REMEMBERING TOM AULT
As we
grow older, family members and friends will
invariably pass away. Some losses are
harder than others. For me, this is
the case with Tom. I can’t imagine how
hard the loss has been for his loved
ones.
Tom
and I were friends for over 50
years. We shared many life
experiences as we traversed through high
school, college, fraternity life, studying
in Sweden, traveling through Europe, and
later as we eased into our “maturing”
years to golf trips and family
outings. We shared a lifetime of
laughs, not the least of which in our
academic year in Uppsala, Sweden where Tom
is still fondly remembered by those who
knew him, and even some who only heard
about him. I will never forget that
special year.
Our
bond grew tighter as we passed through the
various stages of our lives, more so
during his valiant five-year struggle
against cancer. Throughout his
fight, I never heard him complain or
indulge in self-pity. To me he
remained upbeat and optimistic.
Right up to the end, he seemed to me the
same old humorous Tom, more interested in
finding out what I was up to than
documenting his painful ordeal. He
displayed extraordinary courage.
People have many life-long
acquaintances and associates, but few
experienced the kind of friendship I
shared with Tom. It endured for over
a half century because we both derived
great pleasure from our relationship.
Engaging, funny and insightful, Tom was
easy to like. We would laugh at old
stories, toss around new ones, and trash
talk, which he could do with the best, but
also be serious, talking about sports,
politics, parenting, and the numerous
foibles of life. We shared our hopes
and fears, joys and regrets.
The Tom Ault I knew was
bright, straightforward, generous and
funny. He could converse
intelligently on many subjects. He
was self-confident, without arrogance or
pretense, his powerful voice bolstered by
the power of his convictions. He was
a skilled debater who would back up his
arguments with facts and logic. We
didn’t always agree, but mutual respect
only strengthened our friendship.
You knew you could trust what he said,
though one had to be on guard for his
frequent tongue-in-cheek diversions.
Tom’s sharp mind and engaging personality
help explain his notable success in the
legal profession.
Despite
passing far too early, Tom lived a full
life. He saw a lot, did a lot,
and accomplished a great deal. He
enriched many lives, not the least of
which was mine. His passing has left
a deep void in my soul. I miss and
will never forget him.
Ron
Fox
|