Tom had two passions in life – his family and music. Tom’s family was his world. Devoted to his wife Clare and their recently departed dog Tommy Boy, he was the eldest of four boys and a close family unit with his parents and brothers. He adored and doted on his nieces and nephews.

Tom’s happiest times were with Clare and Tommy. He loved nothing more than spending quality time away in their motorhome (or their “happy place” as they referred to it) – even if sometimes they didn’t venture out of their own postcode. It was all about spending quality time together, regardless of the location.

Tom’s other great love was music. He worked incredibly hard to make a career out of it in the form of Sound It Out Records, an independent record shop in Teesside, where he could share his enthusiasm and vast musical knowledge with his customers. The shop wasn’t just a business. It was a social hub and safe haven for like-minded music fans, as beautifully captured in 2011’s Sound It Out documentary. People came in as customers and left as friends. Tom’s mantra was always “records hold memories”, and he left us all with many happy memories we will always treasure.

Tom was an avid supporter of the local music scene. In 2006, he established the Don’t Tell Clare record label to support the release of music by local bands on vinyl including the likes of The Chapman Family, The High Plane Drifters and Das Wanderlust. Tom was incredibly proud when one of these singles received airplay by the late, great John Peel – who said it was the best label name.

In testament to Tom’s standing within the local music scene, he had a set dedicated to him at Glastonbury on the day of his funeral. His legacy will continue in the North East region when in 2024, a stage will be named after him at Stockton Calling festival in his hometown.

Tom – you will always remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.