So very sad to hear about Tom. We were very close friends and stayed in contact over the years. I only realised something was wrong when Tom didn't send us birthday cards - yes, he was that one person who never forgot - this year.
I met him when I worked at Vallances, Scunthorpe, in the late 1970s. He taught me everything (most I've now forgotten!) about soul music and introduced me to many fascinating people. Rick Scott - I remember you well!
I moved about a bit when I went to uni and took jobs in other places and had my family. Tom and I often met up even then and he would visit for weekends and stayed at my place for a few months when I was living in Hull. We briefly lost contact when I first moved to Scotland but thankfully we had the last few years of regular letters - including presents for my 24 year old son who has autism. Tom was very kind to Tristram and despite only seeing him once as a baby he assumed the role of honorary uncle to Tris.
I will miss him dreadfully but thankfully I have a great many wonderful memories of our long and enduring friendship.
To any family members reading this, I extend my sympathies.
