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Katie Fischer
November 2, 2021
Somehow it seems fitting that I am among Tom´s "Other Friends"-we don´t share the same gene pool, we´ve never lived in the same town, and we have never worked together. If I told Tom that in my life he fits into the "Best People I Have Ever Known" category, he´d likely quip, "I won´t belong to any organization that would have me as a member."
The first couple of times my husband and I met up with Tom, he was polite. But when we stayed at the Morain home in Ames, his true colors emerged-the piano-playing, his bouncing on the end of the bed with Vikki to wake us up, his coo-ing to the morning doves in their kitchen, and his endless joking. Through other visits at our house, in the Amana colonies, and over lunches, ever present was his wry humor. Tom had a built-in sensor as to how far to push it.
When Tom and I collaborated on writing a recommendation for the Petersen-Harlen award, every single one of his many emails mentions Michal, Joel, and Vikki. I loved how he loved Vikki and got a kick out of each of her new adventures. Because we lived so far apart, we didn´t see one another often, but every time Jerry and I were with Tom and Vikki was gold. He was the real deal. I am grateful Tom was in our lives. . .and still is.
Heaven is a bit brighter since Tom entered those pearly gates. (Do you think we should warn the saints about his sense of humor?)
Roger Hershey
December 1, 2020
A friend from Graceland College days, with a warm and delightful sense of humor.
Janet Irby
October 30, 2020
Tom and I worked together on the Graceland Tower my senior year and his freshman year (1965-66). I was the editor and he was the copy editor. By November we had discovered Tom's exceptional wit, and he began to write a column called The Stinger. Some quips from his columns:
"Finally the dress policy has been settled. Students will definitely be permitted to wear shorts on campus between Christmas and New Year's."
"A crisis has arisen from the extensive tree-cutting on campus. If the trees continue to disappear at the present rate, a ratio will soon develop on south campus of two couples per tree, with freshmen relegated to the stumps."
"So many apples have been tossed on the front lawn of the boys' dorm that this area is now called the west cider Gunsolley."
I am attaching a picture of one of his columns.
I also enjoyed hearing Tom play the piano in my home, adding his rock and roll and ragtime versions of favorite hymns.
Finally, as he faced the challenges of cancer last winter, he graciously gave me feedback on some chapters of the book I was writing. I heeded his advice. Tom, always in our hearts with love.
Sandy O'Riley
October 25, 2020
I remember Tom's great giggle and enthusiasm for life. Tom and Vikki hosted a Christmas sing along at their home in Ames that we hot to be a part of. They always have fun.
I cut Tom's hair a few times and always enjoyed our one on one conversations.
We had a grand time at Living History Farms when they invited us and hosted a meal at the 1930s home and afterwards we played games in the parlor. Diana (our daughter) especially liked Button, Button Who's Got The Button.
Tom was a good husband to Vikki and father to their 2 sons. You will be sorely missed by your special loved ones. Rest in peace until you are reunited.
Love, Sandy/Craig O'Riley and Family
Pam Robison
October 17, 2020
Tom was such a wonderful bundle of joy! He turned pages for me when we were both in a concert choir together and loved to tease me, but knew when to be serious as well. He touched so many lives and will be deeply missed.
Mark Brandt
October 17, 2020
Tom was a renaissance man. Whatever he did, he did with exceeding superiority. While I left his hometown while in 5th grade, I managed to hear of Tom's accomplishments from time to time. He is gone, but his humanity lives on.
Barbara J Brock
October 16, 2020
Oh yes, now that is a beautiful and perfect description, "the epitome of contagious joy." Tom was beloved by SO many - including my whole extended family. I will hold on to a memory of finding the last seat available in the very first pew in the Lamoni Church during a Graceland Homecoming, directly behind Tom on the piano bench. I soaked up every single note and smiled throughout. Thank you for your beautiful gifts of both music AND words, Tom Morain. You truly did make the ordinary extraordinary.
Susanne (White) Shaffner
October 15, 2020
I grew up in Ames and have known Tom and his family my entire life. I have admired and respected him for that long, as well. If anyone were to ask me, the sun rose and set on Tom sitting at a keyboard.
Tom was, is, and will forever be, the only accompanist I will ever trust and feel comfortable singing with - that's why I've used accompaniment cassettes or CDs since Tom and family moved away from Ames.
As it stands, I will never again be able to listen to Amazing Grace without hearing Tom's Honky Tonk spin.
May you rest in paradise, Tom Morain. You deserve it, my friend!
P.S. Say 'Hi' to Jesus for me.
Debra Garvin
October 15, 2020
This is a beautifully written tribute graced with humor that I'm sure he would have enjoyed.
I was one of Mr. Morain's Iowa History students at ISU. He did an excellent job of making the subject interesting, and after all these years I still remembered his name while I have forgotten those of most of my other teachers.
My sympathy to the family.
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