My mom received this story from Gabi Benel. Thanks Gabi.
I remember taking the Alpine Skiing teaching exam with Tom. Every day, Tom would give me a ride to the exam at Highlands. His jeep would pull up in my driveway in Basalt, Tom driving and John Palmer in the passenger seat. Both Tom and John would be swilling their homemade “stay healthy” juice, some acrid concoction of grass, vegetables, vitamins, and who knows what else. John swore that it was only that and women that kept him healthy. I was in the backseat trying to survive the putrid smell. Tom and John had the timing of the drive to Highlands from Basalt down perfectly – they knew that if we reached the intercept lot at the exact right moment, we were golden for getting to Highlands on time. We pushed the need for this exact timing more and more every day, as we would arrive closer and closer to the designated meeting time for the exam.
Despite his intricate knowledge of the timing of the route, Tom would never fail to miss the turn for Highlands at the roundabout every single day. And every single day, John would give him hell for it. I sat doubled over in laughter as John and Tom would hurl insults back and forth as we made a full loop around the traffic circle so that we could retry the right turn up the hill. Without fail, by the time we made it up to the parking lot, both John and Tom would be on to talking about some other topic, John about what Carbondale was like twenty years ago, and Tom about the new beautiful home he was working on.
I can’t believe that they are both now gone. I miss both intensely, especially their love for life and their families. I think I’ll stay away from that disgusting wheat juice , but I hope to emulate Tom’s values and amazing attitude.
-Gabi Benel
Thomas Peter Lanigan III was one of the most special people in the world and anyone who knew him would agree. He left this world on March 18, 2010 but he will always be with us. Attributes including his sense of humor, creativity, generosity and work ethic sit close to many of our hearts. Visit this site often as a reminder that he will always be close by. Use the comment sections of each post to share thoughts, stories, memories, songs and photos of Tom.
Donate to the Tom Lanigan Memorial Fund
Donate to the Tom Lanigan Memorial Fund
In lieu of flowers or gifts, your contributions to the Tom Lanigan Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. All donations will help with extensive medical debt and lost income.
We greatly appreciate your contributions.
Donations by Check
Donations by check can be made out to:
Tom Lanigan Memorial Fund
and mailed to:
Alpine Bank
P.O. Box 349
Basalt, CO 81621
or visit any Alpine Bank
We greatly appreciate your contribitions.
Tom Lanigan Memorial Fund
and mailed to:
Alpine Bank
P.O. Box 349
Basalt, CO 81621
or visit any Alpine Bank
We greatly appreciate your contribitions.
Recently I was re-reading a journal of mine, and I ran across my tribute to Tom. Rather than citing it, I would like to share a bit about him. I hope this comment section is the appropriate share place!
ReplyDeleteOnce a week for over a year, Tom came to our house to practice Centering Prayer. We had great conversation after our 20 minute sit, and I began to look forward to that as much as the meditation. Tom was a great conversationalist, we could reach quite deep places even though we didn't always agree. The stimulation and humorous interaction always rose above any heated argumentative converse. This aspect of Tom's nature just made me think of him as being so Irish! I liken the Irish to great words, and great literature creators.
Now I often practice my sit (centering prayer) in the same place in the living room where Tom did. It's kid of nice, knowing his spirit is alive and well here.
Sincerely,
Monica Hose