Soul Man

Little did I know in 1980 when I transferred from Suva Intermediate to Colmar Elementary School that I would meet my husband, join a staff of educators that couldn’t be surpassed, hone my rabble rousing union skills, become a Cheap Sax groupie (and The Balding Brothers prior to that, and The Rev prior to that), become the Promotional Sales Director for the LA Tubers, become a “coattail cousin”, and have Tommy as my friend for 29 years…..And I thought I was just moving from a traditional to a year round school calendar.


When Paul and I learned in April of last year that Tommy was diagnosed with cancer, we were getting ready to leave for our vacation. Tommy’s spirits were high as was our commitment to maintain the most positive thoughts about this new challenge. Before we left, Tommy sent us a note that said, “Wherever you are on Saturday night, You Can Leave Your Hat On and hoist a glass for me because I’m a Soul Man and I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg with a Little Help from My Friends.”

Well, Tommy, as the Saturday nights pass by, our hats will remain off to you…our eternal soul man. And, as for the help from our friends, we’re going to need all that we can get in order to survive the loss of your constant friendship.

We’ll keep you in our hearts.
--Robin Rose