I had a plane in a hangar that Tom was using, near his Extra, some years ago.
We exchanged greetings, as all good aviators do, on many occasions.
One day I had my 10 (or 11 or 12?) year old son with me. I took him over to show him the Extra. Tom patiently explained many of the quirks of aerobatic aeroplanes and the little fellow got to sit in the Extra's pilot seat. It took ages, mainly because junior didn't want to get out. Tom's patience far exceeded mine as he took him through a synopsis of aerobatic flying and the various qualities of the Extra.
I bet Tom had plenty else to do, but we felt like the most important people in the world. I bet he had that manner with many people.
In the car on the way home, said small person was full of questions about aeros. I've been flying nearly 30 years, but couldn't even get close. I bet Tom could.
I can imagine how his colleagues at Temora must feel and my thoughts are with them and everyone else dear to him.
What a sad loss to us all. A true gentleman, faithful to the best traditions of aviation.
Andrew/.