Message to the Family: We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family.

Message to the Family: My deepest condolences go to The Martin Family. I am so sorry that we have lost Tom. My grief goes out to Sue, Steffie, Tommy Jr. and all the grandchildren. Tom was one of my best friends, and knowing him helped change my life for the better. Tom was a solid, hard worker, man of his word individual, who would help anyone who needed his help. Tom was one of the most talented, kind, and down to earth people God ever created. When I first met Tom, Bill DeWitt, Danny Swain, and Fred Kentner, little did I know my life would be enriched and changed forever for the better. Some of the best times I ever had were playing music with Tom, Bill, Danny, and Fred. I answered an ad The Sportsmen had displayed at a music store in Henrietta for a guitar player for the band. That's how I met Tom. I believe it was 1976. From there I climbed a ladder with my guitar and amp into Fred Kentner's barn loft, plugged in and for 41 years we played music together and it was the most fun I ever had playing music. I love Tom not just because of that but because of the person he was. I was so grateful to have people to play music with that were all around "Good Guys", and nice people. I remember one night playing a gig in Chili and Tom was singing so forcefully that he hit a perfect high "C" not in falsetto mind you, and his neck had literally bulged out like a bullfrog. What a voice!! Tom was a man full of life!! After God made Tom, he broke the mold, no doubt. With Tom I never laughed so hard, never played so hard, what a character! What a great fly fisher! What a great voice and sense of humor! But more than anything what a good Dad, good husband, good grandpa, and good friend! This poor guy had more stuff happen to him but always stayed positive! The oil in the basement, The one day Cadillac. I remember driving up to the 1,000 islands to visit with Tom,Sue, and his family. I had moved to the Rochester area (where my parents lived), after having a life threatening illness in the early 1970's. I had no friends in Rochester, all my friends lived in New England. Tom and Sue were so kind to me and took me in as almost as a stray. They will never know how much that meant to me. It is very much because of them that I stayed in The Rochester area and built a good life and a family there. Because of Tom, Bill DeWitt, and Danny's friendship,and influence, I was able to start to turn my life around. Tom was always so good to me. I used to drive to Tom and Sue's house on ST. George in Mumford (many times unannounced). I was afraid they'd feel, oh no here he is again, but I always felt welcome. They had me over for dinner (Tom's venison roasts yum!!). Many times we'd just hang out. I don't know if Tom knew just how much those times meant to me and how being with him made me a better person. We'd play music at Mitch's bowling alley in Scottsville, The Caledonia Carnival, and literally all over The Rochester area. I finally found a sweet girl and got married and who played at my wedding, The Sportsmen of course!! At our 35th wedding anniversary, who sang? Tom Martin. I will be forever grateful for Tom's friendship. His spirit will be sorely missed by me. Tom was like the older brother I never had. Tom is my dear friend who now has now passed to the other side to be with his heavenly father and his parents who he loved dearly and always missed. I know God will bless him. I will always keep Tom's memory in my heart. I have the recordings of The Sportsmen so I can also listen to my friends voice. That is a blessing. The Martin Family is in my prayers. I love those guys!! They are the nicest family! I hope God will bless you guys always. When I get to the other side I plan on sharing stories with Tom and talking about old times and good times. I am so grateful that God put Tom Martin in path.