My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family. I heard so many wonderful stories about your family vacations, and it was always clear from our conversations just how deeply important his family was to him. Tom had such an infectious personality, and I will always cherish the fun times we shared. Whether he was playing the trumpet over the phone or singing silly songs while playing his guitar, he could always make me laugh. You will be missed buddy.

Condolences to Tom’s Family. Tom had many great qualities. His kindness, big heart and sense of humor stood out to me. Not to mention his corny jokes! He will be greatly missed.

(continued)
Tom was my Hero.  I have been calling Tom ‘My Hero’ for over 10 years.  Tom felt strongly about following his own path while remaining ever present and loyal to family.  Tom and his family’s story has always amazed me.  It’s a story of great achievements accomplished by family, sacrifice, hope, and a lot of hard work. 
I can only take solace in my belief that we are the summation of everything we interact with in this world.  To that end, I believe that some part of Tom lives in me, always motivating me to move forward and live a life in balance. 
I wish the Pham family Peace and Patience.  Tom will NEVER be forgotten.
Always your friend,
Dan Ryan

My heart is broken.  The world lost a special soul.  
Tom was Authentic.  Tom’s words always reflected his genuine thoughts, opinions, and personal goals.  Tom always communicated with people on an individual basis.  Tom never had the same conversation twice with different people.  Though, he was always consistent with what his thoughts were, he would strive to cater those words to whom he was dealing with at the moment.  It was never his way or no way.  Tom truly valued people and effortlessly dealt with everyone in an authentic and individual way.  To me, this demonstrated his strength in adhering to his personal values and respecting the values of others.  Tom did not want to change the world.  Rather, Tom strived to be a part of it without negatively affecting other people.
Tom was loyal.  Tom was loyal to his family.  Always believing family was his center and compass.  It was my experience that his family always came first.  I greatly admired him for that loyalty and how he carried it.  He did not constantly proclaim it.  After some-time knowing Tom, anyone could see that he was part of something greater and he was proud of it – his family.  In turn, his family was loyal and supportive of Tom.  Within the Pham family, everyone is always present and dependable for everyone else.  To me, this was Tom’s greatest gift – his Family.  I know he loved you all very much.
This loyalty extended to his circle of friends and acquaintances.  Tom was always the one to greet you with a smile and some funny inside joke between the two of you.  Tom cared for more than himself.  Long talks, lots of laughs, and always a smile.
Tom Was Humble.  Tom never asked anything of others.  Tom never wanted more than he needed.  Tom was more interested in experiencing the world, challenging himself, and enjoying people in his never-ending pursuit of what Living is all about.
(to be continued)

Rest in peace, Thong. I worked with Tom for a few years more recently. He was a good man who always brought humor and tried to make the most of whatever life brings. He was a fun partner, though he took his work seriously and always looked to add value. You are missed.

Tom was an unexpected bright light in my life. He was genuine, smart, silly and fun. I will forever miss his sweet soul and my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Team dinner in Asheville Aug 2025
Tom, Ryan, Althea, and Carey

Meet and Greet with Ecolab executives from Minnesota at National Wiper Alliance office in NC

Superhero day at work - May 2024 
Althea, Tom and Carey

Awesome times with TP! We used to sing Whitney Houston on the trails as we were riding!

I actually have some photos from my very first weekend with Tom! I had met Tom, Forrest, Brian and friends at Alafia in 2010 and shortly thereafter the 3 of them came to the east coast for riding some of the trails here. It was a blast and the start of a great friendship!

Tom was always a great friend to me. He had many qualities but perhaps one of his greatest was his ability to bring fun and light to everything he did. He accepted everyone as they were and made sure we all accepted him as he was. I wanted to share with you some photos that I have. I wish I could be there with you all. My love,

OBITUARY

Thong Vu Pham

September 15, 1970 – October 14, 2026

Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

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