Dr. Thomas W. Barlow

Dr. Thomas (Tom) W. Barlow Died on Monday, June 22, after a lengthy illness. Tom's death is a profound loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. We will always remember him for his gentle nature, good humor, generosity, and openness to new people and experiences. We miss him terribly, but are inspired by his character and legacy. He devoted much of his life and energies to improving the well-being of children, particularly in the Pacific. As a lifelong educator, he worked tirelessly in the past 13 years to build and manage an educational research and development organization that has benefitted thousands of schools and youth. Tom was also active in his community and served on numerous boards more recently, Knowledge Alliance, Children's Alliance of Hawai`i and the Waikiki Community Center. Tom was born in the Nebraska blizzard of 1949. Tom went to school in Ewing, NE, and graduated in 1967 from Ewing High School. In 1986, Tom received two Doctorates in Education Administration: Curriculum and Instruction, and Philosophy from the University of Nebraska. In 1970, Tom began his career in education as a language arts classroom teacher and then department chair in the Randolph Public Schools in Nebraska. Also, during this time, he served as a researcher and curriculum developer for the National Center for Humanities where he designed, developed and oversaw the implementation of effective English curricula. In 1986, Tom became the State Director of the Comprehensive Drug Prevention Systems in the Nebraska State Department of Education in Lincoln. It was here that he developed educational programs and directed policy analysis and research studies in a variety of fields including American Indian curricula, community team trainings, substance abuse, basic skills curricula, leadership in education, and critical thinking, amongst others. In 1993, Tom moved to Aurora, CO to serve as Senior Director of Curriculum & Instruction Field Services at the Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory (McREL). Here he designed and managed programs to provide technical assistance and professional development in curriculum and instruction and drug prevention education. Tom also administered a number of federal grants and contracts. In 1996, Tom moved to Honolulu, HI, to join the staff of the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL), becoming its chief operating officer in 2000, and its president and CEO in 2003. Tom leaves behind his loving partner of 16 years, James Coolidge; six brothers and sisters, Donna, Joan, Vera, Kenny, Garry and Larry; and his adoring friend, Twilla Barlow. Services are pending the first part of August, 2009. In remembrance of Tom and his love for PREL, the Pacific and for all children, all contributions in his name and honor can be sent to the PREL Pacific Teacher Scholarship Fund, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 1300, Honolulu, HI 96813-3718 the fund Tom founded and passionately treasured. In his life as in his passing, Tom showed us all his strength to persevere and to always overcome life's obstacles. One is reminded of the words of Lord Alfred Tennyson: We are not now that strength which in old days/Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;/One equal temper of heroic hearts,/ Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will,/To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.