Remembering Tom Kough
Comments about Tom from his family and friends:
It's been many years. But we traveled to Russia/Ukraine/USSR together in October of 1990. I just read on US Masters Diving that your dear husband Tom has passed away.
I loved Tom. He was the True Spirit to our sport. He was funny; I remember the story about him boxing a kangaroo, getting hined-leggedly booted across a gym floor.
Remember in Kiev? He swapped winter coats with a Soviet Officer at the Kayak Training Center on the Dnieper River. He was so proud.
Tom was daring! Throwing 2 1/2 pikes from Ten Meter platform? What guts. And the comedy diving show in Moscow on Soviet Channel #1 ? Tom was the star. I can still hear the marching tune in my head.
I will always remember our daring and exotic trip, and the special friendship we developed. It is with a heavy heart, that I say, please be well, in your immutable loss.
-Tom
--------------------
I first met TQ before his health problems returned last year while I was labeling the mic switches for the audio mixer at a cable commission meeting.
~No one was sure just how to say Tom's last name.~
So I asked Tom and he said, "Keep it simple. Just write the letters TQ on that little piece of tape". Tom was cool guy.
He learned I was a fellow Diver so thats all we talked about.
Once we talked for 10 minutes about diving in Australia and how cool that was.
Tom of course was talking about "Spring board diving".
But I was talking about my adventures in "Scuba Diving".
Neither of us knew the other person was talking about a different type of Diving. That was passion... That was TQ.
-Detox Guy
--------------------
Tom would walk in the office and it would come alive with energy and ideas...what an inspiration and totally good hearted soul. I will miss him and remember him...gone but never forgotten....Peace to you Tom and your family...Regards...
-Cheri
--------------------
Our whole family was taught how to swim by Tom at Kough's house. It is easy to remember his warm smile, those blue eyes and his ability to engage everyone around him.
One of my earliest memories was having signs "Tom Kough for Mayor" all over our basement in Austin as Tom had asked my father to assist him with his election efforts. My Dad would silk screen the signs and then Tom had others to distribute them on his run for Mayor.
He and Dad were life long friends. Tom could bring so much life to my Dad in serous discussion, laughter or anything in between. In reading other individuals' memories, I observed this to be a strong attribute of Tom's. It was his ability to actively engage, listen, and make you feel important. I always respected Tom for his public service, his drive to succeed, and his athletic accomplishments.
Now you and "Popeye" (Dad) are together perhaps having a cold one and laughing until you both cry like the many times I remember.
-Jim
--------------------
Tom was a friend to all that passed his way…he lived life to the fullest, he strived to give his fellow man more input, more meaning and more inclusiveness with their daily life. Tom will forever be enshrined in the hearts of his friends and most important, the strangers that briefly crossed paths with this fine gentlemen, that were looking for an answer and found someone that cared enough to respond. If you were anywhere, and you addressed Tom as Mr. Mayor; Councilman Kough; a champion of swimming and diving… you would undoubtedly address Tom Kough as your friend, first and last, proudly.
-Donovan J
--------------------
We met Tom on several occasions in Lithuania and US. He was a kind, generous and cheerful person. Always helping and giving a good advice. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family which lost such a wonderful person. We miss him too...
Lithuanian masters diving club "Salto", and particularly Asta Girdauskiene and Jolanta Railiene
--------------------
"Tom and Carol have been neighbors of ours for 14 years. We have held an annual Christmas get together with the neighbors for all of those years. We always had a great time. 2 years ago I had a heart attack and Tom was one of the first to visit me while I was at Presbyterian Nursing Home recovering. He lived life to it's fullest and was a friend of the common man. We had the privilege of helping out at the U of M when the world Master Diving Championships were held here several years ago. That was a great event.
Tom was a great guy and will be greatly missed by us and all of the people in Roseville."
-Mary and Denny Harris
--------------------
"I'm saddened to hear we've lost Tom.
He was a presence in my personal diving world since I first met him in Cooke Hall in 1963 at my very first diving meet. His energy could be felt across the pool back then, and over the 40+ our paths crossed occasionally, it never flagged; It was always a joy to see him and receive his genuinely enthusiastic greetings and excited updates on his latest endeavors in diving, politics, or even health.
I remember the time we saw each other after many years at a Masters International Diving event. Within seconds after greeting me with a big smile, he peeled open his shirt to show off the scar on his chest from his successful heart operation. He then went on to compete in the 10-meter tower event the next day.
My most sincere condolences and best wishes to Carol and all his family. He is missed."
- Craig Lincoln
U.S. Olympic Diving Team, 1972
--------------------
Tom lived a FULL life, a FUN life, and a life of service and generosity to others. For that, Tom was loved, and because of that, Tom will be missed and long-remembered in our hearts. May we all find ways to live our lives by Tom's example -- what a fitting tribute that would be.
-Dan Roe
--------------------
"We will always remember Tom Kough as one of the finest and truly genuine statesmen and public servant in the State of Minnesota.
Many others have already attested to his extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in the fields of local government, high diving, and music, so further elaboration is redundant.
Suffice to say, Tom was a true “champion of the people”, especially for ordinary people like us. We will long cherish him in our hearts this way."
-Barb and Joe
--------------------
"I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I was a coach at the University and club when Tom did diving shows for us. He was a great inspiration to us, his family and friends."
-Michael H
--------------------
"Tom will be remember as a kind, generous, and thoughtful man. He was always at the ready to find a way to tackle every situation for Roseville citizens. He was good to staff and appreciative of their work. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time."
-E
--------------------
"I always felt that I could say anything to you and you would really listen. When we would talk I could count on you to let me pour out my heart, wheat and chaff alike, and with the breath of friendship you would blow away the chaff and keep for yourself all the rest. Friends are rare and mighty precious, and I'm going to miss you."
-Rick
--------------------
"My favorite memory of Tom was when we held the Clown Diving contest at the Midland, TX Spring Nationals...Tom had his disciples wheel him out in a red wagon, as he proceeded to steal the show with a production suitable for Hollywood - He was such a ham when it came to clown diving. His Inward-Backward dive from 3 meter was pants-wetting funny. I presented the awards; cupcakes for 6th thru 2nd place; Tom, the champion, all excited for winning the event hands down, received a pie in the face!
You're the MAN Tom - never to be forgotten!"
-David C
--------------------
"I was sorry to hear the sad news. It is a loss to the community, his many friends and all of you. His was a life well-lived and one to give gratitude for. He loved and lived life to the fullest in doing for others. I shall miss him and send heartfelt prayers to you all."
-Polly Franke
--------------------
"I grew up down the street from Tom and his family in Austin, Minnesota. Myself and my brothers and sister all learned how to swim from Tom. Some of my best memories come from that summer swimming in the pool with Susan, Mary and Kim. I just wanted to extend my sympanthy to the family and let you know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers."
-Kathy N
--------------------
"Tom Kough will always be remembered in the Masters diving community. He was definitely part of our "family" of divers, and a wonderful part of the family. Tom was always encouraging to other divers, especially when a new face would show up at a meet. He always went out of his way to make people feel welcome. Tom was one of my favorite people at Masters meets, since he was always so upbeat, friendly to all, and truly showed what Masters is about- a way to stay fit, healthy, and enjoy this sport we all love. He was always fun to watch in clown diving, and I will never forget when we came to Minnesota and his band played for us on deck and at the banquet. My heart goes out to Carol, the love of his life, who was so sweet and tolerant of all of Tom's many activities and crazy friends. Thank you, Carol for sharing him with us all of these many years. I picture Tom up in heaven playing the banjo, making people laugh with his stories and clown dives, and enjoying himself immensely. We'll miss you, Tom! But I look forward to seeing you again someday."
-Jennifer M.
--------------------
"I interviewed Tom back in 2001 or 2002 when I was attending Hamline University about his national diving competitions. I remember meeting him late in the night at the Physical Plant. I still write and that was definately the latest interview I've ever had. What a guy. What a man. I still have a copy of that article and I look at it from time to time. I think if Tom could do what he did when he was 70, I can do anything wiht my young age.
I'm sad to hear that Tom has passed, but he seems like one of those guys that lived each day to its fullest. That's a great way to do things - one motto I live by each day.
Thanks Tom!
-Eric Kraushar
Hamline 2003
Sports Editor
Hutchinson Leader
--------------------
"Just want you to know, Tom, that your fellow senior Olympian tennis player has added your name to others that are lifted up in prayer each morning."
-Ruby
--------------------
"Just wanted you to know that you and Carol remain always in our thoughts and prayers."
-Alice and Sam
--------------------
"I am in your cheering section!! I am upholding you both in my prayers. And I also think of you both often throughout each and every day. I am so proud to call you my friends!! You are an impressive team!
-Lynn
--------------------
"Like many Austin parents, my mom took us over for swimming lessons at "Tommy Q's" (as we phonetically knew it) pool. The year was most likely 1962 - I was perhaps 5 when I went. I was shown how to float in the shallow end of the pool by Tom, then sent to stand in line with those who were swimming across the deep end closer to the house. "Aren't you going to swim across?", I remember a little girl asking me. I told her Tommy told me to go stand in line, but hadn't told me to actually swim across. Which was true, but of course not the intent. Then Tom noticed me and I had to jump in and start swimming. I only made it about half way across. "Can you make it?" Tom yelled at me - I couldn't so Mr. Kough extended a pole for me to grab on so he could drag me to the side. I am sure Mr. Kough has dealt with lots of clever lawyers in his government career, but wondered if he ever knew about the littlest hair-splitting lawyer he unknowingly dealt with."
-Tom
--------------------
"Hi, Tom, my very dear friend! I read about you in the Pioneer Press. That's just like you, Tom, showing concern for what is best for your constituents, the people you serve so well! You have faced some rough challenges. As my Mother said, "Old age is not for sissies!" (And I have learned that, even at my "old age" of 61!) But you are the opposite, Tom! You are a strong and courageous man! It has been my great honor to know you, to work with you, and, most importantly, to call you my very dear friend. Please stay in touch."
-US Senator Mark Dayton
--------------------
"I spoke to you at the Post Office a couple of years ago and you gave me 10 or 15 minutes on the sidewalk there and you carefully listened to and reflected on what I was suggesting. I don’t need to go into exactly what those ideas were, except that they concerned the B & Snelling area and I still appreciate your time and attention to my concern about pedestrian safety. Later I happened to notice on TV that you were speaking to the council and on one occasion you represented what I’d said and you did a good job of framing it. It is this one experience that suggests an overall pattern in your life of public service. For that reason I am sure you will be missed by many."
"We need to have capable people in city council positions, and I hope your replacement is a quality person who puts the public interest above his own career."
"Thanks again for your service. We wish you all the best."
-Paul
--------------------
It's been many years. But we traveled to Russia/Ukraine/USSR together in October of 1990. I just read on US Masters Diving that your dear husband Tom has passed away.
I loved Tom. He was the True Spirit to our sport. He was funny; I remember the story about him boxing a kangaroo, getting hined-leggedly booted across a gym floor.
Remember in Kiev? He swapped winter coats with a Soviet Officer at the Kayak Training Center on the Dnieper River. He was so proud.
Tom was daring! Throwing 2 1/2 pikes from Ten Meter platform? What guts. And the comedy diving show in Moscow on Soviet Channel #1 ? Tom was the star. I can still hear the marching tune in my head.
I will always remember our daring and exotic trip, and the special friendship we developed. It is with a heavy heart, that I say, please be well, in your immutable loss.
-Tom
--------------------
I first met TQ before his health problems returned last year while I was labeling the mic switches for the audio mixer at a cable commission meeting.
~No one was sure just how to say Tom's last name.~
So I asked Tom and he said, "Keep it simple. Just write the letters TQ on that little piece of tape". Tom was cool guy.
He learned I was a fellow Diver so thats all we talked about.
Once we talked for 10 minutes about diving in Australia and how cool that was.
Tom of course was talking about "Spring board diving".
But I was talking about my adventures in "Scuba Diving".
Neither of us knew the other person was talking about a different type of Diving. That was passion... That was TQ.
-Detox Guy
--------------------
Tom would walk in the office and it would come alive with energy and ideas...what an inspiration and totally good hearted soul. I will miss him and remember him...gone but never forgotten....Peace to you Tom and your family...Regards...
-Cheri
--------------------
Our whole family was taught how to swim by Tom at Kough's house. It is easy to remember his warm smile, those blue eyes and his ability to engage everyone around him.
One of my earliest memories was having signs "Tom Kough for Mayor" all over our basement in Austin as Tom had asked my father to assist him with his election efforts. My Dad would silk screen the signs and then Tom had others to distribute them on his run for Mayor.
He and Dad were life long friends. Tom could bring so much life to my Dad in serous discussion, laughter or anything in between. In reading other individuals' memories, I observed this to be a strong attribute of Tom's. It was his ability to actively engage, listen, and make you feel important. I always respected Tom for his public service, his drive to succeed, and his athletic accomplishments.
Now you and "Popeye" (Dad) are together perhaps having a cold one and laughing until you both cry like the many times I remember.
-Jim
--------------------
Tom was a friend to all that passed his way…he lived life to the fullest, he strived to give his fellow man more input, more meaning and more inclusiveness with their daily life. Tom will forever be enshrined in the hearts of his friends and most important, the strangers that briefly crossed paths with this fine gentlemen, that were looking for an answer and found someone that cared enough to respond. If you were anywhere, and you addressed Tom as Mr. Mayor; Councilman Kough; a champion of swimming and diving… you would undoubtedly address Tom Kough as your friend, first and last, proudly.
-Donovan J
--------------------
We met Tom on several occasions in Lithuania and US. He was a kind, generous and cheerful person. Always helping and giving a good advice. We would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family which lost such a wonderful person. We miss him too...
Lithuanian masters diving club "Salto", and particularly Asta Girdauskiene and Jolanta Railiene
--------------------
"Tom and Carol have been neighbors of ours for 14 years. We have held an annual Christmas get together with the neighbors for all of those years. We always had a great time. 2 years ago I had a heart attack and Tom was one of the first to visit me while I was at Presbyterian Nursing Home recovering. He lived life to it's fullest and was a friend of the common man. We had the privilege of helping out at the U of M when the world Master Diving Championships were held here several years ago. That was a great event.
Tom was a great guy and will be greatly missed by us and all of the people in Roseville."
-Mary and Denny Harris
--------------------
"I'm saddened to hear we've lost Tom.
He was a presence in my personal diving world since I first met him in Cooke Hall in 1963 at my very first diving meet. His energy could be felt across the pool back then, and over the 40+ our paths crossed occasionally, it never flagged; It was always a joy to see him and receive his genuinely enthusiastic greetings and excited updates on his latest endeavors in diving, politics, or even health.
I remember the time we saw each other after many years at a Masters International Diving event. Within seconds after greeting me with a big smile, he peeled open his shirt to show off the scar on his chest from his successful heart operation. He then went on to compete in the 10-meter tower event the next day.
My most sincere condolences and best wishes to Carol and all his family. He is missed."
- Craig Lincoln
U.S. Olympic Diving Team, 1972
--------------------
Tom lived a FULL life, a FUN life, and a life of service and generosity to others. For that, Tom was loved, and because of that, Tom will be missed and long-remembered in our hearts. May we all find ways to live our lives by Tom's example -- what a fitting tribute that would be.
-Dan Roe
--------------------
"We will always remember Tom Kough as one of the finest and truly genuine statesmen and public servant in the State of Minnesota.
Many others have already attested to his extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in the fields of local government, high diving, and music, so further elaboration is redundant.
Suffice to say, Tom was a true “champion of the people”, especially for ordinary people like us. We will long cherish him in our hearts this way."
-Barb and Joe
--------------------
"I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I was a coach at the University and club when Tom did diving shows for us. He was a great inspiration to us, his family and friends."
-Michael H
--------------------
"Tom will be remember as a kind, generous, and thoughtful man. He was always at the ready to find a way to tackle every situation for Roseville citizens. He was good to staff and appreciative of their work. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time."
-E
--------------------
"I always felt that I could say anything to you and you would really listen. When we would talk I could count on you to let me pour out my heart, wheat and chaff alike, and with the breath of friendship you would blow away the chaff and keep for yourself all the rest. Friends are rare and mighty precious, and I'm going to miss you."
-Rick
--------------------
"My favorite memory of Tom was when we held the Clown Diving contest at the Midland, TX Spring Nationals...Tom had his disciples wheel him out in a red wagon, as he proceeded to steal the show with a production suitable for Hollywood - He was such a ham when it came to clown diving. His Inward-Backward dive from 3 meter was pants-wetting funny. I presented the awards; cupcakes for 6th thru 2nd place; Tom, the champion, all excited for winning the event hands down, received a pie in the face!
You're the MAN Tom - never to be forgotten!"
-David C
--------------------
"I was sorry to hear the sad news. It is a loss to the community, his many friends and all of you. His was a life well-lived and one to give gratitude for. He loved and lived life to the fullest in doing for others. I shall miss him and send heartfelt prayers to you all."
-Polly Franke
--------------------
"I grew up down the street from Tom and his family in Austin, Minnesota. Myself and my brothers and sister all learned how to swim from Tom. Some of my best memories come from that summer swimming in the pool with Susan, Mary and Kim. I just wanted to extend my sympanthy to the family and let you know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers."
-Kathy N
--------------------
"Tom Kough will always be remembered in the Masters diving community. He was definitely part of our "family" of divers, and a wonderful part of the family. Tom was always encouraging to other divers, especially when a new face would show up at a meet. He always went out of his way to make people feel welcome. Tom was one of my favorite people at Masters meets, since he was always so upbeat, friendly to all, and truly showed what Masters is about- a way to stay fit, healthy, and enjoy this sport we all love. He was always fun to watch in clown diving, and I will never forget when we came to Minnesota and his band played for us on deck and at the banquet. My heart goes out to Carol, the love of his life, who was so sweet and tolerant of all of Tom's many activities and crazy friends. Thank you, Carol for sharing him with us all of these many years. I picture Tom up in heaven playing the banjo, making people laugh with his stories and clown dives, and enjoying himself immensely. We'll miss you, Tom! But I look forward to seeing you again someday."
-Jennifer M.
--------------------
"I interviewed Tom back in 2001 or 2002 when I was attending Hamline University about his national diving competitions. I remember meeting him late in the night at the Physical Plant. I still write and that was definately the latest interview I've ever had. What a guy. What a man. I still have a copy of that article and I look at it from time to time. I think if Tom could do what he did when he was 70, I can do anything wiht my young age.
I'm sad to hear that Tom has passed, but he seems like one of those guys that lived each day to its fullest. That's a great way to do things - one motto I live by each day.
Thanks Tom!
-Eric Kraushar
Hamline 2003
Sports Editor
Hutchinson Leader
--------------------
"Just want you to know, Tom, that your fellow senior Olympian tennis player has added your name to others that are lifted up in prayer each morning."
-Ruby
--------------------
"Just wanted you to know that you and Carol remain always in our thoughts and prayers."
-Alice and Sam
--------------------
"I am in your cheering section!! I am upholding you both in my prayers. And I also think of you both often throughout each and every day. I am so proud to call you my friends!! You are an impressive team!
-Lynn
--------------------
"Like many Austin parents, my mom took us over for swimming lessons at "Tommy Q's" (as we phonetically knew it) pool. The year was most likely 1962 - I was perhaps 5 when I went. I was shown how to float in the shallow end of the pool by Tom, then sent to stand in line with those who were swimming across the deep end closer to the house. "Aren't you going to swim across?", I remember a little girl asking me. I told her Tommy told me to go stand in line, but hadn't told me to actually swim across. Which was true, but of course not the intent. Then Tom noticed me and I had to jump in and start swimming. I only made it about half way across. "Can you make it?" Tom yelled at me - I couldn't so Mr. Kough extended a pole for me to grab on so he could drag me to the side. I am sure Mr. Kough has dealt with lots of clever lawyers in his government career, but wondered if he ever knew about the littlest hair-splitting lawyer he unknowingly dealt with."
-Tom
--------------------
"Hi, Tom, my very dear friend! I read about you in the Pioneer Press. That's just like you, Tom, showing concern for what is best for your constituents, the people you serve so well! You have faced some rough challenges. As my Mother said, "Old age is not for sissies!" (And I have learned that, even at my "old age" of 61!) But you are the opposite, Tom! You are a strong and courageous man! It has been my great honor to know you, to work with you, and, most importantly, to call you my very dear friend. Please stay in touch."
-US Senator Mark Dayton
--------------------
"I spoke to you at the Post Office a couple of years ago and you gave me 10 or 15 minutes on the sidewalk there and you carefully listened to and reflected on what I was suggesting. I don’t need to go into exactly what those ideas were, except that they concerned the B & Snelling area and I still appreciate your time and attention to my concern about pedestrian safety. Later I happened to notice on TV that you were speaking to the council and on one occasion you represented what I’d said and you did a good job of framing it. It is this one experience that suggests an overall pattern in your life of public service. For that reason I am sure you will be missed by many."
"We need to have capable people in city council positions, and I hope your replacement is a quality person who puts the public interest above his own career."
"Thanks again for your service. We wish you all the best."
-Paul
--------------------
