omg
I am sad to hear this. I'm not sure just how close people can become 'online', but as far as people on here, Tommy was a genuine dude with some real character.
Tommy may not have known this, but he actually helped me get started in cue making. The best pool I ever played in my life was with my holy grail cue, which Tommy bought from me. It was on that day that I traded my pool game for the craft which is somewhat regrettable, but since you cannot have both, I gave up the old for the new.
It was with the money I got from that cue that gave me what I needed to buy my Clausing and with that 50 year old broken down machine, I have been able to live out some really fantastic and truly amazing experiences.
Through that deal I became pretty close with Tommy, and looking back, the only thing I regret was not having the chance to meet him in person. As my craft unfolded, Tommy commissioned me to make him a cue. I told him I messed up on the points, leaving a gap between some of the miters..... I told him I could either finish the cue or start over and he told me to start over... long story short, what makes me feel so sad about this day is the fact that I simply could not get his cue done right. I completed the basic construction and have tweaked it a few times (the other one with the 'messed up points') and it hits like a champ. Since then, I have seen some of Gus points up close and personal, so do I don't feel so bad now.
There are lots of people on here who are here for different reasons. Without having met him, my gut tells me that he was one of the 'good guys' and will be remembered for a long time to come.
Some of you may have seen this cue I posted on here a year or two back.... the pin went in crooked, the wrap is not flush, and there a gaps in the miters... but the Szamboti 'Tribute' as well as all my other cue adventures happened because of Tommy. I am sad on this day but I know you are probably stringing 5 packs in heaven with my holy grail cue!) so at least I can smile about that...... I will miss you, buddy. Rest in peace, brother.
Your friend,
Sung
The cue on the right is the one I described...
Throughout our relationship, Tommy never once said anything or did anything to my knowledge that would indicate that he was not a man of his word.
