In Memoriam -- Tom Watson

[DDGator]

As many of you know, Tom Watson of Irish Guard Firearms passed away recently.  Tom had been battling with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) for quite some time. 

I am told there will be a memorial service in the spring.  In a final act of charity, Tom donated his body to medical research in the hopes of helping to find a cure.

Tom was a long-time member of the forum, a strong advocate of Rohrbaugh Firearms, and a true gentleman.  He will be missed. 

It is my understanding that Irish Guard Firearms has closed and will not continue.  That is another loss to this community, but apparently there was no one to continue the business.

RIP Tom, and thanks for everything.

[Richard S]

This poem by Joyce Alcantara brings to mind the courage with which Tom faced life in spite of the terrible disease that finally claimed him:

Fall

You may see me struggle
but you won't see me fall.
Regardless if I'm weak or not
I'm going to stand tall.
Everyone says life is easy
but truly living it is not.
Times get hard,
people struggle
and constantly get put on the spot.
I'm going to wear the biggest smile
even though I want to cry.
I'm going to fight to live
even though I'm destined to die.
And even though it's hard
and I may struggle through it all,
you see me struggle...
you will NEVER see me fall.

Farewell, my friend.

[AmmoToad]

Very sad news.  While I did't know Tom personally, every interaction I had with him on this forum proved what you said and what others already knew....that Tom was a true Gentleman in every sense of the word.  My condolences to his family and friends.

[Douglas]

As with many here, I also never had the pleasure of knowing Tom personally.

I always recognized his forum presence though. I looked to his posts for knowledge, wisdom, insight and kindness. His loss will be deeply felt here, both by those who knew him in this place and by those who will come after and not find him available.

My sincere condolences go out to his family and close friends.



Tom's welcoming reply to my intro thread a couple of years ago, because it really did mean something to a forum newbie:

Douglas, Congrat on the Stealth, you'll never look back. Enjoy it here and good shooting, I go with 124 GD.  Tom

[tracker]

That says it all, Douglas, and even when forum members purchased elsewhere, Tom was always the first to congratulate them.

[DDGator]

Out  of respect, I have changed Tom's banner ad to an "In Memoriam."  I will run it at least until Tom's ad would have expired (June), or until there is a reason to take it down.

[BytorJr]

Wow, I just saw this.    Big shock as I'd seen him posting not too long ago.  Tom was a stand-up class act.  I never bought from him, but met him and "myanof" at the Market Hall gun show.  Tom was kind enough to ship my Seecamp back to Larry for some warranty work. 

Rest in Peace Tom, you will be missed!!!

[TpaBayFlyFisher]

Very sad to hear of Tom's passing.  Prayers for his family and friends sent.

[Brenden]

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing when I checked into the forum tonite!
I have not frequented here as I should be doing,and I feel bad about missing the news.
Tom was a great guy,on the board and off the board.I was able to talk to him the phone a few times and it was a pleasure every time.

I pray that his family is coping well with their loss.