“I graduated high school in Eureka with Tom. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, more in a state of shock, as I am sure you all are. Tom was very special to me. Again, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. ”

— Carla (Norton) Alcorn

“ Tom, or " Big E " as he was so affectionally known by to many of us growing up with him in Eureka Nevada was a gentle giant. It was such a tremendous honor and privilege to play along side Tom in every sport as we were growing up in Eureka. I will never forget his amazing calmness and demeanor for a man of such incredible size and strength. His love of the Raiders and passion for everything silver/black will be something i will never forget. Although he was taken from us way before his time, as i know that the Lord will have an immensely large ANGEL sitting next to him, at the right hand of his thrown, forever more. ”

— Mike Purdy

“BIGGIE what more can I say....To One Of My Best Friends and Neighbor. Tom Black I will never forget you...You know how important you were to me....You were one of my best friends. Every time my family played a dice game, I would say I hope a roll a Biggie...you know It was a double or something higher than a eight...Tom it was a running joke with us, It was so great being your neighbor. My mom so enjoyed the times having coffee with your mom. To The Black Family: His Parents, Marlene and Wilbur, Susie, Cathy, and Tim we are so sorry for your lose and Thank you for being our friend and great neighbors... Sincerly, Evelyn, Teresa and Rennie Naillon. 8331 W Yellowstone Ave, Kennewick, WA 99366.”

— Teresa (Naillon) Johnson