Thom's 60th, July 28th, 2007

Saturday, July 28th was the big surprise day. It began on Thursday actually, when Thom's Mom and sister Diane and her husband Roberto arrived unexpectedly in Oil City. Of course Bobby had orchestrated this entire weekend flawlessly to be a wonderful celebration of that fateful day in 1947 when the heir to the 303 Hamill Street, Oil City Louisiana estate was ushered into this world. The next day Thom's other sister, Jenny, and her husband Jeff and kids Ben and Aaron appeared, after setting up housekeeping in their RV on Caddo Lake. (Later to be invaded by local ants!!) The party began promptly at noon on Saturday with folks arriving from Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida. There were a couple of really special surprises, especially Stan and Edna Squires from Florida, and Darlene and Tom Walloch from Wisconsin. Thom had gone to grade and high school with Darlene, and only in the past few months had they re-established contact after nearly 40 years. The East Coast contingent included Mary McGarrigle, the Aunt to Thom's late partner Kevin, along with his Mother Fran, Mar Lou Lenti, and Denise Hutnik, the arrival of whom was a very emmotional moment to be sure. The catering was typically southern with catfish, hush puppies and jambalya, all excellent. A truly enjoyable and terrific time was had by all, all thanks to Bobby and his excellent planning.