Tom was an avid lover of all things flying. After he got out of the US Navy in 1965, he began school to get his A&P certifications and licenses. He also started private pilot lessons, getting to solo. But, life intrudes and because of his getting married and having a young boy at home, he put aside his training and went to work. He flew every chance he could with his father-in-law, Smoky as well as others.

Tom instilled a love of flying into his two boys that continues to this day.

Tom passed away June,2021.

The picture shows Tom and his sons, Todd (older by the hatch) and Terry (Bear) sitting on the wing of Smoky Cross' Eurocoupe.