THOMAS SPECHT Obituary

Kathy - I just learned of Tom's passing and am so saddened by this news. Tom was one of my closest and most-trusted colleagues through the years. He was the most upbeat, positive influence. I could always count on a smile and good laugh from him when it was needed. I spoke with him in June and, true to form, he was still happy, positive, and marching ahead. I am here if you need anything.

Tom was one of the kindest and compassionate people that I've known. He was a great friend. My life will not be nearly as good without him in it.

My condolences on your loss.

Dear Kathy & family

My sincere condolences on your loss.

Tom was a one in a million man. His tenacious attitude & positivity was, is & always will be an enduring memory. I miss out chats in the office & feel very privallaged to have met such a wonderful human being.

My thoughts are with you all.

Johanna Furey xo

I worked with Tom at Newisys and DDN. He was always a upbeat, positive guy. He will be missed.

Dave Pfister

I've worked with Tom for many years at DDN. Was repeatedly delighted to learn new and interesting things about him - motorcycles, hummingbirds - and his cheerful adaptation to medical challenges.

At work, he modeled tremendous integrity and commitment and he was consistently gracious interacting with others (including me). Truly someone to guide us all.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tom and I worked together in our earlier careers, both at DEC and then at Apple. He was a trusted and respected coworker and friend. Rest in Peace brother.

Kathryn, I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My name is Dave Miller, and I worked for Tom at Cray Computer Corp. for about 3 years, all the way up until the company shut its doors. I can say without question that Tom was the best boss I ever worked for. When I met Tom at Cray, I was working in the production department, but was very interested in joining the technical side of the company. Tom encouraged me and eventually provided me with the opportunity to join his team of test engineers and technicians. My time working as one of Tom's techs propelled me into a 20 year career as an applications and marketing engineer. I would have never had a career that allowed me to travel to customer sites throughout the US and Asia if not for Tom's support and mentoring. He believed in my ability, he pushed me to learn and do things that I didn't think I was capable of doing. I have always, in my mind, considered Tom as the most important mentor in my working career. I am saddened by his death, and I wanted to let you know that he meant a lot to me. I enjoyed his humor, his spirit, his storys and his encouragement. Rest in Peace, Tom.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.