Thomas C. Countryman

(I just found this obituary today) Tom was the sweetest man to everyone that knew him and he also had the sweetest wife and family. My husband, Rick Abney and Tom were friends and Tom would usually ask for Rick to work on his automobile whenever he brought it in to Archie D. Walker VW and Porsche. They were also race buddies. Tom could also be found taking great pictures of the sights and especially the lovely girlfriends and wives of drivers and pit-crew. We left Minneapolis/Bloomington in 1966 and moved to California. We always missed out LOL SCCA friends, Tom and Audrey were at the top. Janet (Abney) Nordine-Hurd. Seal Beach, Ca.

Tom and I were very close friends back in the 1950's when he was working for Tony Lane and then, later, when he had his own production company. We did a lot of film work together until I pulled stakes and moved to Arizona in 1962. He was always a joy to work with and wonderful as a friend. I just learned of his passing. Robert A. Mullen

I am deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing. I had the privilege of meeting Tom in person just once, surrounded by his Twin Cities racing buddies. It was a pleasure to be with him and hear his stories. He was so full of energy. I had sent him a photo I took of him at Road America in 1965 and he was so grateful. (photo included here) He was an internet "friend" from then on. I just wish I'd lived closer and had the opportunity to know him better. I liked what I did know of him very much. Bless you, Tom, and Peace to your family.

I just happened to be cruising the 'Net just now and came across the news of Tom's passing five months ago.

I have many fond memories of Tom and his business partner Floyd 'Tink' Klang when I worked for their film company on Park Avenue in Minneapolis in 1973. We had many film shoots around the country that year, and I was always so thankful for Tom's trust in me, and the tremendous amount of latitude he gave me with which I could perform my various assignments as editor, grip, gaffer, audio engineer and general go-fer.

Tom was a Class Act, and I shall always be mindful of the way in which he made me believe in myself - - coupled with his admirable, genuine zest for life, be it in the studio, aboard the USS Lexington in the Gulf of Mexico during a U.S. Navy film, or when he drove Bobby Allison's NASCAR Mercury around the Daytona International Speedway.

God bless you, Tom!

I met Tom in 1975 via our mutual interest in racing cars and, subsequently, learned of his cinematography abilities. I was performing new cataract surgical procedures at the time, and Tom and I collaborated to make films showing my techniques and concepts. The films were viewed by many doctors and others and were instrumental in providing information that helped improve the vision of many.
Tom, with his abilities and exuberance, was my mentor and role model; he was the only person I knew who was older than me that was so "with it." He greatly enriched my life and the lives of many others. Thanks for everything, Tom. I hope we have the opportunity to reunite.
Dave Chizek Excelsior Minnesota

I met Tom in 1975 via our mutual interest in racing cars and, subsequently, learned of his cinematography abilities. I was performing new cataract surgical procedures at the time, and Tom and I collaborated to make films showing my techniques and concepts. The films were viewed by many doctors and others and were instrumental in providing information that helped improve the vision of many.
Tom, with his abilities and exuberance, was my mentor and role model; he was the only person I knew who was older than me that was so "with it." He greatly enriched my life and the lives of many others. Thanks for everything, Tom. I hope we have the opportunity to reunite.

We really lost a good one!

Tom was pals with my folks, and filmed a commercial at our house when I was six. Here's a picture of him from a few years later at the SCCA races with his Porsche next to my dad's Fairthorpe. We watched his 16mm films from Road America at the quarter midget racing annual banquet - the first in-car camera work any of us had ever seen. As an adult, I worked with him on a movie set with his special camera-trailer. A few years back, Tom wowed everyone at my dad's memorial service when he drove up in a wild Ford Ranchero. Tom made everyone feel like an old friend, and I was lucky enough to actually be one. So long, Tom.

I came into the industry more then 32 years ago and Tom was 1 of the first people I got to know. Many years later he remembered me as if it had only been yesterday. That to me is a sigh of a real human being.
We are all better people because of Tom and many of those who came before us.
Peace to the memory of our dear friend Tom Countryman.

We lost a great one !

Lucky us who had the opportunity to rub elbows with TC. His confidence and unending energy was infectious to all that past through the doors at 905 Park. Had a chance meeting with Tom and Audrey at Woody's Grille some years past, good memories and blessed opportunities appreciated.

It's hard to say goodbye to a genuine pioneer. Tom, you saved my worthless bacon many times, and I didn't say thanks often enough. Maybe there aren't enough thank yous. Goodbye, old friend.

When I heard the news of Tom's passing, I though about how he helped all of us in the production industry...not only by the example he displayed in his technical mastery, but also by his genuine concern for us as people. Thanks so much for your guidance...the good news is that we now have a guardian angel.

On behalf of the Thornsjo family, our condolences, but also great appreciation for the many happy memories of the truly good old days of racing and cinematography, on which Tom made his mark. It was Tom's rig that recorded Orly's famous crash avoiding a deer at Donnybrooke during a practice run with his McLaren MkII, presaging by half a century what's become the GoPro generation. Tom's Porsche was always immaculate and he always competed well, reflecting the qualities others have so kindly commented on in this guest book. Orly, who passed on just a year ago himself, no doubt is pleased to see Tom again in the great beyond!

Tom & my husband, Bob, were friends for many years. When Bob died & left Cinequipt to our children, Tom took them under his wing & endeared himself to our family. He will be sorely missed.
Pat McGraw
p.s. Ted Spooner was our angel, too.

Thomas C. Countryman thank you for being such a positive influence on my children . I will be forever indebted for the opportunities you provided Garret , Torie , and Olivia . They loved you dearly and will always be talking about Grandpa C . Thank you for treating me with the respect that you bestowed on everyone you met .

I began working for Tom when I was 21. That was many, many year ago.Tom was a wonderful man to work for, but more importantly, he was a kind, generous man with a wonderful sense of humor and zest for life. He and Bob were cohorts in crime, brothers at heart and masters of their respective crafts. I will miss my dear friend greatly.I just know that he and Bob are up there racing old Porsche #9 and #10 around that great race track in the sky!! My thoughts and prayers are for you, Audrey, Julie, Caryn and Neal. Much Love, Paula

It's hard to accurately express what an impact a person like Tom has had on all of the other filmmakers here. He was always genuinely interested in everyone on the crew, always the best example of a good work ethic, and extraordinarily clever about finding solutions to production problems. I never felt safer than when he was driving the camera car and I was riding. Mostly I will just miss his great smile and friendship.

so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I never thought that would be possible! He was always the 'youngest guy' on the set; working hard in all conditions with a grin and a twinkle in his eye.
My deepest condolences to his family...

Tom: You and I shared a lot of ups and downs making films. I always found you to be a great innovator, figuring out ways to do things, both in filming and editing. I'll see you later...
Jack

Your generosity and innovative spirit helped to build the production community we have today. Most of all, I will miss you as my friend.

My most sincere condolences to Audrey and family. Tom was a master at his craft whether he was filming or driving. I first met him in 1966, when he and Tink had their film company in the Times Building and I worked at Mark Lee Productions. It was a grand time to be working in advertising and marketing because of people like Tom Countryman.

I had the privilege of working with Tom in the camera department during the 80's and 90's. Tom always put the young crew members to shame with his great work ethic and energy. If we started a Minnesota Film Industry Hall Of Fame, Tom would have to be the first entry.

My condolences,
David Moe

Tom, It was wonderful to know you. I loved your videos of early Minnesota Porsche racing and those entertaining stories. Everyone who came in contact with you, had their lives enriched.
We will miss you old friend.