Born September 5, 1935 – Died May 27. 2024
My name is Tom Twyford. I’m 84 years old at the moment and writing my own obituary (died at age 88 in Columbus, Ohio). Of course, I’m biased toward myself but will endeavor to resist unbridled ego where possible.
So, how can I keep this short, simple and on point? Having lived so long this is a tough assignment. Also, I’m a retired lawyer, a member of a profession that never seems to know when to shut up. I’ll try, but no promises please!
I think I’ll just tell you some of the things I’ve done and let you fill in the blanks as you place your own interpretation on the accomplishments of a not so conventional life. Note here that I do not depict my life as a ‘success’, as universally defined in contemporary society. That’s to say, I didn’t make a gazillion dollars that would cinch my life as a success in the eyes of most. Instead, I turn my attention to a quote by Booker T. Washington, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed”. To be perfectly honest I acknowledge that this quote for my life is self-serving. But, self-serving or not, it is true. I’m trying to base this obituary on truth, and that must supersede other considerations.
O.K. now the suspense is over, these are most (not all) of the things I’ve done in my long life: paperboy, warehouse stockman, grocery boy delivery driver, boilermaker helper, dry cleaner salesman, men’s store clothing salesman, steel mill worker, busboy, wait- er, bridge toll keeper, U.S. Public Health Service interviewer/ investigator, U.S. Army Officer, Ski Fire Team Leader in Alaska, sign maker of freeway markers, airport parking attendant, legal researcher, legislative drafter, attorney, magistrate, lawyer in private practice, writer, author of two non-fiction books… enough already. I’m tired and I dare say so are you.
I possessed a constant curiosity about history, geography, literature, and travel. I was an outspoken advocate for environmental issues. The protection of the health of our planet was a passion for me that fit well with the philosophy of a life-long Democrat.
As a frustrated athlete, I settled down to become an avid sports fan who managed to complete three marathons and many triathlon events. Much of my travel in the U.S. involved skiing and biking. Vermont ain’t flat and neither is Montana.
Music was a part of each day of my life. From Elvis Presley to George Gershwin. Country, Pop, Folk, Jazz, Doo-Wop and Classical. I loved it all.
I often said, “I like dogs better than people”. Well, it was not entirely said in jest. My black labs ‘Chippie’ and ‘Grace’ never lied to me and gave me unconditional love.
Those who knew me best knew that I was at times profane and irreverent. Alcohol caused my joy, but more often pain. My faults were many, but I hope my virtues exceeded them. It is however my fondest wish to be remembered as “a good guy”. I’d be happy with that epitaph.
I’ve saved all the normal rhetoric required in an obit for last. So, If you’re already bored, there’s no need to continue. I was born in Steubenville, Ohio on September 5, 1935. The fourth and youngest child of Frances A. Woods (Twyford) and George Everett Twyford. I’m predeceased in death by mother, father, sister Virginia Stott (Gordon), brothers George and Jimmy Twyford and daughter-in-law Sue Twyford, as well as two infant sons. I never expected to outlive the only girl I ever loved, who became my wife of 63 years, Dorothy (Parks) Twyford. Dorothy passed on April 21, 2019, at age 81. So, when she passed a part of me predeceased my being. I think I’m writing a partial obituary of what remains. My sister Marge Bedortha (Jim) of Steubenville, Ohio survives me, along with her children, niece Laurel Miller and nephew, Craig Bedortha. Surviving me is my son Tom Twyford, Jr., his partner Joella Callaway, and grandsons Tommy Twyford III and Eddie Twyford. To the extent that having male prodigy is considered an accomplishment, then this is my life’s crowning achievement. I cannot imagine three men more qualified to carry on the family’s name.
“And the night shall be filled with music, And the cares that infest the day, shall fold their tents like the Arabs, And as silently steal away”, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from “The Day Is Done”
Arrangements with Graumlich Funeral Home, 1351 South High St., Columbus, Ohio 43207. To leave an online condolence please visit www. graumlichfuneral home.com
