November 8, 1951- July 4, 2006

Testimony delivered by Gerald Brummett
I’m honoured to be here today to share some thoughts and memories about him.

THOM WHITBECK  or “WHITTER” as we called him, was my friend

Obviously from seeing so many people here today, I’m not the only one
who recognized and loved Thom for his kind and gentle soul.

Those of us who knew Thom always realized he marched to a different drummer

His drummer was:
Artistic
Creative
Caring
Gentle
Thoughtful and passionate

I think my personal drummer is in some type of rock band.

Thom was an:
Artist
Mechanic
Photographer
Scout
Real Estate agent
Son
Husband
Father
And Friend

Early Tuesday morning God got a very talented assistant in Heaven.

So many memories of “Whitter”  -

From creating his famous “Spit Diet” to being the only one to ATTEMPT & COMPLETE what is now fondly know as the
“Triple Whitbeck”, thus receiving the GOLDEN BOOT AWARD from the Oil  Scouts  -

Thom lived his life with passion.

You know all of those late night infomercials where the guy is sitting on his Mercedes or the couples
are sitting on the bow of their yacht drinking drinks with little umbrellas?

I fee certain Thom owns every SINGLE CD, DVD, or Video from those shows.
He used to call all excited and tell me about his latest purchase or venture.
I would usually make fun of him, but he wouldn’t be deterred by my scepticism and would forge on ------ with passion!

Several years ago, shortly after my mother’s death, I ran across the following
short poem/prayer.  I immediately told my wife, Tracey, that I would like to have it read when I die.

It is called “The Hopi Prayer”- the Hopi Indians from Arizona are very spiritual and “they, too”
believe your spirit lives on after your body dies - I think Thom would like it!

HOPI PRAYER

Do not stand
At my grave and weep.
I am not there.
I do not sleep.

I am a thousand
Winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle
Autumn’s rain.

When you awaken
In the morning hush,
I am the swift,
Uplifting rush
Of quiet birds
In circled flight.

I am the soft stars
That shine at night.

Do not stand
At my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die.

God bless and keep you “Whitter” my friend – our friend.