Every gentleman I write about is special for one reason or another.
They are all in my Hall of Fame of Human Beings.
All for different and unique reasons.
This chapter is about, perhaps, the funniest. My late friend, Tom McKay.
Yes, I certainly considered Tom a ‘friend’ as I aged into adulthood but he was truly a member of my late father’s “Rat Pack”.
Tom, Dad and a whole other consortium of sordid characters spent decades having fun and laughs. They had an incredible group of old school dudes that simply had a ball; led by Mr. McKay. If their crew was the Rat Pack, Tom McKay was Frank Sinatra.
Tom was the most electric, dare I say iconic, person you could imagine.
Tom could have you dangling on a string listening to his stories.
Tom could make a story about the DMV funny.
Tom could make anything funny.
The most devilish laugh you could envision, Tom always made your day better.
And here is the best part, Tom’s life was dedicated to showing us all a good time. A saloon owner for many years then evolved into the city’s ultimate party planner as the head of the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Tom was the guy you looked to when you needed some fun in your life.
Tom brought musical acts, comedians, and legends of stage and screen to the Mill City.
Tom brought Sesame Street to Lowell for Christ Sake!
Tom flirted with Dolly Parton and teased Bill Cosby (ya know, before we knew what a giant sicko he was {Cosby, not Tom}!).
Tom made the Golden Gloves feel like a heavy weight championship bout in Las Vegas.
Whether it was a Broadway show or just a private conversation, Tom made everything an event. Tom made everyone that graced his presence feel special and loved.
Kind, generous, and absolutely hilarious.
I loved Tom.
Real Man.
Below is the tribute I wrote to Tom just after he passed away. No prouder words written.
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2.10.2014
The City of Lowell is a darker place today. This week we say goodbye to one of its brightest stars, Tom McKay. Tom McKay was one of the most recognizable, active and socially responsible citizens in this city’s history. I could write a whole lot of words outlining all of Tom’s professional accolades as a businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist over the past 50 years, but I want to tell you about the man.
If you did not know Tom, I honestly feel bad for you. Tom was one of the most electric personalities you could ever meet. When Tom McKay walked in to a room, you knew it. He lit it up. I am not sure whether it was his big Irish smile, his always dapper appearance or that unmistakable voice? I am not sure it was any of those things. Tom just had “presence”. And when you had the great fortune of being in Tom’s presence, you knew you were about to be entertained.
Tom had an uncanny ability to make everyone around him feel welcomed. As one of my family’s closest and oldest friends, I had the luxury of being around Tom my entire life and I can say with conviction; it was always an ‘event’.
“How ah ya, buddy?” was one of Tom’s signature greetings when he reached to shake your hand. Many have joked that Tom called everyone ‘Buddy’ because he could not remember your name. The irony is Tom McKay was everybody’s buddy. He really was. Tom lured followers and friends like the Pied Piper. Perhaps the greatest story teller I have ever known, Tom’s charisma was captivating and you did not want to miss one minute of his wit and banter. Tom had a story (some may have been exaggerated) for every occasion and every audience. All of them were priceless. If stories can be considered gifts, then Tom was Santa Claus.
A devout Catholic, Tom was always one to give his time, energy and resources to those in need. When it came to charity and giving, Tom never said the word ‘no’. Both personally and professionally, Tom gave to any worthy cause that crossed his path.
While Tom led a very busy professional life, he was a family man to the core and they were always his first priority. His devotion and affection for his wife Lori and daughters Jennifer and Meredith were unwavering and always obvious. Tom was blessed with two beautiful granddaughters and in his last days another blessing came in to Tom’s world; his first grandson, James THOMAS. Oh the stories you will hear, Little “T”.
Yes, the city of Lowell and beyond is a darker place, but the Kingdom of Heaven is surely brighter with Tom in it.
Rest easy, Buddy, we all loved ya.
Can I Be Frank & Crew? 