Thomas Joseph Jewett

Tom was very thoughtful and held family in high regard. There was never a family funeral or wedding, no matter how far away, that Tom didn’t attend. When I picture him in my mind, I see Joyfulness and humility. His kind, gentle spirit and his perpetual smile will always be remembered.
Roger Hansen

Tom was a best friend for many years. We traveled to many places, including Istambul and England, but our favorite times were at Glen Lake and Little Glen Lake in northern Michigan. We walked and cycled for miles in the Glen Arbor area with our friend Harold Devore, and enjoyed many a good meal.

A favorite memory which sums up what Tom was all about was the English catherdral visit. Tom asked to come along when I let him know about 20 years ago that I was off to England for a week. He said he'd like to go too, on one condition. He wanted to visit a cathedral. And so we did, going to Salisbury Cathedral in southern England. We took the tour and when we were done Tom learned that there was a way to go near to the top of one of the spires. Stone steps and then wooden steps near the end. I opted out and off he went. It took him an hour to get to the top of that spire but he did it. He was a determined fellow. When we finally left the cathedral Tom noticed that there were several restoration workers slowly removing centuries of grime from the front of the cathedral. And so it was that he proceeded to ask all about the process. The woman he spoke with(who was dressed in a mink stole on this damp day)patiently explained what they did and how they did it, and yes, it was tiring work. He emphasized with her and thanked her for taking time to talk with him.

Tom was both determined and gracious, as well as being always ready to learn new things. And I am sure he said something before we left that got her to laughing.

Tom Sherby
Louisville, Kentucky

What a wonderful tribute this is to a decent good man! I will remember his grin about to break into a guffaw at Jim and Nancy's wedding for as long as I can remember anything. For all of you in Michigan, we both wish we could be there to honor Tom. He loved you all so much. He lived a just, kind, and open life. All of us have been blessed to walk this earth at the same time and place that he did. Kathy's and my love goes out to you all.