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Alchera
05-26-2010, 05:49 PM
Tom Was One of Us

I felt a fist clamp ‘round my heart the day I heard the news
We prayed it hadn’t happened, yet it was his final cruise
They said he had been lost at sea, a day most hazardous
We felt the pain stab through our souls, for Tom was one of us

Across the wide Pacific, to the islands we did steer
We shared our hopes and wildest dreams, we shared our deepest fears
We shared the Grand Adventure, always bonded in our trust
Our comrade Tom was by our side, for Tom was one of us

Upon our final passage, when we see beyond what lies
I’d like to think we’ll find a ship to sail the starry skies
We’ll fill her sails with starlight, and surf the solar dust
I know that’s where we will find Tom, for Tom was one of us


In memory of Tom Kirschbaum/Feral

Mark Deppe/Alchera
2008 Singlehanded TransPac

Deep6
05-27-2010, 10:49 AM
Very sad, my thoughts go out to the family and friends.

"Full fathom five thy father lies:
Of his bones are coral made:
Those are pearls that were his eyes:
Nothing of him that doth fade
But doth suffer a sea-change
Into something rich and strange."
-William Shakespeare

Rich Hudnut Jr.

AlanH
05-27-2010, 12:07 PM
I like that, Mark. Nice.

Tom was one of us.

Feral II
05-27-2010, 01:58 PM
Mark,
my father would have loved that.
he used to read me your poems.
thank you.

ilana kirschbaum

cr1
05-27-2010, 03:21 PM
Down here at PSSA in Marina Del Rey, after the 2008 SHTP Tom presented the best slide show and video. It was just him on the ocean, racing to Kauai. The thing I remembered best is him swatting that huge seal off the boat after boarding his boat somewhere out by the Farallones.

As everyone else, my thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family.

Rich Hillman
Former owner of Horizon
Contessa 26
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John Hayward
05-27-2010, 04:38 PM
Well done Mark!!!

I know Jan and I were hoping for a miracle, but it wasn't to be. Sooo surprising too since Tom was *very* carefull. Always had his vest on and kept the tether attached to the vest. I am sure he was always tethered when he left the cockpit so I am at a loss as to how he and Feral parted company.

Wish we were talking about seeing him under the tree again soon instead.

You will be missed Tom!

John
Dream Chaser

Jeff Lebesch
05-28-2010, 08:12 AM
Thanks Mark, it is beautiful. Sure brought tears to my eyes.

My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

It has been a rough week, prepping for another solo ocean romp, when my sweetheart picks up my harness, tugs the straps a bit tighter, and with redness in her eyes says "you will do everything you can to be as safe as possible, right?"

Jeff Lebesch
Hecla