Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Tom Wyatt Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

TOM "TURBO" WYATT "Turbo" Tom Wyatt, 53, Legendary Turbocharging Guru Tom's life was full of all things motorized. His work revolved around designing and building engines for racecars and experimental airplanes. Tom was a consultant, teacher, propulsion expert and adviser for Experimental Aircraft Association chapter 690. He was a specialist in computer-controlled engine management systems, a test pilot for experimental aircraft and engines, and wrote technical articles for enthusiast publications like Kitplanes and Sport Compact Car. He loved flying gliders over the Smokey Moutains and was currently building his own RV-8 experimental aircraft." Tom's mechanical knowledge, experience and expertise enabled me to win "First-in-Class," and "Best-in-Show" in competition ...all Turbo Tom!" - friend, Al MooreTom Wyatt III of Doraville, GA was killed along with his girlfriend, Barbara Creamer in a car accident on January 27, 2005. "Barbara brought joy and stability into Tom's life and they loved each other deeply" according to Tom's sister Barbara.Born in Schenectady, NY on Feb 19, 1951, Tom spent his childhood in S. Florida and moved to Atlanta in the early 70's. He is survived by three sisters, Barbara Wyatt of Edmonds, WA, Patricia Ward of Mobile, AL, and Lynda Wyatt of Sterling, VA, and will be missed by a plethora of friends and relatives.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 5, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Wyatt

38 Entries

Nancy Wyatt

January 20, 2007

Next Saturday will be two years...

"Now he has departed from this strange world a little ahead of me. That means nothing. People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." --Albert Einstein

Greg von Zielinski

January 30, 2006

I met Tom in Atlanta while going to school at Emory. I spent many hours at his shop learning the ins and outs of turbo charging in an attempt to make my own 240z turbo install work. As he would joke about my system he would say with enough work I could indeed make my bad designe function. Tom was great and helped me through my webber side draft problems. After graduating I had one of his own kits on a z that I bought from him. It was super as was Tom. He was always there for me as a freind and showed great hospitalty when I stayed over at his home. Tom was great guy, an amazing source of knolidge and someone that I was honored to know,

Greg von Zielinski,pastor Ocean Ministries

Rick Louderbough

January 19, 2006

I never had the pleasure of meeting Tom but I read w great interest his many accomplishments w machines of all kinds and especially Datsuns. Our world has lost a leader, mentor, friend, and a valuable asset to the worldwide community, with the internet being what it is these days. So sorry to hear of this tragic event, with two fine people gone.

Sincerely

Rick Louderbough

Michael Bayer

January 6, 2006

I grew up with Tom in Lantana, Florida back in the '60s. I lost touch with him when he moved to Georgia. I was glad to get back in touch with him a few years ago, and discovered we still had some things in common, including fast Japanese cars. I hope that he is now able to always keep the revs up, hit the apex every time, and not worry about any silly SCCA regulations. There are substitutes for cubic inches!

Tom (3rd from left) at the 2004 Lake Worth HS Reunion, Lake Worth, Florida

January 6, 2006

David Fowler

May 23, 2005

I never met Tom but his reputation as a mechanical wizard preceeded him. His extraordinary talent with engines and turbos will be missed in the gearhead community.

Greg Scott

May 21, 2005

Tom was a one man army with skills beyond what many would even beleive.

His talents allowed him to take the combustion engine to new heights.

Thankfully for many, Tom landed his sights on The TurboCharger.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have something built from him will always have his gift to enjoy..

I had the opportunity to spend some time with him, he truly was a special man who cared about people and would always give his best for his friends.

I will miss him....

John Lipscombe

May 13, 2005

I found Toms articles in Kitplanes magazine to be amazingly concise and understandable. Having extensive knowledge of engines myself, I still found something to learn in his articles. So much so, I wrote Tom congratulating him on his unique ability to form words into paragraphs and create a clear vision on how things worked. Included was a request for future articles about power plant dynamics and new technology. He responded with great enthusiasm and I looked forward to his vivid explanations.

It is a damned bummer that I will never see another article by this great man. His death is a great loss to all of us who shared his great passion for motor sports.

Monica Mezo

May 11, 2005

I had the PLEASURE of meeting Tom at my workplace. He was a patient at my dental office My job is to make the patient fell comfortable, well let me say... it was like my friend coming over for a visit.

I will never forget one of his "visits" at the office. He was having some dental work (somewhat unexpected) he asked me to call his girlfriend to give him some support. Barbara was at his side in MINUTES there was a noticeable change in Tom. To make Tom be comfortable she messaged his feet the entire time he was in the dental chair. What a woman! What a man!

Every time I had seen Tom after that I asked, "Should I call Barbara?"

He was someone that I enjoyed, looked forward to seeing, good conversation, put a smile on your face, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY.(even in a dental office)

I will miss him! I will miss Barbara!

They are together!

Roger Johnson

April 20, 2005

I had the pleasure of knowing Tom for over 30 years. He was the first real mechanical guru I met when I moved to Atlanta in 1970. Like all his friends, I was shocked by his untimely death. We shared countless blasts in excessively fast cars including the first 240Z car he ever turbocharged on a rainy night near his old house on Belle Isle Dr. On the test track (a side street near his house) Tom would launch any one of his project cars at the stop sign with the goal of getting it airborne as it crested the hill a short distance down the road. If it lifted all four wheels off the ground, Tom was satisfied the car was running right.

Tom’s love of all things mechanical and detail overkill were a constant source of delight in my life. The infamous powder blue 510 4-door was the perfect example. It was an honor to share this particular beast with Tom, both as a driver and passenger. That car was literally a family member. I even consider it one of my buddies and still tell people about it to this day.

As short as Tom’s life turned out to be, he enjoyed it to the fullest in every sense. Just watching the grin on his face when he discovered something new, or when he saw something work, like he just knew it could, was truly inspirational.

There’s a lesson here for all of us who love hot cars and driving in general. If deadly bad luck can ambush Tom the way it did, it’s got everyone’s number. No one probably knows what actually triggered the chain of events that killed our friend. But knowing Tom’s skills and general sense of awareness tells me it had to be an incredible fluke.

I think we can honor our friend Tom all the more by paying every ounce of attention we can muster to what’s happening around us on the highways. Besides, the safer we stay, the longer we live. And the longer we live the more we can share our memories of Tom.

Years ago Tom once joked… “When you tell people you work on hot cars, they consider you boarder-line from a social acceptability standpoint.” Even though most of us, including Tom, wore this label with a certain prideful smirk, it was Tom himself who blew his own theory out of the water with his intellectual curiosity, warmth of personality and gentleness of soul.

Mark Shoemaker

April 5, 2005

I purchased a red 510 from tom several years ago. During the transaction we were invited to enjoy dinner from the grill with them. Subsequently we have kept touch via email, if only sporadically. The sorrow I feel must be a pale shadow of what his family and very close friends feel. I am lucky to have a lasting reminder of the man's genius, which I drive every day. I even had him sign the motor.

Nancy Wyatt

March 9, 2005

Tom,

We were friends, business partners, mates and ex's but somehow through it all you remained my best and most respected friend. I will miss you forever.

So many of my life's greatest adventures would not have happened without you. You always encouraged me to do and try everything, I'm amazed now by your never failing confidence in me. I would not be who I am without you and I'll forever be trying to live up to what you thought I could be.

I take solace in the knowledge that we left nothing unsaid and that I can let you go without guilt or regrets, only an aching sadness that the rest of my life will be lived without your friendship and we can speak no more.

Fly high my friend, on to the next great adventure with all the curiosity and enthusiasm that graced your time with us. Until we meet again............

Steve Rajah

March 7, 2005

From one aviator and mechanic to another, Tom may you find some interesting things to tinker with in that wonderfull place you are in right now. May you soar with the birds and dance among the clouds.

Tom we have never personally met, but I read about your trajic departure from this earth on the kitplanes website. Your story struck a certain chord in me and I felt compelled to write this.

Bret Watkins

February 21, 2005

I personally have not met Tom. But the amount of information passed down from him was enormous. It is pioneers like Tom that look outside the box and then punch a hole in it so others like us can see what can be done differant and better. His contributions to the 510 comunity were great. It is people like Tom that push us all to be better and look at things from a differant way.

To his family and Barbara's our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Know that they have touched many in the short time we all are here.

God Bless Tom and Barbara

Bret Watkins & Family

Pat Ward

February 19, 2005

Today is your birthday. It is still too painfull to accept your passing. Since that terrible day I have been thinking of all those lost memories from our childhood. Things I had long forgotten became clear. That is all I have left, memories. You were the patient big brother who put up with your tag-along sister. You explaned when I had questions about whatever you were working on. Airplanes, bicycles, motor bikes, you took the time to explain everything in terms a kid 5 years younger than you could understand. Helped me with my bikes, home-made skateboards, and later, great car advice. "Change that oil!" The greiving is still fresh, and the tears flow freely.

I honor you on your birthday. Turbo Tom, you are loved and missed.

Brian Clark

February 15, 2005

Tom,

You were a cheery personality and a welcome voice on the other end of the phone. When we finally met last spring, you proved the same in person. It was wonderful to deal with a writer who had such an interest in helping our audience understand the concepts that came so easily to you.

You had an exceptional ability to translate a highly technical subject matter into an easy to digest format, and our readers appreciated it. The amount of positive feedback we received on the installments of How Piston Engines Make Power outnumbered that of any other editorial we’ve run in the past few years.

Your audience had a genuine appreciation for the lessons that you taught. You were a valuable part of the KITPLANES team, and you will be missed greatly. (Brian Clark, KITPLANES Magazine)

Dick Lowell

February 15, 2005

Never met Tom, I have enjoyed his wit, sarcasm and knowledge from the many articles I've read. I'm old school and "turboing" is the wave of the future that I never rode. Wish I had. I recognized many of the names in the guest book, guess we are a family that has familiar strangers.

Too soon for the angles both of them.

Phil Theoktisto

February 12, 2005

I never met Turbo Tom, but I have been

influencd by his automotive engineering.I currently own a 510 that he worked on in the early 80's.

He will be greatly missed.

Phil

Paul Hooks

February 10, 2005

Several years ago I lucky enough to meet and share a little time with Tom. I wish I had to opportunity to have known him better, I found him to a very interesting and down to earth person. To his family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you....

Mike Moore

February 9, 2005

Tom,

You and I did not meet until long after my brother and you had become the very best of friends. I believe that everyone in this life should experience the kind of friendship as did you and brother Al.

You are going to be sorley missed Tom as good friends are so very often by all who knew you.

I will always remember you and your smile whenever I see Al behind the wheel of the Fantastic "240-Z" that the two for you dreamed into reality.

May God be with you.

Barbara Wyatt

February 9, 2005

Tom, it is difficult to express the depth of sorrow that I feel in your death. I am appreciative of the memories we shared, from childhood to your recent visit with Barbara in Seattle. You were someone I idolized for your keen intellect and sharp memory, relying on you to recreate our past. I knew I could count on you, and did so regularly when I lived nearby. You worked on my cars, rescueing me from mechanical problems, or just giving my cars some "boost". I knew that I could count on you for anything I needed.

I will always remember your big hugs, your sense of humor, with a smile so genuine and joyful, your zest in and love of life.

Hammerhead will be your legacy to me, and I will love him and think of how surprised/comforted you would be to think that I am taking care of your cat.

Soar on-

Love, Barbara

Peter Knowles

February 9, 2005

Some Words in Memory of Tom Wyatt

I am sorry I can’t be with you to honor Tom, and mourn his passing.

Tom, you were Barbara’s unique brother, full of a zest for life, an insatiable curiosity and a mind brimming with facts.

You were a mechanic extradionnaire. Everything about you was turbo charged, as you lived life to the fullest. Your quest for adventure was unbounding, be it racing cars, flying airplanes, travel to exotic locations, running Turbo Toms or inventing lighted canes. You were a model of self-sufficiency and successful entrepreneurship.

You possessed a wonder gift for explaining complex processes in ways that were clear and understandable, characteristics that made you in demand as a technical writer, respected teacher, and glider instructor.

Your popularity with the younger generation was legend and my kids always relished your visits to the Northwest, knowing they would be treated to stories , a plethora of ideas, and be turned on to the latest music trends such as ‘house music”. Both my sons count you as their favorite uncle, hands down.

In recent years you ‘discovered’ the Northwest and I valued your ‘whirlwind’ visits and the time we spent together. I am glad that you and Barbara Creamer found each other and happiness. Most of all you were a warm and loving brother in law. I will miss you greatly. My life was richer for having known you. Peter

Bryan Feldman

February 9, 2005

I lost a big part of my life when we lost Tom. He was a friend and a great example for me. Both while I was employed by Tom and Nancy, and for the many years that followed, I enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Tom as well as learning skills and concepts at which he was a master. I will always miss Tom and my memories of him will always be a treasure to me.

Tom Norton

February 9, 2005

The short time I knew you Tom was a pleasure and an education. I was really looking forward to a great long freindship with another airplane nut. I'll guess I'll have to wait a few more years. Thanks for all the great times in your shop and home.

Tom Gage

February 8, 2005

It was my pleasure and privilege to have worked with Turbo Tom from before the time we discovered turbos. I remember the first night we drove his blue 510 after he installed a mail order turbo kit. It didn't run right. Then he figured out the vacuum-operated secondary throttle wasn't opening. He rigged up some ingenious fix on the spot and said "you drive". I punched it and we looked over at each other and smiled. We had boost.

Of course boost is like a drug and Tom and I were both hooked. Soon the tantalizing power of that first night seemed like just a tease and Tom began a quest that led to turbo installations of astounding complexity, sophistication and power.

I learned a lot from Tom about how to solve problems with smarts, an open mind, and persistence. He always wanted to try something new to see how it would work. That's what I liked about him. Eventually his inquisitive nature took him beyond cars and turbos to lots of other interesting pursuits, but I knew him as Turbo Tom. To me he'll always be saying "Let's see what happens if we turn up the boost".

Audra

February 8, 2005

What can I say other than what a great big void there is now that Tom is gone. You will be missed. Fondly, your cousin Audra..

Daniel Gallmeister

February 8, 2005

Tom, you'll be sorely missed.

Al Moore

February 7, 2005

It's been a week and a-half now, since the awful phone call from Nancy saying, "Tom and Barb have both been killed today in an auto accident." Only yesterday, less than 24 hours, I shook his hand and thanked him "...for another week's great work on my car."

For the last 27 years, Turbo Tom and I worked side by side in the never-ending modification of my '73 240Z. Now, with the end of our latest 2-year project drawing near, he was gone.

There is no explanation...only grief for the loss of Tom and Barb...and what they had discovered in each other.

I watched Tom grow from an unusually-talented 26-year-old, with his own business, "Turbo Tom's," to the remarkable man he'd become at 53. We shared countless stories, joys and heartbreak over our time. Friendship...that's what I'll miss the most.

He'd recently named me "Mr. Stability" for my unfailing checks as work was completed each week. Well, Tom, I'd call you "Mr. Ability" for your unfailing knack of creation...there simply was nothing beyond your reach...or ability! You took my wishes and gave me more than I dreamed.

With a "little help" from your friends, Stuart, Bryan and others, your finest work will be completed, and future awards dedicated to you.

I will be ever thankful for that first day I rolled up outside your shop...and for the long, fun-filled years that followed.

Soar high, My Friend...we earthlings will miss you. Thanks for the great ride!

AA (Afterburner Al)

Lynne Bowron

February 7, 2005

What a good friend! I will miss his kind smile and gentle way. Peace and God bless.

Lynne

Ken Haldeman

February 7, 2005

I would just like to express my condolences to your family. I never met Tom but his work he did with the 510's will inspire others as it has me. I thank you Tom, may you rest in peace, Ken

Doc Kanarowski

February 7, 2005

My Deepest condolences on Tom's passing, and His Fiance also. He was an inspiration to us ALL. Doc

David Lingle

February 6, 2005

Tom, I received news of your accident on February 5 when a friend read about it in the newspaper. Oddly, after several years, I spoke to you a day or so before your accident. It just doesn't seem possible you're gone. While reminiscing with Reina I determined I knew you over 25 years. It was in your original hot rod shop in Brookhaven that I became convinced to get a 510 in the first place. And I still have it. You are truly a diversified individual by every unit of measure. From all the car fabrications, to Reina's banana trees and elephant ears in my front yard, to the glider rides as a wedding gift, and the list goes on and on. It's all your unique talents and interests that truly made you the "Turbo Tom" we all grew to love. The world has truly lost an incredible individual, friend, and teacher. May God bless you always...

Inshan E

February 6, 2005

I have always been an admirer of Turbo Tom and his great projects. The world has lost a genius.

Dave

February 6, 2005

You and your wild projects will be missed in the Datsun community.

Marc

February 6, 2005

Tom had the unique position to be

a part of many people's lives,

even to people that's he's never

talked directly with.

Alot of those lives, such as

mine... and my Green Pirahna (2dr

510) will keep his memory with us

and alive. I will definitely think

of his contributions next time the

Pirahna is on a track.

The car world has lost yet another

pillar.

Pat Ward

February 5, 2005

No words can describe the depth of sorrow in my heart. You were my brother, my friend, my hero. thank you for being my example of a real man, and human. I now cherish every moment spent in your presence. I am a better person because of them. As I greave, I take comfort in knowing you loved Barbara and were happy and at peace.

Flo Fillingm

February 5, 2005

Tom was recently divorced when we first met. I am the realtor that sold him his home in Doraville.

I was so happy to see that Tom had found love later in life with Barbara. Tom was wonderful to me. I will miss him greatly!!

FLO FILLINGIM @ 404-237-1443

Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results