Tony was a good friend, a friendship that really evolved this last year.

What was the essence of Tony? I didn't identify this until this last week when talking to Tony's wife Alice. I now see Tony's essence was his passion to know and understand things. Tony was a really smart man, why? Because of his passion, if something interested him, or demanded his attention, then he dug in and learned about it - in great detail. Yet, this was fun, interesting, and maybe even a compulsion with Tony.

What do you think of first when you think of Tony? He was a talker. Anyone who knew Tony would agree. In fact, it was hard to get a word in edge-wise. But we loved him for that - for talking with passionate energy was a defining trait of Tony.

Kim and I have another friend who is also a great and lengthy talker. One time we had a social gathering and this person and Tony met for the first time. We took side bets with their spouses as to who would win the battle of the tongue. After several hours of heated, consuming discussion, Tony won. Undaunted, they both went on to partake in new conversations with new people.

The next thing that comes to mind when thinking of Tony is his gadgets. Tony had more gadgets and tools than any three men should have. But he loved'em and they gave him great pleasure and delight. At any given moment, Tony could produce miniature binoculars, a jewelers magnifying glass, a GPS, a Palm Pilot, and who knows what else.

Not too long ago at work, I got a call from Tony asking me to go to lunch as he had something he wanted to cover with me. I never got calls from Tony at work or during the day. I called him immediately and agreed to meet him for lunch -- I was sure he needed to cover something vitally important, and hopefully not sad or devastating. At lunch, Tony proudly showed me the Walkie-Talkies he had gotten free for buying his car tires at a given store. He then proceeded to educate me regarding the detailed spec's of these gadgets; he had me take one back with me to the 29th floor of the Williams tower - so he could test their range within a structure. Then, on the drive home that night, he had me test the range while driving away from the tower. …That was Tony, but again, this simply little thing gave him great pleasure and delight. Indeed, it is in these simple things (gadgets) that we saw the wonderful, child-like innocence and excitement in Tony.

Lastly, Tony was always willing to help a friend, co-worker, or acquaintance. He, and his plethora of great gadgets and tools, helped me solve/fix many problems with my house and automobile. And, he had two wonderful traits while helping: 1) great patience and 2) great teaching skills - I learned much from Tony.

In closing, Tony had a belief in spirit and the afterlife. So to you dear Alice, it has been written, "Where there is love there is no separation." (or for a less mystical, yet plausible, albeit futuristic and nontraditional approach try this link) And, it has also been written that there are no coincidences in life (or, again, for a nonmystical view see here), so whatever the grand plan, Tony is gone. But know deep down, dear Alice, that "Where there is love there is no separation," you will be with Tony again. Until that time, be strong and go on with life in a happy positive way because you know Tony would want you to do so.

And for all of us, Tony would want us to remember him in happiness and joy, not sorrow and remorse. So, when you think of Tony, think of the essence of Tony: a real talker with a rare, child-like innocence and excitement for life, and its gadgets.

So, farewell Tony, we will miss you, but we are glad we had the opportunity to know you.