Tom Bronson has passed away. On January 4th, after spending the day puttering in his beloved back yard and enjoying a delicious dinner, Tom retired to bed about 10 PM. Sometime between 10 and 11, Tom experienced a massive stroke. The stroke left Tom unconscious and almost completely paralyzed. At no time did Tom experience any pain, anguish, or suffering of any type. For Tom, it was an easy passage. Tom remained on limited life support until the 11th, when his doctors determined that the damage was so severe as to render Tom unable to make any meaningful recovery. Tom had in effect at this time an advanced medical directive which directed that under these circumstances all life support be withdrawn. Tom survived just 3 more days and passed away on Sunday morning at 6:15 AM.

Tom had further directed in his will that his remains be cremated and his ashes be scattered in a location known only to a few people. He further directed that if his friends would like to have a Celebration or Party, he would certainly not be opposed. Tom loved his back yard and loved to entertain there. So, on June 3rd (the day before what would have been Tom's 77th birthday) we will be having an old-fashion poolside bash at his home, in the garden he created. Tom was privately very charitable and generously gave to at least 30 different charities. In lieu of flowers, If you would like to make a donation in Tom's name, pick a charity of your choosing; I'm sure he would approve.

As Tom's partner of nearly 20 years, I have been nominated to administer Tom's last wishes. If any of you wish to contact me in any way, or for any reason, please feel completely free to do so. I can be reached at DEH06@adelphia.net or 818-762-1835 or 818-766-6545. Should you know of someone who would want to have this information, and does not have an Email address, please pass this information along.

My Sincere Thanks for Being a Part of Tom's Life,  
Don Helton
 

Here's a recent photo of Tom. I plan to print out a quantity of 4X6 prints for those people wishing to have a copy, and will make them available at his send-off bash on the 3rd of June. I might add that Tom and I met at a PCMC run at Borrego Springs in early 1986. Tom was a brand-new member of the club at the time, although he had been running the club kitchen for 10 years before he finally joined.


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