[01excursion]

We need to see pictures of Tom having a good time?

 

[jhughes556]

Toms Celebration

What a wonderful turnout for Toms celebration! How fitting it was that even as Tom battles his health issues, he continues to bring us together, as he has all of his life. We met a lot of new faces from all parts of the country including one gentleman that came down from Alberta Canada. Thank you Glen for being the consummate MC as always. Yes the weather was pretty intense but it certainly didn't seem to stop many from attending.

It was quite moving when Tom walked out among the formation of Tailwinds. Not unlike a shepherd surrounded by his flock.....

Godspeed Mr Finch, and thank you for living your life as an example for so many....

 

[Glockjock]

It was a wonderful celebration for Tom! SO many thanks to his daughter Terrie who organized and funded the event, some of the rest of Tom’s family who helped pull it together, and especially to the many wonderful people who showed up to celebrate Tom’s life and legacy.

Looking out over the crowd I would say there were well over a hundred attendees. I will probably forget somebody, but I know people came from as far as Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Alabama, Canada, and of course tons of Texans. I think there were at least 11 Tailwinds. Jim Hughes hit the nail on the head when he said it was almost emotional watching Tom walking among his flock.

I am amazed at the friends we have made here who will ride long distances in 100º F heat to see an old friend. I’m not going to name names for fear of omission, but our friends from all over the country always make me proud.

Terrie Finch is an amazing woman. She is shouldering a lot of responsibility and handling it long-distance from Denver, and keeps trying to do more. I have utmost respect for what she is accomplishing. Tom, if you read this, just know that you have done a wonderful job with your children.

I stayed pretty busy during the event so didn’t get any pictures. However, a lot of people did take pictures and I do hope they post them.

A lot of people hung around an extra day to have breakfast with Tom at the OST in Bandera. Again, a BIG crowd showed up. The OST crowd has been a Sunday morning tradition for Tom every Sunday since 1973. Most of us out-of-towners make it to the OST every chance we get. I saw a lot of old regular friends there too.

Again, thank all of you, and God bless you for the outpouring of respect you showed for Tom Finch.

Glen Kenney

 

[Joen]

It was a wonderful celebration for Tom! SO many thanks to his daughter Terrie who organized and funded the event, some of the rest of Tom’s family who helped pull it together, and especially to the many wonderful people who showed up to celebrate Tom’s life and legacy.

Looking out over the crowd I would say there were well over a hundred attendees. I will probably forget somebody, but I know people came from as far as Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Alabama, Canada, and of course tons of Texans. I think there were at least 11 Tailwinds. Jim Hughes hit the nail on the head when he said it was almost emotional watching Tom walking among his flock.

I am amazed at the friends we have made here who will ride long distances in 100º F heat to see an old friend. I’m not going to name names for fear of omission, but our friends from all over the country always make me proud.

Terrie Finch is an amazing woman. She is shouldering a lot of responsibility and handling it long-distance from Denver, and keeps trying to do more. I have utmost respect for what she is accomplishing. Tom, if you read this, just know that you have done a wonderful job with your children.

I stayed pretty busy during the event so didn’t get any pictures. However, a lot of people did take pictures and I do hope they post them.

A lot of people hung around an extra day to have breakfast with Tom at the OST in Bandera. Again, a BIG crowd showed up. The OST crowd has been a Sunday morning tradition for Tom every Sunday since 1973. Most of us out-of-towners make it to the OST every chance we get. I saw a lot of old regular friends there too.

Again, thank all of you, and God bless you for the outpouring of respect you showed for Tom Finch.

Glen Kenney

Glen first of all it was a pleasure and honor to meet Tom in person what I guy!! Love his family great people Tom is and should be very proud of them. As to friends what could we say about the brother hood and extended family just great. As for you Glen it needs to be said and acknowledged that you had a big part in helping Terrie great hostess as well we’ll done my friend Rolf and I will plan to be there for next year reunion with Tom!! God willing and the Creek don’t rise...well done everyone I’ll post some pictures later on today. God bless you all thanks once again for a great afternoon.

Joe Nazario & Rolf Olson

 

[Joen]

Raymond Russell Park August 10th 2019

 

[Joen]

What a wonderful turnout for Toms celebration! How fitting it was that even as Tom battles his health issues, he continues to bring us together, as he has all of his life. We met a lot of new faces from all parts of the country including one gentleman that came down from Alberta Canada. Thank you Glen for being the consummate MC as always. Yes the weather was pretty intense but it certainly didn't seem to stop many from attending.

It was quite moving when Tom walked out among the formation of Tailwinds. Not unlike a shepherd surrounded by his flock.....

Godspeed Mr Finch, and thank you for living your life as an example for so many....

Amen I couldn't have said it better myself!!

 

[Nando]

Hey man!

I am just coming back to Windinging. I am familiar with Tom's contributions to this community

...and all I gotta say is: You guys are a class act! let me tell ya...a class act if I ever seen one

 

[WingSki]

Know Tom from the board from the way back days. Really nice guy! Prayers said, get well Tom !!
Rich K ( WingSki )

 

[Glockjock]

Update- I rode over and back for a visit with Tom yesterday. Tom just had the stent in his bile duct replaced, and he is still extremely weak. He is unable to eat more than a few bites a couple of times a day, and is losing a lot of weight. His wonderful daughter Terrie, son Tom Jr., and sister are doing their best to care for him, as are his many friends in the area.

Terrie is working on arranging for nursing home rehab to help Tom gain strength, if his condition allows. The doctors are monitoring closely.

Tom expressed extreme gratitude for all your well-wishes, and for the support he received from his many friends at his get-together in San Antonio August 10. He needs our support right now, so keep Tom in your thoughts and prayers.

Glen

 

[MiWinger51]

Keeping Tom in my prayers. So glad I got to meet him at the last Glockjock RTE.


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[CAWing78]

More prayers being sent your way Tom

 

[GLblinded]

More prayers being sent your way Tom

Yes, I think often about how he is doing, never met him, but still hoping for all the strength/peace and hope that can be mustered for him and his family. I ‘d sure like to have made it down on the 10th, but work doesn’t just let you go when ever.

 

[Rockvillewinger]

Tom is getting additional prayers from Tammy and Tom R. here in Virginia. We were blessed to meet Tom in May of 2017 and have dinner with him. Truly a gentleman. All of us need strive to be as kind as Tom. I wish our path in life would have crossed earlier. Lots to learn from Tom Finch.

 

[terryg]

I was on a trip with a few friends to West Texas and I insisted on going to OST where I knew Tom liked to have breakfast. I met Tom and enjoyed talking with him for a few minutes. He showed me his Tailwind trailer and I was impressed with the technology that he engineered into the trailer. I don't ride much now but I still think of Tom a lot and wish all the best to him and his family. I don't check back here very often but when I do it's usually to check on Tom. Prayers for you Tom and thank you for your contributions to all you have affected, and that is folks that have flown to folks on two wheels. I will check back soon and pray for the best for you and family.

 

[Zxridge]

Prayers going out for him

 

[cwilliams.nps]

Praying for Tom

 

[Glockjock]

Steeltech, the gent who originally posted this thread, and I have been talking with each other and to Tom Finch. We agree that it is time to post an update on Tom even though neither of us wants to post it.

Tom is presently receiving at-home hospice care. His doctors say that there is no hope for any cure so have suspended treatment except comfort care. He is spending most of his time at home with visits from his friends and relatives in the area. His daughter Terri comes in from Denver just as often as she can. Tom doesn’t get very far from his disk or his bed for he is pretty weak.

When we talk on the phone he sounds stronger than he really is. He has accepted his fate, and is so thankful for all his many friends. His body has failed him, but his mind is as sharp and alert as ever.

Tom’s sister Annie and his friend Roger Werner picked up Tom and drove him to the OST in Bandera Sunday morning. Sunday mornings at the OST have been a staple in Tom’s life, as he’s been there practically every Sunday since 1973…

3Eagles (Jeff Head from Gadsden, AL) is planning a ride back over to visit Tom in the very near future. I’ll meet Jeff on the road as he comes blasting through, and we’ll share a little more quality time with our old friend. The doctors cannot tell us how much time Tom has remaining so we want to make the most of it.

 

[griffalo]

Steeltech, the gent who originally posted this thread, and I have been talking with each other and to Tom Finch. We agree that it is time to post an update on Tom even though neither of us wants to post it.

Tom is presently receiving at-home hospice care. His doctors say that there is no hope for any cure so have suspended treatment except comfort care. He is spending most of his time at home with visits from his friends and relatives in the area. His daughter Terri comes in from Denver just as often as she can. Tom doesn’t get very far from his disk or his bed for he is pretty weak.

When we talk on the phone he sounds stronger than he really is. He has accepted his fate, and is so thankful for all his many friends. His body has failed him, but his mind is as sharp and alert as ever.

Tom’s sister Annie and his friend Roger Werner picked up Tom and drove him to the OST in Bandera Sunday morning. Sunday mornings at the OST have been a staple in Tom’s life, as he’s been there practically every Sunday since 1973…

3Eagles (Jeff Head from Gadsden, AL) is planning a ride back over to visit Tom in the very near future. I’ll meet Jeff on the road as he comes blasting through, and we’ll share a little more quality time with our old friend. The doctors cannot tell us how much time Tom has remaining so we want to make the most of it.

Sorry to hear this Glen. Give Tom our best when you see him and tell him that he is in our thoughts and prayers. This world has been a much better place because of Tom Finch and others like him who proudly give without asking anything in return. We all know that Tom is still fighting, but we also know the day will come. Please keep us posted on his status.

Keith

 

[GLblinded]

Thank You Glockjock for keeping us informed. May grace be with him.

 

[MiWinger51]

Thanks for the update Glen. I pray that Tom’s remaining time is as pain free as possible and that he soon will meet his Lord and be once again pain free and enjoying life eternally. I am thankful that I was able to meet Tom at your home in April. He is a fine gentleman with an attitude that we should all emulate. I am praying for his family in this most difficult time.


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