While I can't say that I knew Pastor Tom as well as some other people, I can say that just being around him had a profound effect on everyone. People just wanted to sit and listen to whatever he was saying, whether he was telling jokes, teaching the bible or talking about past adventures. He radiated love for everyone and you could feel it. I have always said that I thought that sitting around listening to him was probably the closest thing to sitting with Jesus. Ultimate humility, ultimate love, ultimate acceptance.
I have yet to meet anyone else like him.