Tom Lay was my Dad and he was a remarkable man. Sadly he passed away peacefully on July 31, 2020 at the age of 93 years. He will be greatly missed by his wife Margaret; 6 children; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren plus many many great friends.
He had a happy life as a young boy in London, England. Then came the war and due to his young age he was evacuated to a rural property with the Cunningham family. It was the first time in his life he saw grass. Despite the ongoing war he did remember his time there fondly.
Not long after that he lied about his age in order to enlist with the British military. He had some memorable experiences while serving. I think seeing Egypt and Israel started his lifelong love of travel. Margaret and he traveled extensively all through Asia, Europe the Middle East, the Caribbean to name just a few.
My earliest memory of my father is when I was approximately 5 years old. We were walking through the mall we were holding hands and I was skipping. I said 'Daddy skip with me' and so he did! People were looking and laughing. We were skipping through the mall I was laughing and so happy that he did it just for me and I never forgot it. Makes me smile even now.
Later in life, when he retired he bought a place in Arizona. He was busy gardening, renovating and of course playing golf.
It was about this time he started to experiment with oil painting. He was so talented and he pumped out all kinds of paintings. Animals, cars, landscapes and still life. I have a wall with all of mine as a tribute to this amazing person.
He was a loving, intelligent and happy father and I am proud I was able to call him Dad.
I love and miss you forever Daddy!
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