Thomas M. Bay

In Tom's own words: "Mine was really an enjoyable life, thanks to the people who taught me, helped me, and loved me through good times and challenging ones. I also credit Ohio Wesleyan for requiring humanities, religion, philosophy and political theory studies which profoundly shaped my lifelong beliefs and outlook.

In high school I tied Frannie's (Mary Frances Coe) shoelaces to a chair in Journalism class and knew that I had found my person. Married in 1953, we had nearly 50 more years until she left us in 2002.

We shared three wonderful children: Marilou, Dave, and Jim. Marilou brought Steve (Legge) into the clan and added Matt, Kelley and Jenn; another Jen (Larkin) signed on as Matt's wife and later, added great grandsons Keegan and Connor and great granddaughter, Caselyn. Leigh (Rogers) joined Dave and then came Abbey and Dan. Sadly we lost dear Dan before his 24th birthday and we have missed him deeply. This bright, talented, fun brood kept expanding. James McSweeney wed Abbey and Jenn married Dale Sanders within two weeks of each other, and the latter are now parents of twins, Oliver and Isla. I have been so very proud of each one.

As our family moved around the country, I worked with hundreds of dedicated, public servants. Mentors who influenced, guided, encouraged, and inspired me were Bob Mott, first city manager of Delaware, and Ed Temple in Danville, VA, along with Westerville's Red Bailey, Jim Grissinger, and Dick Rano, who remained a treasured and life-long friend.

Another long-time friend came back into my life in a very special way in 2003. Martha Kerr and I married that year. She gave up her beloved Santa Fe to return to Ohio and made these 21 years special. I have also truly enjoyed the loving acceptance of her children and grandchildren.

Other than individuals, there were many other truly shaping influences: the Boy Scouts and rustic camping experiences in New Mexico, Montana and Canada; the majestic Rocky Mountains and Alps; and music - from Bach to bagpipes; I have been especially fortunate and thankful to have experienced the work of many, many musicians, actors, dancers and other performing artists whose talents truly moved and inspired me.

So thanks to all - past and present - who taught, moved, encouraged, inspired and loved me. It has been a pretty wonderful life.

Being city manager of Westerville was my professional beginning, my honor, and one of the best periods of my life. So in lieu of flowers, should you be so inclined, a donation to Westerville Helps or performing a few extra acts of random kindness would be wonderful in my book."