Thomas Clow Gooding Cardozo

We first met in the South Carolina tobacco markets in the early fifties, and it was friendship at first sight; we worked for different companies. Our paths crossed many times and we shared and enjoyed the company of our suppliers and competitors; in Guntur, India,Salisury, Southern Rhodesia, also in Belgium (my native place) and Luxembourg...I left the tobacco trade in late 1960. We have not met often since then but kept in touch, reminiscing past memories. I miss the great guy and his unique...

Several people asked me to post the remarks I made at Clow’s service:


I consider myself fortunate to have never had to do this before. Many of my friends have had to and they have done it quite well. I suppose it’s just another step in the inevitable circle of life, but it’s not an easy one.

Of course Clow would be the first to point out that he’s already handled the tough assignment in this process so stop complaining and just get on with it.

Everyone should be...

One of my favorite stories about Clow was the night he and Willie Ward were having a Birthday Party for Clow's Mother on the porch at Gloucester. After Dinner, Clow brought out the birthday cake, and unbeknownst to Mrs. Cardozo (who was probably in her 70's), they had put a huge firecracker in place of the candle. When they lit it, and she leaned over to blow it out, it exploded EVERYWHERE! On her, on the table, on the floor and on the porch screen. She thought it was GREAT and laughed and...

I really hope people here about this guest book. There are just too many Clowisms for any one person to remember or even know. There were many times I would walk out of the back of our cottage and I would look over to see Clow at his front door and he would say "Hey Finley, you want a bloody?" Of course I would say yes and go over and enjoy a "refreshment" with Clow. Those one on one conversations with Clow were priceless. On one occasion he offered some food and I declined. He asked if I was...

Clow had a small Boston whaler, the "Piri Piri", with an outboard motor made by Suzuki. He didn't think his brother Lewis would appreciate that particular make, so he found two large FORD stickers and slapped them on either side of the engine. Of course, when he was riding around in Sara's Creek one day several local watermen pointed at the engine and said "Damn, I didn't know Ford made a outboard motor". Clow quickly explained that this was just an experimental prototype and that they would...

Clow was a special friend and collegue when we worked together in Africa and Europe. He was appreciated by so many friends and clients - you could laugh at so many of his sayings, and indeed he did love his refreshments, I will miss him as I am sure so will many others. I will think of him and smile, as he would have wanted me to do. Take care on the other side Clow - till we meet again. Sydney Brown from across the pond.

As all who knows our frinend Clow, he is still famous for his quick one liners. I would like to share few: As we may remmeber Clow had his bird feeder hanging from his proch during the summer months so he could watch the birds at peace. I, being the inconsiderate neighbor had a very energetic bird dog name Eli. They two were not a good match. Finally one day Clow ambles over and pronounces that "Eli swung by and flushed everything but the john!". On my last visit with Clow when it was time...

Decades ago three travel worn Richmonders landed in Zimbabwe at Mogomo (house on the hill). Andrew in his shining white tennis shoes loved working for and with Clow and thus took the three of us as his extended family. Now Clow is on a real hill top and hoisting the night mayor's flag. Jambo Clow.