Re: ATM Sad news: Thomas O'Hara, Ph.D.

[Dan Cassaro <dcass@mediaone.net>]

Roger,
That's very sad news indeed.  I tried calling the number listed, but he's not
available by phone.
Tom and I exchanged emails for a year or so; his messages were always larded with
terrible puns and obscure references to Monty Python skits and Bogart movies.  His
ATM goal, as I recall, was to build a large scope with 10 degree field, so he could
see the entire Barnard's Loop around Orion visually.  Perhaps as he leaves this life
and jumps the life to come, he'll make a swing by Orion and get his wish, without
the akwardness of a telescope.
Arrivederci, my friend.
Dan


stargazer@theastropages.com wrote:

> Good day,
>
> I'm writing the list to discuss a man that was a regular contributor to the ATM
> list some time ago, and a person that participated in our local ATM classes.
>
> As some of the 'old timers' to the ATM class, at least starting in 1999, might
> remember there was a gentleman named Tom O'Hara that was attending our classes
> for some time (remember the guy with the beautiful 10" Cervit glass that dropped
> it and took a huge chunk out of it?).  He had disappeared for quite a while and
> no one knew where he was.  It turned out that he was diagnosed with a type of
> leukemia (I think) a few months back and, in true Tom-like fashion, he hid away
> from those that cared about him, probably in a bid to avoid burdening others.
> His isolationism didn't know any bounds since his own family only found out
> about his condition and whereabouts last Friday.
>
> Tom was a scholar and a friend.  Among many accomplishments was his knowledge of
> history, having received a Ph.D. in that subject.  He was stubborn beyond
> belief, and yet I considered him a 'gentle giant'.  He was never short on
> opinions, but he had a talent for listening when it was needed.  He was no
> stranger to study, as I've been told by his caretakers that he has 'hundreds' of
> history books.  In addition, he was fluent in Latin and (probably) Greek.
>
> He's terminally ill and is in his final days or even hours.  He's currently at
> Scripps Oceanview Convalescent Home (900 Santa Fe Dr., in Encinitas,
> 760-753-6423, room 47).  If you'd like to visit him please do so.  He's in and
> out due to pain meds, but he can still hear, move a little and responds
> occasionally.  His family (mom/sisters) have been coming down from Fullerton and
> have issued a welcome and invitation to any and all of Tom's friends to visit
> him
> as he faces this final challenge of life.  Visiting hours are from 10a-8p.
>
> I won't lie and paint a rosy picture.  His condition and appearance is bleak,
> but I for one was happy to have been there last night.  It is a good, peaceful
> environment and I'm glad to see that Tom is getting some of that peace after so
> many years of turmoil.
>
> He is not expected to be around much longer; in fact he wasn't expected to make
> it after a couple of days ago and every night brings dire predictions.  Details
> on his memorial service are being worked out.  It's likely that it will be held
> in Fullerton, but there may be another service held down here in San Diego since
> he had a number of friends here.  I will be in touch with the group as I know
> more details.
>
> Please join me in offering your prayers for the comfort of his family, his peace
> and God speed to a good friend.
>
> Clear skies,
> Roger
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> R o g e r  H e r z l e r
> "Imagine if we were all on the same sheet of music...
> What a symphony it would be!"  <><
> astronomy for the amateur: http://theastropages.com/
> journey through your universe: http://astronomylinks.com/