Tom from the time he was a little boy wanted to be in nature exploring
riverbanks, trees, animals. He became a master gardener with an encyclopedic knowledge of bird behavior, animal habitats, reptile ways. A born peacemaker, he was always dissolving conflicts at work by making people laugh. He was also an inspiring grandfather, delighting in having his grandchildren over.. cooking
spaghetti for them, unflappable about the spills, the minor chaos all children create, transmitting to his children and grandchildren his reverence for the land and organic foods, his respect for living creatures. His willpower was exceptional, his knowledge of building, wiring, machinery and organic gardening extensive. For many years he worked overtime at Goodyear to provide for his wife and children. His
children and siblings honored with tireless work his desire to remain at home as he battled his illness. Before his death he had visions of the number and color associated with each music note, and of the bliss to come.

Saiom Shriver

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tom-earley/