Absent friends

[Observer]

To all of you who read this.

Those of you who inhabit Scuttlebutt will know of the untimely passing of one of that forum's longest standing members, Tom Eckhoff ("tome"). I'm not going to eulogise, just remark that he was one of the most respected of the YBW forum members - always balanced in his views and a friend to motorboating members as much as to his sailing brethren.

His funeral and wake are taking place today in Petersfield and Emsworth. I could not be there but many of the friends who have come to know him from these forums and (in particular) from the Scuttlebutt Cherbourg trips, will be there to celebrate his life.

For those of you who did not meet him, in life or on these boards, this post will give you an idea of the measure of the man.

I propose a toast to Tom.

Fair winds.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Never met him but enjoyed his posts.

He will be missed.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

I shall raise a glass this evening.

 

[chuckaduck]

I never met him but enjoyed his posts as well

there are certain posters here which draw me to read their writings and he was one of them

My condolences to his family

 

[rubberduck]

Shame. Never met but seemed like a very nice guy. Condolences to all concerned.

 

[jhr]

Just got back from the service. Very sad.

A top bloke.

 

[KevB]

I met Tom a couple of times and he was one top bloke. The kind of guy you would find impossible not to like. God bless.

 

[sunquest]

Quite shocked to hear the tragic news. Have been on holiday for the past 3 weeks and knew that Tome was ill, but to come back to the news he had passed away leaves a big lump in the throat. Like many others have said Tome was infectious with his posts making enjoyable reading. He will be sadly missed. God bless. Geoff

 

[MapisM]

I'm also one of those who didn't have the privilege to meet him in this life.
Shame, we waste so much time in rat races, and we miss the opportunity to meet people like him and learn something.
Fair winds, skipper.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Thats terrible news. I also very much enjoyed his posts and I will offer a toast to him tonight

 

[quimby]

Likewise.