In Loving Memory Of A Great Friend, Tom Beatty-You Changed My Life

Tom was my best friend here in Alaska, one of the best friends I've ever made in my life. Tom was my partner in developing the Alaska Bush Ski Outreach for the past 4 years, we flew to villages each winter to touch the lives of the children (while having a great time ourselves), he also (through his example) is responsible for getting me excited about teaching skiing to (making a difference in the lives of) those with disabilities. His focus in life was on family, friends, relationships, doing what you loved in the outdoors, and "making a difference" with his life. Through his positive atttitude and great sense of humor, he made life a total blast every second you were around him, he made the dark AK winters brighter and warmer... to say that he will be sorely missed is an exteme understatement. (I'm sure that a lot of things happened in my life between my last birthday and Tom's death, but honestly...none of it seems important right now).

Homer resident Thomas M. Beatty, 38, died Sept. 30, 2007, as a result of a floatplane accident at Katmai National Park.
A service will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Campbell Creek Science Center on Abbott Loop Road. Bring photos and stories to share.
Tom was born Dec. 30, 1968, in Walnut Creek, Calif., where he was raised. He graduated from Los Lomas High School in 1987 and received a degree in environmental studies from the University of California in Santa Cruz in 1992.
Tom and his wife, Julie, moved to Girdwood in 1996. He worked for Challenge Alaska during the winters and as a flyfishing guide during the summers for Royal Wolf Lodge in Katmai National Park.
His family wrote: "He was the consummate outdoorsman -- an expert flyfishing guide and backcountry telemark skier. Through his patient teaching and expert guiding skills, he touched all with his passion for the outdoors, good humor and love of life. Tom will be in our hearts forever."
He is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter, Lindsey; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Nicholas; daughter, Lauren of Anchorage; and parents, Russ and Jane Beatty of Santa Cruz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas M. Beatty Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank; reference Julia Beatty when making donation. Funds will be donated to the Independent Living Center in Homer and Challenge Alaska Ski Program.

Stories about Tom:

I couldn’t help but remember my last day fishing at RWL last year. My friend Larry and I fished American Crek with Tom for what I believe was his last trip for the season. Reflecting on that day, he told me he was given up guiding to be home more....and he would miss his favorite place to fish-American Creek. At the end of the fishing day, I handed him my rod as we waited for Bruce to fly us home. Tom skipped a mouse he brought with him (I still have it) over the inlet as we all played team fishing. What fun, we caught 9 or 10 respectable fish, and laughed our heads off at how aggressive these fish were with the mouse. Somewhere in my picture book is a snapshot of Tom catching a fish on that mouse with a big grin on his face – last fish for the year in Alaska for all of us.

Such is the fate of our passions that we take what we hope are limited risk to pursue our lives dreams. Tom, Bruce the pilot, and the others all passed from this life doing what they loved most: being in heavens corner of Alaska. I’m sure they are all skipping mice in a new corner of heaven, smiling, while Bruce circles to take them home.
John Bartling (Dallas, TX)

Tom had a great sense of humor and compassion for people he worked with. I'll always remember him and the enthusiasm for life he enjoyed.
Joanna tornes (homer)

Tom Beatty was killed in a plane crash on Sunday, September 30. Those of us who knew him are truly devastated as he was one of the most fun, passionate, knowledgeable staff we have ever had. He was a delight to work with and play with. He had fun and made the rest of us have fun with him...Joyanna Geisler, Executive Director

Challenge Alaska Board, Staff, Volunteers and Participants remember be-loved former staff Tom Beatty He touched so many with his enthusiasm, smile, and vigor for life! Tom spent his life helping others. He impacted and changed people's lives positively every day. We will remember you fondly and miss you dearly.