Long Time Friend of Tom

To The Dear Family of Thomas Johnson:

This morning I was made aware of the untimely death of a good friend, Thomas “Tom” Johnson. At one point, during life’s brief expanse, we were close personal friends while completing our Masters degrees at Utah State University. We worked together, played together and in general had a great time. When it came time to part, he went on to complete his doctoral degree in Speech Pathology, while I completed mine in Audiology. While I have worked at numerous places around the country, Tom worked diligently to make Utah State University a great training program in Communicative Disorders. We always kept track of each other, where we were working, what we were doing, etc.

Many beautiful things have been said about Tom and his life and all that he accomplished. At this point, all that I would like to add is, that; I know that Tom had a firm testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that soothing consolation can come from the Lord, whose atonement makes the resurrection a reality regardless of how or where one passes through the gateway to immortality and eternal life.

Take some comfort from the words of the great philosopher Socrates, who said, “Be of good cheer about death and know this as a truth—that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.” Tom was a good man and had a good family and friends who loved and appreciated him in life and will always remember him fondly. One day we will be together again.

May God provide you with strength and courage to help you all as you personally work through this event. May we all be strengthened as friends and associates, is my prayer.

With Love,

Don and Mary Lou Worthington