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Thomas Clow Gooding Cardozo
Thomas Clow Gooding Cardozo
Obituary
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Thomas Cardozo Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Roland Tcherkezian
January 21, 2009
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 sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
Scott Cardozo
October 4, 2008
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 lucky enough to have an Uncle Clow. But, whether he was an uncle, a friend, a fishing buddy or a business associate we were all lucky to have been touched by him. When I was a child, he was the fascinating man who lived in Africa and came to visit sometimes. When I was a little older, he was the guy who made fabulous “piri piri” chicken on the grill at Gloucester, toasted his friends on the porch and told stories all night that made you laugh until it hurt. As I got to know him better as an adult, I came to appreciate what a truly remarkable man he was. He was one of the world’s true experts in tobacco, he started several businesses, owned a citrus plantation in Mozambique and faced his own mortality with more grace and good humor than I ever imagined was possible. He said “sometimes you just have to take what life brings you”.
Clow was easy to talk to and always fun to be with. I’m willing to bet that in his 79 years he had more fun and did more things than you or I could do if we had 179.
He was able to charm and guide an entire generation of Constance’s and my friends. He was your friend, you could trust him and he trusted you.
But, Clow was not all fun and refreshments. His stint in the Marines made him appreciate the value of honor, discipline, integrity and keeping your commitment. He treated everyone with honesty and expected the same in return. Nothing disappointed him more than someone who would tell him they would do something and then not follow through. This past spring when Clow was staying at my house, my sister said she was coming to bring him dinner at 6:00 and arrived at 6:45. His only comment was “that’s a funny looking 6:00”
He was also willing to tell you when an idea you had or something you wanted to do needed some .... “refinement”, his was an admonition that carried far more weight than the warnings we generally got from our parents about everything. When you are young, indestructible and know everything, parents think most any idea is a bad one. So how do you know? Well…., if Clow thought something was a bad idea, chances are it really was.
Clow was not a master of the classroom, but he had a PHD in the people and places of the world. He could size someone up in a heartbeat. He could charm a room full of people with one quick expression or observation. A “clowism” as we often called them. I have read a number of these in the online guest book and I would encourage everyone to both read and add to the collection. Clow and I used to each lunch regularly since my office was out near the cabin. One time I mentioned that he hadn’t eaten much and his immediate response was …. “car that sits in the garage all day don’t burn much gas”
I don’t know that he ever learned a word in any foreign language, but he had friends in every corner of the globe. He didn’t need to speak another language. When I visited his friend Jacques Tallevera in Paris he had to call Clow to confirm my identity because he was so shocked that someone named Cardozo could speak French.
Clow often told me “I know what I know. ……Now, .. there are lots of things that I don’t know. But the most important thing … is that I know enough to know the things that I don’t know”. Just that simple recognition put him far ahead of most of the rest of us.
The other day I was at the cabin and saw an old brass plaque on the outside by a window. As I walked up to see what was on it, I couldn’t help but laugh. It said “Preserve Wildlife….. Throw a Party” Aye Aye Captain
Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face.
So…. As soon as I can stop crying, I plan to do a lot of smiling from here on out.
I hope you do too.
Betsy Gayle
October 4, 2008
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 laughed. This is where Clow came from - she was as adorable as he was, and he loved her to death.
Finley Gayle
October 3, 2008
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 on the Gloucester diet and I asked him what the hell that was. His reply was " too drunk for dinner, too sick for breakfast and nobody serves you lunch." Beautiful! We all love ya Clow and you will be sorely missed. Downtown Gloucester will never be the same.
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Gloucester Banks September 2007
October 3, 2008
Scott Cardozo
October 2, 2008
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 not be on the market for several more years. I think they are still waiting for it to come out.
sydney brown
October 2, 2008
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.
Jim McVey
October 2, 2008
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 to leave him he stood and extended his hand as if for me to slap it in a sideways high five motion. After the slap he put the back of his hand on the back of mine and began wiggling his fingers, I did the same. He said with a solid goodbye," That's the Guinea Crab Bubba!"...and so we should pass it on.
Nell Bryan Fay
October 1, 2008
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.
Constance Costas
October 1, 2008
When Clow was staying at Scott's house this spring, every now and then I'd ask him if he wanted to go somewhere--out to lunch, to my house, anywhere for a change of scenery. He'd look exasperated and turn to me and say, "I'm fine right here. You know why?" No, I'd say, how come? And he'd say: "Cause I been Crate Trained."
Hatley Mason
October 1, 2008
Whether putting out on the York aboard the Ozodrac, cruising on Zakanaka, or just piloting a chair on the porch, Clow’s slightly mischievous smile gave the child in all of us at Gloucester permission to come out and play.
Clow, like Tennyson’s Ulysses, “drank Life to the lees.” And I can almost hear him say;
“Come my friends, “Tis not to late to seek a newer world. Push off . . . for my purpose holds to sail beyond the western stars, until I die.
It may be the gulfs wash us down: It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles.”
Either way, I know Clow will be waiting to greet us there with a wide smile.
Will Clough
October 1, 2008
Clow embodied the true spirit of Gloucester Banks. To young and old alike, he has been a welcome fixture of summer, and could always be counted on for a good story and the occasional helping of, "liquid refreshment."
Catie Corbin
September 30, 2008
I bet he wrote that himself, no? I can only imagine that is exactly how he would want to be remembered.
LOVE YOU CLOW! Have a good knee-slapping laugh or two with Grandpa, ok?
Liza Cole
September 30, 2008
"...where as Night Mayor he presided over evening recreation and liquid refreshment. " Hmmm, I'LL SAY! And what an amazing Night Mayor he was!
Rest in Peace Clowy Boy! We love you.
Liza Corbin Cole
Tyler Brown
September 30, 2008
One night, at the ripe age of thirteen, as I was walking back from the pier and into the Leake cottage, I heard an uproarious laughter coming from next door. I don’t know what propelled me, but I made for next door toward the warm light coming from the Cardozo front porch. As I walked in, and the screen door slammed behind me, I could feel sets of eyes bearing down on my intimidated face. I regretted my decision to come. Perhaps it was too late for me to stop by. There were many people there that night. But I can’t remember a single person that was, only Clow.
He was the first to speak, “Come on in,” he said as he looked at me, and then with a grin, “can I get you get something?” He paused for a moment, continuing, “An ice-cream cone, a Coca Cola, or a refreshment?” I made for the kitchen (for Clow had asked that I please go retrieve my selection; naturally, so that he could continue holding court, Mayor that he was). En route I weighed my three options, ultimately settling upon the far more intriguing and ambiguous choice of the three. So I went to the fridge that Clow had designated as the place where I would find this thing he called “a refreshment.” I opened the fridge door, and was met with a cold burst of air. And inside, stacked wall-to-wall was a multitude of frosty cold Busch beers, and nothing else (certainly no Coca Cola’s or ice cream cones).
Thank you Clow for being ageless, for seeing people for who they were and not for how many years they had behind them. Thank you for always making a place at the table, and making a thirteen year-old boy feel more like a man.
Emily Bell
September 30, 2008
Constance,
I'm so sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. I think of you, Nick, Eliza, and Nicholas often as I live in your old neighborhood. I hope you are all well and miss seeing your family.
Ted Leake
September 30, 2008
I was privileged to be on the listening end of many stories from "the night mayor of Gloucester Banks" for several decades, which would include the stories of the gridlock caused by the first stoplight in Nairobi, my father single handedly stopping the Chinese from invading Korea with a grenade in one hand and .45 in the other, John Sloan's VCR business, Finly in Thailand, family day at the county lock up, the ashtray incident which involved a rare midnight visit by the rescue squad to Gloucester Banks, would rank among my favorites.
As I was delivering some pork neck bone soup to Clow in July of 2008, he told me his last one: "Your father stopped by here last week with a stack of pictures of him and George Bush, one for every cottage....Teddy, I thought he had taken a job as a postal carrier!"
My children enjoyed the stories as much as I did. Smooth sailing, most kind sir.
Anna Leake Smith
September 30, 2008
Arriving at Gloucester this past August, we pulled into the back of our cottage to find Clow standing by the fig tree - he was granted pickin' rights years ago by my grandfather. As Clow would say, "no bucket allowed - just one or two as you're passing by". He had a friendly "Hi Shuga" for me and not one, not two, but three kisses on the cheek. Captain Clow, thanks for passing by our way.
Julie Mader Heartland Hospice
September 30, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sleepmate Technologies
September 30, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Hillary Hall
September 30, 2008
At a dinner at the Leake cottage at Gloucester Banks, Clow was given a balloon in the figure of a woman as his "date". After the late evening dinner, Clow decided to take his date next door to his cottage. As he made his way in the dark up the steps and into his cottage, we heard the sound of stumbling and great "pop" - a wonderful and memorable Gloucester moment. Thank you Clow for many such memories. You will be missed by many and particularly by Hunter, Giles and Caroline Leake.
September 30, 2008
Captain Clow.. A life well sailed. The spinnaker is up for a smooth ride home. With love from the crew of the "Zakanka"
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