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Brad Bartel
June 22, 2024
Really miss the monkey man.
Ronald C. Roberts, MA
June 24, 2010
Better late than never, I thank Tim Olson for sending me a notice that this guest book would be closing not even know about…soon. I miss Tommy a lot, hell even my wife and kids miss Monk. I remember Monk would slam me every time he could and he would always add, “And you know what he even has nice kids”. I could go on for pages but I will offer this short comment that happened just yesterday, I hope you find it as amusing as I did.
My number three daughter Kaylyn and I were going to Target yesterday and on the way home we just started to talk about Uncle Monk. I told Kaylyn I really missed him and I almost stated to cry. Kaylyn then told me a story that I did
The day was the graduation party for my son Corey from High School. Kaylyn was 14 at the time. Monk had not seen his God Child in some time and when he saw her that day the first thing which popped from his mouth was, “I see…haven’t seen you in a while…and you are all grown up…how lovely…”
Anyone who knows Monk knew exactly what he was referring to and there was a roar of laughter that I heard for the inside of the house, I looked outside and there was Monk holding court and I just figured Monk was being Monk and went on with what I was doing.
Kaylyn when telling me this little tid bit was laughing so hard tears were rolling down her face. To this day all my kids, three of them have told me they have not net anyone as funny and as different as Uncle Monk was.
Tommy inspired me to go back to school and once again I am thinking of going back to school. I can wait for a long time to see Monk again but when the time comes I hope he is there to greet me and show me the ropes as only Monk will be able to do. Love, ronnie
Margaret Howard
June 22, 2010
I was greatly saddened to read of Tom's passing in the Hamline alumni journal. We shared some great times back in college, and I can see that he retained that same vital spirit ever since. He crammed a lot of living into 55 years! His memory is an inspiration and reminder to step up and do things that matter - Margaret Howard
Kevin Green
July 8, 2009
On the new Road with the wind at your back, the sun shining upon your head, Go with God and be at peace, my friend.
July 3, 2009
i'm so glad we were able to reconnect in these last few months through facebook.so many memories of our years, growing up together...from being babies in the same crib...to antics at st. michael's school. i've told stories of you to my children throughout the years. you will not be forgotten. prayers go out for your family and friends. peace. judy (stevensen) carlson
Mike Cihlar
July 3, 2009
I knew Tom in earlier times. Tom was in my class at St. Mike's School in the 1960's. A couple of the eight grade nuns did not like him and did not know what to make of him since he was sometimes a prankster and yet appeared highly perceptive and spoke with a advanced vocabulary. One sister in particular would on occasion haul him off to the side and lecture him with a stern glare but he would not fidget or bat an eye and he would hold his ground. They should of realized that he was just being "Monk." Every now and then after absorbing a particularly unyielding reprimand he would recruit some of us when later that night he would get even. I won't say how. At that time Tom lived a couple of blocks away from the school and when the opportunity arose when his parents were not home some of us would go up to his house, sit around his kitchen table and smoke Old Golds. There will only be one Monk and I hope when I get to where ever he is going he saves me a seat.
Troy Sepion
July 3, 2009
I'm sorry to hear about the loss. I met Tom through his nephew Jim when we were in high school.
Bob Brownson
July 2, 2009
So long, Monk. It was a great run for a great guy. You will be missed.
Patricia Obermeier Neuman
July 2, 2009
My condolences to all Monk’s friends and family. I feel like my brother Bruce lost a brother. Monk will be greatly missed.
Bill McAllister
July 1, 2009
Tom,
We'd only seen each other once, briefly, in the past 10 years, but there are so many memories: Your hilarious Pat Paulsen interview for the Oracle, your turn as the male nun in the movie "Fearless Liar," and the many debates over music, films, politics and religion. Godspeed.
John Keller
July 1, 2009
Tom:
Thank you for your friendship and joy. I wish we could have spent more time together but cherish all of those hours and years. You made law school so much more tolerable by being you. May you and your family find peace.
July 1, 2009
I didn't know you very well, Tom, but I knew you were a good friend of my son, Bruce,for years. You sent me a note after my husband died and offered to help me if I needed it. Your office is just a block away from my condo and you said you would always be available. Betty Obermeier
Mike Haag
June 30, 2009
My memory of Tom will always be after our last law school exam. Tom walked outside and pulled out the largest cigar I ever saw and fired it up. His infectious laugh will also be in my mind forever. Tom's passing is a great loss for many people and causes.
Fritz Knaak
June 30, 2009
Deeply sorry at the loss of such a good man.
Donna Kinney
June 30, 2009
My condolences to Tom's family -
I went to High School with Tom-- SHS class of 1972 - didn't know him much then but saw him at reunions. My husband was good friends with Tom's brother Jim (worked with him at NSP)
I reconnected with Tom in the Minnesota Building downtown St. Paul where I worked in the mid 90's and he rented office space for a couple years. After we got acquainted I usually only saw him at class reunions and such.
Tom will be missed by many but I'm sure Jim and my husband Dan are greeting him in heaven with a few beers and alot to talk about.
God Bless you Tom!
Karl Bremer
June 30, 2009
So many memories, so many laughs, so many campaigns, so many concerts, so soon to go. I'll always hear that big "Bahahaha" Monk laugh in my mind. Even if the music's over, we'll get that stamp for Jim Morrison some day, Tom.
Kjell Luetschwager
June 30, 2009
Sorry to hear of his passing. I met him through Bruce and his 4 daugthers, and came to know him as "Uncle Tommy!" Tom, may you have peace and continue to smile and look down on your family with love.
James Capra
June 30, 2009
I'm deeply sadden by Tom's passing. It's always too soon.
Chuck Repke
June 30, 2009
"Snaps" Tom to a life lived to the full every day with spirit and passion. It was a pleasure to have shared time, thoughts and debates with you. May your family and loved ones remember all of the good times and the smiles.
Monica Iammatteo
June 29, 2009
I'm so saddened and shocked about Tom's passing. He was like a big brother to me when I was younger. He always had a great sense of humor and loved adventure. My family will truly miss him. My deepest condolences for his loved ones!
June 29, 2009
What a political force Tom has been!
When Tom was in motion the world noticed.
Farewell, Tom. I will miss you.
In the words you so often used:
"Action Al"
Geoffrey Miller
June 29, 2009
Tom was a great friend that you always knew you could count on if needed. He had a great laugh. He was always ready to argue a point--be it legal, political, spiritual, or other, in that inimitable Thomas S. Montgomery way. He loved great music and I had the pleasure of attending some great shows with Tom. But for my friendship with him, I would have never seen Koerner, Ray and Glover in another friend's living room. Lots of great memories. Tom had a great zest for exploring life.
Tom, you will be missed.
Kim Cope
June 29, 2009
I didn't know Tom very well (which is my loss), but his explosive laugh, sharp wit, and keen intelligence made him the life of the party at all the get-togethers at Roy's house.
Mara Miller
June 29, 2009
Tom had a big heart, a hardy laugh, and great taste in music. He will be missed very much. I will never forget his Turkey costume at the Radiators Halloween show.
John Marty
June 29, 2009
So sorry to hear. Tom was so full of life and passion and he had a great sense of humor.
I will truly miss him!
Clarence White
June 29, 2009
Tom was a good soul. I have not seen him for a while, but it was good to know that he was in our community working and putting a good face on life.
Nick Raths
June 29, 2009
We'll miss you very much Tom.
Dona Porcaro-Bruckner
June 29, 2009
We will all miss you Tom-your humor, laugh and those t-shirts! While he was a little rough around the edges he had a heart of gold and truly loved his friends and family. My heart is heavy with sadness. My thoughts are with all of you in Minnesota.
Brad Bartel
June 29, 2009
Monty-
I don't guess there's a whole lot in this life that you missed savoring. We certainly shared a lot of great times together that I will dearly miss. Ah, the memories...
Mike Anderegg
June 29, 2009
Its hard to believe! He was out here in the Bay Area about 3 years ago and we went to the A's game. I spent a summer living with Tom at 823 N Snelling a long time ago. Eccentric, strong opinions, sometimes volatile and one of the best friends one could have. Despite any philosophical disagreements one of the most principaled highest integrity people I have known - a little interesting to get comfortable with but there was nobody just like the monk!
Michael Swanson
June 29, 2009
It was great to work with Tom on the Hamline Oracle, and to socialize with him after those late night Wednesday layout sessions. My sympathies to his family and other friends.
Mary Ann Hecht
June 29, 2009
I, too, will miss Tom - the great conversation, the great laugh and sparkling eyes. My sympathy to his family who will remain in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Jim Mogen
June 29, 2009
It has been a while since we have shared a joke (or a debate), but I always looked forward to the next. Montgo, you will be missed.
Megan Thomas
June 29, 2009
The sadness of Tom's passing is immense. I will miss hearing his laugh.
Howie Merriam
June 29, 2009
Tom.
It was always a pleasure to cross paths with you and share instant frivolity. We have lost a great friend and spirit. You will always be with us.
Jane McClure
June 29, 2009
Tom will be very much missed. I always enjoyed his observations on St. Paul issues and politics. It was always fun to run into him and hear about everything he had going on. I'll be thinking about his family and other friends during this sad time.
Don B.
June 29, 2009
Hey Tom - You were a beautiful spiritual guy and you had great taste in music and t-shirts.
Mike Dougherty
June 29, 2009
He was passionate, didnt suffer fools gladly, and gave no quarter. Tom, you were "so full of...life." Boy am I going to miss you.
Mark Miazga
June 28, 2009
We will miss you Tom. Your commitment to social justice, fantastic sense of humor, and belief that we must make the world a better place.
Tom Kysilko
June 28, 2009
On the day after Tom died, the Pi-Press ran a 2" headline -- Suddenly Silent. OK, it wasn't about Tom, but it could have been, and Tom would have appreciated and made the most out of the irony. I'll miss his wit, passion, and flair for the outrageous.
Jerry McQuillan
June 28, 2009
“Well, you know…” and then the brilliancy would come. I will miss your unique grasp of the English vernacular and the perception that common thoughts were more common than thoughtful.
Mark Miazga
June 28, 2009
Tom,
I will miss so much about you: Your sense of humor, deep political discussions, inspiration to get more involved,commitment to social justice, and good friendship. I'm still a bit shocked and deeply saddened. Linda, Henry, and I send our condolences to your family.
Toby Nord
June 28, 2009
So long, Monk. The world is a lot less interesting without you.
Bob Haugen
June 28, 2009
I can't believe you're gone, Tom. You have always been so much larger than life. We will miss you.
Tim Olson
June 28, 2009
Tommy,
We are going to miss you dear friend and brother,
Jim Abeler
June 28, 2009
Sad to lose you, Tom. It won't be the same.
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