It was a huge privilege to get to know Tom, and to several times work alongside him doing trail maintenance for the Finger Lakes Land Trust. What an incredibly dedicated person. And thanks to his great humility, I knew him only as "Tom", the way he introduced himself; I don't think I knew he had any advanced degrees until a few years into working with him! I miss him, as I know many other people do too...what a wonderful man.

Sharon Comfort

February 12, 2019

Well TJ it is only a couple of days until we would have been going on our Valentine luncheon. Carol and I are still going to lunch in honor of you. We will raise a glass of wine in honor of your friendship and our love for you. We sure do miss you. SJC

Hollis Erb

February 6, 2019

It has taken me a while to come to grips with Tom no longer being in the world with me. I feel a loss and that the world is less bright. His legacy in loving the outdoors and treating others with such grace will last.

Joel Gagnon

February 2, 2019

Although I did not know him well, Tom's engagement was so vast and his accomplishments so diverse and meaningful that the mere mention of his name inspired appreciative exclamations. His imprint is all around us, and we are much the better for it.

Edward Kokkelenberg

February 1, 2019

The FLT is much better for Tom's long efforts. Having hiked the trail many years ago with several 'guide', his constant involvement became obvious to me. If there was any improvement or event, it seemed Tom was part of it. It is hard to overestimate his input and guidance to all who used the trails.

Kurt Seitz

January 31, 2019

I can't recall the first time I met Tom, but it was sometime after I first moved to the Finger Lakes region in 1993. Somehow Tom and I connected as kindred souls. I was building trails and volunteering with the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Tom was at various times President of the FLLT, the Cayuga Trails Club, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and the North Country Trail Association. It was as Trails Chairman of the CTC that Tom decided to pass the reins to me. I did my best for three years, but that was a pittance compared with the decades of dedication that Tom committed to the outdoors. I thank him for all he did for me and the people of the Finger Lakes, and for trusting in me when I needed that trust the most. I really couldn't thank him enough and am sorry that I we didn't stay connected over the past several years. Rest in Peace, Tom. You deserve a monument, though I'm sure you would object to that much recognition.

Beth Campbell

January 30, 2019

So sorry to learn of Toms death. He was an amazing person.

Chris Olney

January 29, 2019

I was lucky to have Tom's friendship and volunteer assistance for the past 10 years that I've worked for the Finger Lakes Land Trust. But it only took 10 minutes here to know that Tom was one of the special people; one of the truly dedicated, truly giving, and truly sincere people who will not only touch your life, but leave a mark that will stay with you always. Thank you Tom.

Paul and Robin Warrender

January 29, 2019

It was an honor serving with you on trail projects. Your enthusiasm, knowledge, and love of sharing both were awesome. Happy hiking, and hope the Trail Angels you meet have a pot of chili, or a sub, with a cold beer for you. RIP good friend, Paul and Robin.

Greg Kramer

January 29, 2019

Rest easy, my friend. The natural world will miss you, as will we.

Heidi DeCoo

January 28, 2019

Sweet, sweet man. I didn't learn the names of all the trees or recognize each bird's call, in spite of his patience. But he's the person I'll think of when the sun hits one of his little tree tags, and I'll be comforted that somethings as lovely as birds, and trees, and people like Tom, exist.

David Lee

January 28, 2019

Tom was a great mentor, colleague and friend. I was surprised when Tom retired rather young because I always thought academia was his first love but as I got to know him better, I realized he was really at home when he was outdoors enjoying nature. Tom left us far too early but I'm glad he followed his heart when he decided to retire and to spend his remaining years enjoying the things he loved for as many years as possible. I often think about Tom when I am in the woods any time of year and it makes me appreciate nature that much more. Tom, I wish I could have taken one last hike with you will always be my guide.

Georgian Leonard

January 28, 2019

It takes a very special person who can make a major change in one's life; Tom is that person who made me really realize how wonderful and beautiful nature is. All my life I looked at my environment and noted how beautiful 'TODAY" is. Tom has opened my eyes in a totally different manner: The trees, grass, flowers, plants are beautiful; now I see them as Tom has said they are from God and it is our job to take care of them. I learned the names of the trees, plantings, birds from walks with Tom and neighbors. Thank you, Tom. Because of you, I see life and nature in a totally different and wonderful way. Thank you, Tom, for being such a special friend for so many years, I will remember you, your tenacity and your smile forever. Georgian Leonard

Pam Lein

January 28, 2019

Tom was a generous and gracious friend and mentor. My brother, sister and I always looked forward to his presence at our Thanksgiving dinner table during our years of living with our parents and attending Cornell University. Tom played a significant role in encouraging me to follow a career in biomedical research, and during my PhD training, and even after I established my own research laboratory, he kept track of my research contributions, sending emails of congratulations when I was awarded a grant or published a paper. But I think the biggest impact Tom had on my life was entrusting me as a teenager to take care of his beloved cat Buddy during his out-of-town trips. I still smile when I picture Tom cradling that cat in his arms! May you reconnect with Buddy and all your beloved cats in your next great adventure.

Amy Blumenthal

January 27, 2019

As this obituary mentions, Tom was president of our neighborhood board yet his involvement with Eastwood Commons went far beyond nine years as president. He served on committees, he published our quarterly newsletter, he led bird and tree walks He was always doing something for others. Wed chat when we saw each other on the recreation trail often sharing cat stories. Tom adored his cats! And Tom had the nicest garage, meticulously organized with decorations on the walls. During one of our annual garage sales, someone mistook Toms garage for a room.
Tom received many awards for all he did his office wall was covered with plaques, and several trees in the area are dedicated to him - but he was quiet about these honors and very humble.
We miss you, Tom!!! Thanks for being such a wonderful neighbor and friend.

Klaus Beyenbach

January 27, 2019

I did not know you well, but my few encounters with you showed me that you are part of the goodness that is American people.

Roger Hopkins

January 27, 2019

A national award from last June was not mentioned in the obituary:

"Tom Reimers, a long time Ithaca resident, received the highest NCTA honor, the Tom Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of 34 years of true dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding contributions towards the dream of the North Country Trail and the success and growth of the NCTA.

"Working as a tireless volunteer, Tom has filled virtually all of the leadership roles in each of the four organizations connected to our trail the Cayuga Trails Club, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the North Country Trail Association, and the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Hundreds of hikers, trail workers, and other volunteers consider Tom to be their inspiration, mentor, and friend."

His memory is in our hearts and everywhere on the trail.

Herb Engman

January 27, 2019

Tom left a tremendous outdoor legacy for the rest of us. We can't walk too far on local trails before treading on the work Tom did on that trail or one that he helped develop and protect. He also helped the Finger Lakes Land Trust to grow and develop its wonderful preserves. Thanks Tom.

Debbie Levin

January 26, 2019

Tom always walked me home from evening meetings. If it was just a few steps for me, but out of the way for him, he would still insist. Tom was a true gentleman. He will surely be missed by the Eastwood Commons community.

Debbie Levin

Wayne Schwark

January 26, 2019

Farewell my friend Tom. I hope the hiking is fine in the Great Beyond.

Diane Conneman

January 26, 2019

Tom was one of the most honorable people I have know in my lifetime. I always appreciated how organized he was in running meeting and his willingness to share his knowledge of plants, trees, animals and birds.

Diana Kreutzer

January 26, 2019

The world has lost a most kind, caring soul. There is an empty spot. My condolences to Toms family and friends.

Pete White

January 26, 2019

Tom was Ithaca's Thoreau.

Betsy Darlington

January 25, 2019

I think Tom enjoyed nothing more than working on a trail, helping lead Cornell students on a Finger Lakes Land Trust trip to inventory reptiles and amphibians, or painting his meticulous trail blazes on trees. Tom was a walker (normally, 10 miles a day), but also a naturalist, who relished the diversity that he found all around him here in the Finger Lakes. And he wanted to share that with as many people as possible.
Betsy Darlington

Michelle Kutzler

January 25, 2019

As a theriogenology resident and then a physiology PhD student, Dr. Reimers was always very patient and helpful with my endocrine assays. He was a wonderful teacher and colleague. He will be dearly missed.

John Ludders

January 25, 2019

Tom was an example of what an academic colleague should be, and when it came to the out-of-doors, especially the Finger Lakes Trail and the Cayuga Trail, he was a friend, a teacher and an inspiration. His smiling face, warm personality, and advocacy for the forest trails will be missed but his legacy will live on. Yes, well done, Tom!

Don Lein

January 25, 2019

Tom was a leader and a great colleague in the Diagnostic Laboratory. His development of the Endocrinology Laboratory and Service at the DL was outstanding and is one of the reasons that the Laboratory is recognized nationally and internationally. He was a team player and well liked by all that worked with him and utilized his service. Well done Tom , rest in peace!!

Jacqui Wensich

January 25, 2019

Tom did so much for the hiking community. He was an educator, a leader and an advocate. He made the lives of others richer and his legacy will live on.

Jennifer Wilson

January 24, 2019

Tom wanted everyone to enjoy the wilderness, while doing his best to ensure that there will be a wilderness around for everyone to enjoy. Rest in peace, my friend.

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