Thomas Kristek

I used to swim with Tom at The Courtyard years ago. I really enjoyed working out with him. I just found out that he passed away last October. I want to express my belated condolences. Even after we went to different master's teams I would see him at a meet from time to time. I miss our time together. I will be thinking of Tom when in the pool

We miss you Tom, and I wish I had connected with you at any time over the past 10 years.
Tom gave me what was the best advice I received in IBM. I remember him calling me when I was in a hotel room on business in Atlanta, sometime in November, I believe, of some year. He told me that my work on WebSphere Portal would be moving to Lotus (for me, from ISSW to ISSL) in the next year, and, while he couldn't change that, he gave me a few pointers on some "bargaining" or "negotiating"...

I met Tom, on I belive Monday June 7 1979 in IBM Kingston. Our first day of work for IBM. I was his cube mate for about 2 years. We shared a lot of laughing at work and after work. We played on the same softball team before he moved to Endicoot. I don't recall him being one of the better softball hitters! He and I and Matt and Frank all went to the Big east basketball tournament in Providence Road Island around 1981, and we created this crazy work related song on the ride over, using the...

Tom , you will be greatly missed. Tom was the proponent of technical talent in Lab Services. He was a fearless leader who cared fiercely about people. A man of few words sometimes but always great words. Whenever I would go to see him in his Austin office I was ready to see greatness and knew I would walk away with sound advice. Tom personified discipline and fitness by starting his day at 5 Am or earlier with a swim or coaching . He then brought that same intensity into work. Tom took a...

Tom was a calming influence on me. For a decade we sat near each other. I could easily overreact to work BS, and he'd listen, be sympathetic, give me a few calming words, and a final glance that told me to pull up my big boy pants and to get back to work.
Tom had few things to share with me about his personal life, but when he talked about his family, it was always with reverence and love.
I am a better person for having known Tom. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Years ago, Tom was always a pleasure to talk with -at our masters swim team practices. He was a gentle soul, very supportive & friendly. He was an amazing athlete & I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. His family is in my thoughts & prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Tom for many years. He was a valued colleague and someone I trusted deeply. His sense of humor could always make our conversations that much more enjoyable. Tom and I traveled to some great locations on business, but he was always willing to make time to see some of the sights. I will remember our trip to the Great Wall and trying to stop him hanging from a tuk-tuk to take pictures as cars and motorcycles flew by. I'm truly sad to hear of his passing. ...

Tom truly cared about each of us, his IBM team, as individual humans. He led us with a humble manner that we all admired, appreciated and respected. While he will be missed it's upon us to pay forward the wonderful characteristics we learned from Tom.

I'm going to listen to Rage in the Machine in your honor. Never would have listened to that stuff if you hadn't mentioned it. It surprised me how quiet and calm you were compared to the music you listened to. Better to get your rage out listening to music than reacting to the bozo upper-management decisions you helped me deal with when I reported to you in -----------. What a great example and mentor you were. Rest in peace (or loud music or whatever you want - you deserve it).