Thomas J. Fisher

Although I only briefly met Tom, and it was a while back (2008ish), I just wanted to share a fun memory about a visit to San Diego with my then-girlfriend (now wife) Jessie (a family friend from Michigan). I distinctly remember Tom's enthusiasm for Anza-Borrego during a hike there. It was such a beautiful spot and a highlight of our visit. Anyway, I remember thinking Tom was pretty cool and sharing a kindred appreciation for the desert landscape with him. He said he could tell I was a "desert rat" at heart, which I thought was funny and certainly took as a compliment. Ever since, that random happy memory has always popped up for me on trips out west while enjoying a desert vista.

I will always remember Tom for being the kind soul he was. He always gave a friendly wave or "good morning!" when we crossed paths. He was such a kind man and a lovely neighbor. And his smile always brightened my day.