Thomas Lee Redman

Every so often I would check the internet, to see if I could find the name Tom Redman, one wonders what ever happened to their first relationship. I was a waitress in Renton Washington, at Sambo's. I was rather shy. Tom would sit in my section for his morning coffee and newspaper, before heading off to Longacres. After a few months an attraction started and he asked me out. We had a relationship for 7 months. My thought was he was not ready for anything more, such as marriage, so it ended. I'm glad to see he did have a full life, with a family.

Tom, Ron and I all worked together at Seattle Public Schools. Tom headed up the communication efforts for all capital projects including those in the Building Excellence Program. On the surface the job might sound rather mundane, but it certainly wasn't during community meetings when staff had to travel to various parts of the city presenting information and taking input. I was with Tom on many of those and it usually didn't take long before people were taking sides and expressing their displeasure if their region wasn't getting what they felt they should. Tom ran those meetings and was often the 'host' on the microphone trying to protect staff and calming down the crowd. He did it with professionalism and a calm demeanor that always brought things back under control. He then had to sift through all comments and surveys and put things into a proper perspective so that staff and the Board of Directors could understand the key points, both pro and con. He had to do the same with the media which often included all of the Seattle tv stations. Not an easy set of tasks, especially when things became heated. In the end, Tom was a key part of Seattle Public Schools passing (at the time) the largest single school tax levy measure ever put to voters in the State of Washington. Tom was steady under pressure and worked long hours proudly representing the school district he so fervently believed in. Outside of work, Tom was always upbeat and had such a great sense of humor ... and I remember once the three of us playing golf together and commenting on what a natural he was at the sport (as they say, "he had game"). We more recently had some great lunches together at Redmond Ridge golf course where the three of us tried to solve all the world's problems, but mostly laughed about travels, family and life. We also talked about where life was taking Tom and he was so gracious to share his thoughts. It always struck me how deep Tom cared about his friends and especially his family. It was very inspirational. He was a tried-and-true UW Husky and our last visit with Tom at his home in Auburn, as evidence by the picture attached, was filled with so much pride that the Huskies had punched their ticket to the college football playoffs. Tom not only had polish and smarts, but an infectious laugh that always left you feeling positive. We will miss Tom a great deal and the 'Crooked Spoon' restaurant at Redmond Ridge will never be the same without him there. Rest in peace Tom; you were a great colleague and friend. My best, Bob.

Tom was an outstanding person to work with and to represent an organization. His attention to detail and knowledge of his department was unsurpassed and he always gave dedicated attention to all customer questions or complaints. Often talked horses and sports with him and a great golf partner, too. Sincere condolences to Charlie and Lauren.