A good man.
I lost a good friend tonight, a good man, a great Councillor and the leader of our group. At this evening's Council meeting, he seemed on good form, then as we all took drinks in the Mayor's parlour, he just fell backwards. Those nearby grabbed him as he fell and eased him to the floor. An ambulance was called and all the councillors left to allow the ambulance men space to work.
I got a phone call about half an hour ago, to say he'd passed away. Less than an hour after I last saw him, drink in hand and chatting happily.
He's a loss to his family, his friends, his colleagues and the town he has served for so many years. We'll all miss him. I will miss him. His ready wit, his boundless energy and the way he had our backs at all times. I'll miss his advice and his patience and the stories he told about growing up in Ireland. He fought the good fight his whole life. He was an example and mentor.
Rest in peace Tom.
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