I met Tom about 7 years ago, when my orthopedist at Strong recommended massage therapy for injuries from an auto accident. That referral initiated first a wonderfully therapeutic, healing period of more than five years, but also the beginning of an unexpected friendship that spilled over into breakfasts and hikes and just a coffee to watch the sunrise together. In my mind, he became the embodiment of what the German term “Mensch” meant: a person who epitomized what it meant to be a human being in the fullest sense of the word. We shared a love for our dogs, for camping, for wild things. Each Xmas I would give him an assortment of wild game that my son and I had bagged, and he would “repay” with the recipes and stories and photos of his family holidays when they enjoyed those exotic meats. He remains one of the most vivid characters in my life. Infinitely curious, infinitely generous, infinitely kind. I remember telling him when I had my first appointment that I was easily induced into trance and I apologized that I might doze off almost immediately. He informed me that massage is a collaborative healing process, and we sometimes discussed what our “connection” had been — that he didn’t “give me a massaged,” but rather that we had “shared that experience.” I don’t think I’ve experienced any series of “hours” in which I could just let go and relax, because I knew I was literally in such good and safe hands. I will miss you terribly, my friend. I hope your next adventures are as intellectually fulfilling and challenging as those you chose during your too short lifetime. Kim Kowalke
Too many years ago to count, Tom and my paths crossed in the SP program. Almost immediately, Tom and I developed a kindred bond due to our mutual interest in photography, with that bond lasting over these many years.
Tom was a very kind-hearted individual who enjoyed life to the fullest and remained on the positive side of things including his recent health issues. To know Tom was to love him for his dedication to life, family and especially the Standardized Patient program.
I met Tom when I joined the SP program in 2018. From my first day there I was so very impressed with his passion and compassion for both the SP program and for all those including myself that worked in it.
From what I observed in working with him at the U of R he clearly touched a lot of hearts and was truly one of those rare folks that really make a difference in the lives of all he met. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with him, and I am thankful to have shared some good times and thoughtful conversations these past years.
It warmed my heart to read the postings of Tom’s friends, and I only wish I’d had more time to know him better. His waters ran deep.
It is with profound sadness that I report the passing of my good friend, Tom Weber, after a long battle with cancer.
I met Tom about a decade ago through my friend, Steve Rousos. We would have many discussions about politics, philosophy, science and whatever usually over a beer. Or two.
Tom and I would take an annual trip to the Adirondacks the past six years. We would stay in the learn-to’s at the Heart Lake campground where he had gone for years with his kids. We would look forward to it and book reservations in February for our fall trip.
We did not make reservations this year.
Tom loved poetry, literature, photography, science, walks with his beloved dog, Molly. He loved his three kids Ruffo, Phoebe and Leo who he raised as a single dad for most of their lives.
Tom was drawn to Buddhism and believed that consciousness is fundamental to the universe.
Tom’s last job, after a photography career at Kodak, was working in the Standardized Patients lab at the U of R Medical School. When I retired I let him know I was interested in joining that program and I have been doing that on and off for the past six months. It’s been a nice way to help medical and nursing students learn to be patient-centered while earning some pocket change.
Tom was one of the most gentle souls I have known. He will be sorely missed.
I first met Tom 17 years ago as an SP, and I’m so grateful I got to reconnect with him this past year as a co-worker in the SP Department. Tom remembered me from all those years ago and welcomed me back with open arms, ever curious of my SP experiences in NYC. To say he loved his job is an understatement. I don’t know if I’ve met someone as passionate about their career as Tom. I’m so honored I got to learn from him this past year, and I’ll always remember when he told me, “I feel at peace knowing the SP Department will be safe in your hands.” I feel the best gift I can give Tom now in his passing through the Bardo (Tom and I also connected around our shared affection for Buddhist philosophy) is to continue his legacy in the SP department and make it as loving and welcoming a place as he cultivated these last two decades… of course, the majority of that love is simply Tom himself. So, here’s to the memory of Tom… who truly touched everyone he met and will not be forgotten. Thank you for your incredible service and partnership, my friend.
I met Tom about 7 years ago, when my orthopedist at Strong recommended massage therapy for injuries from an auto accident. That referral initiated first a wonderfully therapeutic, healing period of more than five years, but also the beginning of an unexpected friendship that spilled over into breakfasts and hikes and just a coffee to watch the sunrise together. In my mind, he became the embodiment of what the German term “Mensch” meant: a person who epitomized what it meant to be a human being in the fullest sense of the word. We shared a love for our dogs, for camping, for wild things. Each Xmas I would give him an assortment of wild game that my son and I had bagged, and he would “repay” with the recipes and stories and photos of his family holidays when they enjoyed those exotic meats. He remains one of the most vivid characters in my life. Infinitely curious, infinitely generous, infinitely kind. I remember telling him when I had my first appointment that I was easily induced into trance and I apologized that I might doze off almost immediately. He informed me that massage is a collaborative healing process, and we sometimes discussed what our “connection” had been — that he didn’t “give me a massaged,” but rather that we had “shared that experience.” I don’t think I’ve experienced any series of “hours” in which I could just let go and relax, because I knew I was literally in such good and safe hands. I will miss you terribly, my friend. I hope your next adventures are as intellectually fulfilling and challenging as those you chose during your too short lifetime. Kim Kowalke
Too many years ago to count, Tom and my paths crossed in the SP program. Almost immediately, Tom and I developed a kindred bond due to our mutual interest in photography, with that bond lasting over these many years.
Tom was a very kind-hearted individual who enjoyed life to the fullest and remained on the positive side of things including his recent health issues. To know Tom was to love him for his dedication to life, family and especially the Standardized Patient program.
I met Tom when I joined the SP program in 2018. From my first day there I was so very impressed with his passion and compassion for both the SP program and for all those including myself that worked in it.
From what I observed in working with him at the U of R he clearly touched a lot of hearts and was truly one of those rare folks that really make a difference in the lives of all he met. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with him, and I am thankful to have shared some good times and thoughtful conversations these past years.
It warmed my heart to read the postings of Tom’s friends, and I only wish I’d had more time to know him better. His waters ran deep.
“To live in hearts that love is not to die.”
-Jeff Moran
It is with profound sadness that I report the passing of my good friend, Tom Weber, after a long battle with cancer.
I met Tom about a decade ago through my friend, Steve Rousos. We would have many discussions about politics, philosophy, science and whatever usually over a beer. Or two.
Tom and I would take an annual trip to the Adirondacks the past six years. We would stay in the learn-to’s at the Heart Lake campground where he had gone for years with his kids. We would look forward to it and book reservations in February for our fall trip.
We did not make reservations this year.
Tom loved poetry, literature, photography, science, walks with his beloved dog, Molly. He loved his three kids Ruffo, Phoebe and Leo who he raised as a single dad for most of their lives.
Tom was drawn to Buddhism and believed that consciousness is fundamental to the universe.
Tom’s last job, after a photography career at Kodak, was working in the Standardized Patients lab at the U of R Medical School. When I retired I let him know I was interested in joining that program and I have been doing that on and off for the past six months. It’s been a nice way to help medical and nursing students learn to be patient-centered while earning some pocket change.
Tom was one of the most gentle souls I have known. He will be sorely missed.
Happy travels, my friend.
I first met Tom 17 years ago as an SP, and I’m so grateful I got to reconnect with him this past year as a co-worker in the SP Department. Tom remembered me from all those years ago and welcomed me back with open arms, ever curious of my SP experiences in NYC. To say he loved his job is an understatement. I don’t know if I’ve met someone as passionate about their career as Tom. I’m so honored I got to learn from him this past year, and I’ll always remember when he told me, “I feel at peace knowing the SP Department will be safe in your hands.” I feel the best gift I can give Tom now in his passing through the Bardo (Tom and I also connected around our shared affection for Buddhist philosophy) is to continue his legacy in the SP department and make it as loving and welcoming a place as he cultivated these last two decades… of course, the majority of that love is simply Tom himself. So, here’s to the memory of Tom… who truly touched everyone he met and will not be forgotten. Thank you for your incredible service and partnership, my friend.