Since the announcement of Tom's death, there have been several letters of tribute and remembrance written to us. This one embodied the feelings of many so well that we decided to share it with the Internet at large. Although written by one, it speaks for almost all of those who remember him.

The news here this week was filled with the story of the death of Tommy Rettig. Sadly, I never knew him. Yet I know that there are those who loved him, and those who were his friends. And for him, and for them, I mourn.

When I was a boy, I had a friend who came to visit me each week. Maybe he was more of a big brother, to be honest. It was always somewhat special, for those evenings we broke the rules. Instead of having dinner in the kitchen, my mom and dad and I would get out the TV trays and eat in the living room. That's where Jeff and his collie spent their time with us. On the cold nights, sometimes we'd even celebrate his visit the way we were supposed to - with a sandwich and a bowl of Campbell's soup, so mmm mmm good.

In time, Jeff had to move on and he searched for a place for his collie to be happy. I would have been pleased to take over, but Jeff found the right home and introduced me to yet another new friend. And Timmy Martin became a regular houseguest of ours for years to come.

Early this week, somebody told me Jeff had died. It struck like a thunderbolt, for though I had seen him only a couple of times in the last thirty-five years he has remained an important part of my life. I had to find out to be sure, and I was pleased to learn that they were not quite right. It is true that Tommy Rettig has moved on, and my thoughts and my prayers go to those who knew and loved him. But Jeff? Jeff is alive and well in my heart.

Good bye, Tommy. And thank you.

---John Kelleher