It more than saddens me to tell you that there will be no more “Reports from Sick Bay” or Editorials we loved so much penned by the hand of Tom O’Hare. On September 17, 2013 Rocky Point lost a great friend and promoter. They lost an icon who loved Rocky Point and his Ranchito more than words can say. It is an understatement to say he will be dearly missed, but through all of this sadness we can take comfort in knowing Tom O’Hare was a man who had an outstanding life. He made friends wherever he went and wherever he went he always talked about Rocky Point, Mexico. Tom lived a life many only dream of and I believe he was truly blessed until the very end.
It would take me months to prepare a proper Editorial to chronicle the 21 years Tom wrote this Editorial, but it might be fun to take a look back on some of the very first ones he wrote and see how just how much Rocky Point has changed. No one will ever be able to fill his shoes. He made us laugh, cry, get mad, be passionate, and above all, he made us care about the city of Rocky Point, Mexico and its citizens. Tom O’Hare you had a good run and we are all very sad it had to come to an end.
Fitting to the spirit of Tom O’Hare and the fun atmosphere of Rocky Point, Tom’s wishes were that there be no services, no funeral, nothing of that kind. All he wanted was for everyone to join in on one big ass party and have a great time in his name. So, that’s what we are doing for him. His last wish will be carried out on October 20that his Ranchito. Everyone is welcome to come and join in on the celebration that will start around 2:00 PM. Let’s give Rocky Point’s Greatest Editor the best sendoff we can. My Mom and I are also taking his yellow buggy on the Tom O’Hare El Golfo Memorial Run on October 18th, 19thand 20thand you are all welcome to join us. (The party will be at the tail end of the Run.) If you would like to be a part of the El Golfo Run, please call Alicia at (011-52-638) 383-6235 or email her atrockypointtimes@yahoo.comso she can book you a room. No reservations needed for the party on Sunday – just show up. To make it simple, we will provide the cerveza and you are welcome to BYOB. There will be food sold by local vendors and did I mention cerveza? We haven’t decided on music yet and are still in the planning stages, but we wanted to get the word out so you can all come and join Tom O’Hare in one last party.
Tom O’Hare, you had a great run at life and your name will forever be synonymous with Rocky Point, Mexico.
Here are just a few words from some of our Rocky Point friends…
“One of the best days of my life was spent with your Dad/Husband in Rocky Point. A day I will never forget. He was the best friend a guy (my Dad) could have and he will be forever missed by the Curley Clan”.
Karen Markham Gravelin
“We will definitely miss him, but he is in a better place now. I will always think of him.”
Robert Rowe
“A wonderful man. A true loss to the community.”
Pam Smead
Sandy and Lannette, you both were his pride and joy! What a great life you all had together, and enjoyed the same interests, traveling, partying, Mexico and love! Love you guys.”
Liz Patze
“He was one of the good guys. He lived life to the fullest”.
Shelley Hinojos
“What an icon he was for Rocky Point. We remember the fun trips to El Golfo with Tom’s ever going sense of humor. He will be truly missed”.
Frank and Margaret Jenia
“My heart goes out to you, Lannette and each and every member of your family. Even though I may have only met you and Tom briefly 6 or 7 years ago, you both have a special place in my heart and in my mind. It has been an honor to write for your paper which brings so much joy to everyone about the place we all love. I hope as time goes on you will find some peace in the spectacular sunsets and all things he loved”.
Anita Kaltenbaugh
“He was an awesome guy, I will miss Tom. You guys are in our prayers. I’m not great with words. I am just sad, and I hope you and Lannette keep a positive outlook”.
Manny Sanchez
“Tom was one of a kind; I loved him and know he is in a better place. He will remain always in my heart as a friend.”
Rosarie Salerno
Tom and I spoke only half a dozen times over the years, but I found him to be a really good guy and have an above average sense of humor. When it comes to humans, having both of those traits is like winning the Power Ball lottery twice. And while envy is one of the seven deadly sins, I think many people envied Tom because he lived the way most of us want to but never get the courage to actually do it.
Cap’n Greg Knowles
:*(