individual who was always positive, always upbeat, and always supportive.  I enjoyed knowing and working with him during his time at NRECA.  He was also a positive force in the early development of NRTC.

Tom was memorable, truly memorable.  From Tom I learned the difference between real and faux, personal warmth vs. pretense, history well lived vs. sidelines sitting.  I will miss knowing that the man, whose many stories I often retold, is gone.  To Barbara and his family, my sympathies for your loss.Tom was true to his favorite line, "Living well is the best revenge," and I know you were all deeply part of his life well lived.

What a marvelous man, who celebrated and lived life to the fullest and had the rare knack for making friends wherever he went.  I had the privilege of working with Tom for several years at NRECA. A minute, an hour, a day in the company of Tom was always rewarded with the chance to laugh along with him, to talk about books, art, travel, to hear his stories of days at the Star and  take away a bit of his appreciation and enthusiasm for all the good things that come our way. He had a rare eye for what makes an unforgettable photograph. I followed by some years his work documenting life in rural America for the association magazine. It seemed that everywhere I went, Tom had been there before, and no one had forgotten him. "Oh, you know Tom Hoy?! We'd love to see Tom again - tell him we're waiting for his return!" Tom was truly devoted to his wife and daughters and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

I can not begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Tom Hoy's passing. Tom was without question one of my very favorite people. He led an amazing life and I am proud he shared many moments with me. He was always attentive to details with work and fun to be with when the day was done. My prayers are with you and I am sure you know he will be missed by all who knew him. I will always be grateful that he was my friend.

I remember playing touch football on your front lawn, encouraging us to read the New Yorker and carpooling to Stone Ridge.  Thanks for being such a great Dad to all of us.

Edita Piedra Robinson

All of the Piedras are praying for you and your family.  Hugest of hugs.

Alberto, Edita, Edita, Conchita  XXOO

OBITUARY

Thomas L Hoy

20 November, 1935 – 20 October, 2012

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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