Softly Away He Goes - Our Own Dr. Tom Bayston

This past week we lost one of our own - a gentle soul, a humanist, an intellect, a world traveler, a humorist, bon vivant, and an undisputed ORANGE! Tom came to us, as many others have, a nontraditional student. That descriptor was never more accurate! He brought to my classes hilarity, caring, a sense of mischief unparalleled. He brought insight, and deep thinking, always seeking
the truth, no matter where it might be. His laid-back attitude toward life reflected an easy-going and free spirit, yet one who, given a noble cause, was out in front leading it forward! He loved life and all with whom he came in contact. Nothing fazed him, no matter the urgency of the event - he would examine the situation, smile, and say, “Hey Doc, it'll work out!”

He served his peers in so many different ways. His web mastering was unbelievably good, to the point, and accurate to a fault. He had an artistic eye, and always sought only the best of himself and those with whom he collaborated.He saved more than one student group from total annihilation and I shudder to think how often he made me look far better than I had any right to be. He was a consummate gentleman but could summon a vocabulary befitting a Senior Master Sergeant!
He loved to light up a cigar, sit back and sigh with delight, and then expound on some really off-the-wall idea, most of which proved to be so visionary he could have been a prophet! On innumerable occasions he'd drop by the house, not for anything specific, just to chat. And could he chat!

He was willing to try new experiences, even to a newfound enthusiasm for Taiwan “firewater” and “Taiwan chewing gum.” The latter he tried one night in a Taipei night market and the quizzical bemusement on his face told it all! Indeed, Dr. Tom, you were a pillar of strength for UCF-AECT, for CPAW, for AECT, to your students, and for each of us. How we will miss you!

Dick Cornell, devoted friend
Former CPAW president
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To the CPAW family,

It is with sadness and regret to pen this email on the
passing of the President Dr Tom Bayston. In the short
period of time that he has been President of CPAW, he
has demonstrated his uniqueness in organising and
directing the future of CPAW.

Condolences to Dr. Bayston's family and also to CPAW.
A man whose shoes would be difficult to fill.

Gerard Yeo
on behalf of
James Ruse Agricultural High School
Sydney, NSW, Australia

___________________________________________________________________________

It is sad when we loose a vital, vibrant voice in our field Dr. Tom Bayston
was indeed one of those rare individuals. CPAW will miss his leadership and
guidance at our helm, but we are a better organization for having known him.
He will be missed, but more important, he will be remembered.

Fondly,

Dr. Nancyanne Bonacci
New York, USA.

___________________________________________________________________________

All I can say is "Good Lord, what a shock".
Tom and I met when we were both graduate students at UCF
10 (it's hard to believe it's been that long) years ago. To me he seemed to
be a man on a mission in the middle of a mid-life course correction. There
was an enthusiasm and drive he posessed that was quite evident even to the
casual
observer. He was a nice man who was always willing to pitch in and help
wherever
he thought he could be of help. CPAW was fortunate to have him as a member.
CPAW has lost a great friend. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.

Richard Cortell
Hon. USA Director
___________________________________________________________________________

Dear Malcolm Beazley,

Here at UCF we are all very shocked and saddened by Tom's passing.

He was an inspiration, a good friend, and a committed participant on our
Committee for the Office of Global and Multicultural Education. He helped
promote and present our Diversity Week Program.

Tom could be found wherever something dynamic was taking place!
He was always open to new ideas and experiences, with an optimistic vision
of a world that respects creative ideas and diverse individuals from all
countries and cultures.

The atmosphere he created in his classes was of productive warmth - students
were challenged by his insight and constructive ideas and produced
outstanding work that showed the growth he had challenged.

In Tom's true spirit of nonconformism, may I say on his behalf,
"Let it R.I.P.!!!"

He will be sorely missed.

Gillian Sluti, PH.D.
Educational Studies Department
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816-1250
___________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for alerting us to the death of Dr. Tom Bayston, Jr. We would like
to send the following condolences to the family:

From Computer Pals Across the World members and friends in Central Australia.

We are fortunate to have been guided by such a conscientious and dedicated
President as Dr. Tom Bayston. We hope to continue with his memory a beacon for
years to come. God Bless all the family and friends who have gained insight,
trust and strength from him.

Always,

Constance Price (CPAW Hon. Vice President)
Computer Pals Across the World (CPAW)
___________________________________________________________________________

What a sad and beautiful page. I'm sure that soon you'll have many more
messages to post. He deserves it.

"It's still hard for me to believe that my dear friend Dr. Tom won't be in
Orlando with his big smile and friendly hug next time I go there.
I met Tom at UCF, when we we're both adjuncts at the College of Education
and he was always patiently ready to help me with his computer skills and
to join us for the Brazilian parties and b-b-qs. It's been less than two
months that he welcomed me to one of his Distance Education classes, what an
experience! It was always good to work with him.
Even from so far away I miss not having one of my best American friends
around anymore.
My sympathy to his family.

Ligia S. Leite
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
___________________________________________________________________________

It is sad when we loose a vital, vibrant voice in our field Dr. Tom Bayston
was indeed one of those rare individuals. CPAW will miss his leadership and
guidance at our helm, but we are a better organization for having known him.
He will be missed, but more important, he will be remembered.

Fondly,

Dr. Nancyanne Bonacci
New York, USA.
___________________________________________________________________________

His personal website...