"Gordo" was my best guy pal. I often double-dated with Marilyn and Tom, because Marilyn [Taylor] was a really good friend [still is].
Once, the guys had an extra ticket to a baseball game and so Tom let me come along. [I loved baseball back then and adored Al Kaline.]
I remember one time in particular when Tom, Mark Nyland, and Jim Culotta [I think] realized that I could not waterski. They took me out on Mark's boat and spent hours trying to "get me up". I would either let go too soon, or half-drown myself by hanging on for dear life. Never did learn to ski, but it sure wasn't because they did not have patience with me.
Tom remained my good-buddy and "Dutch Uncle" at U of M and many years thereafter and is missed.
Tom really couldn't water ski but my boat didn't have alot of power. We all miss Gordo.I remember when I went off to College at Colorado State University and Tom said where is that school and why would you go there. Funny thing is that one of Tom's boys went there and Graduated from CSU. Its a small world. Tom's other son went to TCU here it Ft.woth. He was also know as Gordo.
Just after Tom died, Jimmy Culotta called me to talk about Gordo. We all loved Tom and we decided to start traveling once a year so we wouldn't miss the chance to be with our old friends from GPHS. Jim Culotta, Ross Mulholland, Carl Erickson, Norm Kost, Mark Nyland(Me)met in Denver. We had a great time, remembered Gordo, had lunch with Marilyn and loved it so much that we did it again for about 6 or 7 years. Gordo was our inspiration.
We all miss Gordo as hew was so much fun, and such a good guy to be around. He always had time for me when ever I called. I wish we all had more friends like him as the world would be a much better place. God Bless you Tom.
Lanier Gray (Harrison)
"Gordo" was my best guy pal. I often double-dated with Marilyn and Tom, because Marilyn [Taylor] was a really good friend [still is].Once, the guys had an extra ticket to a baseball game and so Tom let me come along. [I loved baseball back then and adored Al Kaline.]
I remember one time in particular when Tom, Mark Nyland, and Jim Culotta [I think] realized that I could not waterski. They took me out on Mark's boat and spent hours trying to "get me up". I would either let go too soon, or half-drown myself by hanging on for dear life. Never did learn to ski, but it sure wasn't because they did not have patience with me.
Tom remained my good-buddy and "Dutch Uncle" at U of M and many years thereafter and is missed.
Mark Nyland
Tom really couldn't water ski but my boat didn't have alot of power. We all miss Gordo.I remember when I went off to College at Colorado State University and Tom said where is that school and why would you go there. Funny thing is that one of Tom's boys went there and Graduated from CSU. Its a small world. Tom's other son went to TCU here it Ft.woth. He was also know as Gordo.
Just after Tom died, Jimmy Culotta called me to talk about Gordo. We all loved Tom and we decided to start traveling once a year so we wouldn't miss the chance to be with our old friends from GPHS. Jim Culotta, Ross Mulholland, Carl Erickson, Norm Kost, Mark Nyland(Me)met in Denver. We had a great time, remembered Gordo, had lunch with Marilyn and loved it so much that we did it again for about 6 or 7 years. Gordo was our inspiration.
We all miss Gordo as hew was so much fun, and such a good guy to be around. He always had time for me when ever I called. I wish we all had more friends like him as the world would be a much better place. God Bless you Tom.
Mark S. Nyland