Thomas E. Baynes

I just today (3.25.10)learned of Tom's passing from a law school classmate of mine who practices in SW Florida and like so many thought the world of him. Tom and I go back to our JAG Corps days in the early 1970s. Even after years of no contact with one another, he kindly remembered and joked about that time in our lives when I happened to appear one day in his bankruptcy courtroom in Tampa then off Memorial Hwy and during open court was "welcomed aboard." I am shocked and saddened by the...

I love you honey. Maija

Tom and I were in "baby judges" school together when we first went on the bankruptcy bench. He was a great guy, and I enjoyed seeing him over the years at various seminars and meetings. All of his colleagues across the country will miss him. Judge John Cook, Bankruptcy Court, EDTN.

Tom was on the Board of the Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales in 1983. I happily joined to his admonishmemt and that of his law partner Mike Crews and our kitchen chairman Dr. Thomas McKeon, "If it dosen't look like a pancake and dosen't taste like a pancake, don't serve it!" Tom Baynes was called to the Federal Bench in Tampa and we in Kiwanis missed him for years. The moment he retired Tom called me and rejoined our club. Having him back, his presentation about the Iditarod, and just seeing him so...

To Tom's family: Please accept my prayers and thoughts of comfort, and my hope that you will enjoy a time of celebration of his unique life and cheerful outlook on it.

Tom was a delight in conversation, whether about current, life or bankruptcy events and cases. Sharp, witty and informative, I enjoyed catching up with him and Maija when they were in Atlanta -- usually at a festival where she was exhibiting her artwork.

I recall that he spent some time in Atlanta...

My condolences to the family. I knew Tom to be a fine man. He and his beautiful wife, Maija have raised a family of which anyone would be proud. Tom has left a good mark on this world.

Judge Baynes was my Real property Professor and I really felt he loved what he was doing. He was a great man and a very good Judge. Saddened to hear but as he loved to say, 'It's the nature of the beast'

Rest well

Tom was a wonderful person. I will miss him deeply. I appreciate all he taught me and shared with me through his work in our library.

Tina Peak

This is sad news. Judge Baynes was a great judge and a great human being. He was a good teacher and taught me a lot from the bench. He never took himself too seriously and always had great stories of his myriad of non-law related activities. It showed that as much as he loved the law, he loved life and knew what was truly important. He always spoke of his family and had a spark in his eyes when he did. God Bless him and his family.