I met Tom Perkins soon after we moved to Mooresville, NC, almost 22 years ago. His wife, Priscilla, Aloma and Pam K discovered they were the same age and their birthdays were within two weeks of each other. They became close friends - and so I got to know Tom.
Tom was from Oklahoma but worked for years in New York City in commercial real estate, a tough and competitive occupation. He was up to it. Tom could be crusty and hold his own against anyone.
Tom loved football, especially Oklahoma football. If conversation lagged, all it took was to ask Tom about Oklahoma’s prospects, and he would talk for 15 minutes. Most years, he would attend a Oklahoma football game.
I would not stereotype Tom as a typical Oklahoman, He didn’t look like he could plow the north 40 or play defensive tackle for Oklahoma or Nebraska. Tom was short, a nappy dresser and direct with his speech with no midwest drawl.
My best memories are when the three birthday girls and husbands plus three other couples would gather for dinner, usually at Tom and Priscilla's home. We would sit around their large dining room table, having a few glass of wine, while Tom and Priscilla would entertain us with stories. Tom’s were usually about Oklahoma, including stories about his grandfather who was a trick shot artist. We would laugh so hard that my face hurt the next day.
When our grandson, Jack, was five years old, Laura, Tom and Priscilla’s daughter, positioned him in the water with Tom’s beginner water skis while Tom readied the boat. Jack shot out of the water and never fell. Jack, now 12 years old, remembers Mr. Perkins and that day in detail.
An era ended two years ago when we moved to Cary, Pam and Bill moved to Chapel Hill and Tom and Priscilla moved to an assisted living community.
Tom, I will always miss you and never forget your stories.
Seasoned Man
stevelem117@gmail.com
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