Tribute Wall
Wednesday
7
April
Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
John J. Fox Funeral Home, Inc.
2080 Boston Post Road
Larchmont, New York, United States
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Pat Doyle posted a condolence
Monday, April 12, 2021
I was fortunate enough to work with Tom at Ammirati -- he was a smart, skilled, vastly talented man -- with great kindness and a wickedly wonderful dry sense of humor. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. And glad to know he had time for a second career in music -- which I suspect was always his first love. My deepest sympathy to his family and his many friends.
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James and Valda Oestreicher posted a condolence
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Tom was a brilliant and amazing man, with a sense of humour like no other. We were privileged to know him in Toronto and also on our New York visits. We will miss him. Jamie and Valda Oestreicher
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Timothy G. Mack posted a condolence
Friday, April 9, 2021
I graduated with Tom in 1974 from U of D High. He was a musician, I was a jock, and although we ran in some of the same circles, we were more friendly than we were friends. The last I saw Tom was the day we graduated. Until one of our recent reunions.
At that reunion him and I got into a rather long, deep, and intimate conversation that has always stuck with me. I have related that conversation to other people literally dozens of times. It was about the faces that all of us put forth in public…..and about how it is hard sometimes to tell what’s going on behind the face we put out there for others to see.
I won’t go into detail on the specifics of the conversation, but in it Tom related to me his deep love for his wife…..and how profoundly he appreciated her standing by him during a few of the rough patches. It was quite moving.
Sometimes it’s easier to tell an old classmate at a reunion something like that than it is to tell your own wife. So Lisa, I hope that I’m telling you something that you already know, but if you don’t, please know that Tom thought that you were a treasure in his life. He didn’t tell me at that reunion about how successful he was in his career or in music (I learned that from his obituary), but he did tell me about you. That kind of says it all, doesn’t it?
I was very saddened to hear of Tom’s death. Condolences to you and your family.
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Carol Moore-Ede posted a condolence
Friday, April 9, 2021
Dear Lisa, David, Sarah and Steven,
How terribly sad for you. I am truly sorry for the loss of Tom from your lives. He obviously loved his family dearly.
Tom was a wonderful and multi-talented man. We were so fortunate to have known him, and your family, during your time in Toronto. He had a lovely wry and quiet sense of humour.
My condolences to all of you.
With affection,
Carol
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Michael Romej posted a condolence
Friday, April 9, 2021
Great memories of Tom at UDHS. My condolences.
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James Dalthorp posted a condolence
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Tom was amazing. My first partner at A&P. The talent on the floor - brilliance in every corridor, that was some agency, hand crafted by Martin and Ralph. Tom was relentless, demanding in every good way. We’d meet early, hours before anyone else, pepper the walls with ideas, headlines, layouts - Tom loved advertising, loved great advertising, and its history, He helped make it an adventure and worth all the sacrifices. We burned some cars for Aetna, shot nights for BMW (not sure he ever forgave me for that). Tom just seemed to have the whole world figured out. Can’t believe he’s gone. He won’t be forgotten.
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Joseph S Moynihan posted a condolence
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Tom and I were classmates at UDHS. Great memories. Fun and smart. He will be missed.
Joe Moynihan UDHS 74
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James P. Gillis posted a condolence
Thursday, April 8, 2021
I am so very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. We were very good friends at the High and later at MSU. I have always regretted how time, distance, jobs, and life in general got in the way. I have very fond memories of Tom—easy to have since I don’t think he ever looked any different from when he was in high school. He certainly followed his dreams. What an accomplished guy. He never had to say, “Work sucks, I’m going on tour.” He just did it all. I’m glad that I was there to see it all at its inception. I wish I had seen it through. Warmest wishes to his family and loved ones. I can only imagine how much you will miss him. James P. Gillis
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Jackie Plumez posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
We loved having dinner with Tom and Lisa and were big fans of his music. Such creative lyrics -- full of love and insight into the human condition. We will play his music and think of him often.
Love from Jackie and Jean Plumez
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Rob Taube posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
I was friends with Tom when we lived in Detroit, and was lucky enough to have written songs with him when we were both young and starting out. We recorded the songs with our band Scratch, and though they never charted, I still cherish them among my “Greatest Hits You Never Heard”.
40 years later I had a chance to see him and his band at the Bitter End, and his craft had only deepened and become richer as time had passed.
Tom was madly creative and talented; but more than that he was kind and generous, a true quality human being that you meet a couple times in your life. The last conversation I had with him, I was going out to Indiana to care for my dying father, and Tom kept my spirits up for a good hour in the phone as I was passing through a long lonely stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
I was so blessed to have known him, and will miss him deeply.
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Brooke Molinaroli posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
I was so happy to meet Tom and Lisa via Jean Wolff here in Larchmont/Mamaroneck. I am so appreciative of their support of my business BAM Art. His second act as a musician was so inspirational and it's clear that he gained much joy from it. Sending love and support to Lisa and the entire Nelson family.
Brooke Molinaroli
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Sean McCarthy posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear this. I loved working with Tom in the 90s at Ammirati. Years later, after I moved to Larchmont, I ran into Tom on the train and we reconnected. I was also fortunate to see Tom and his band(s) many times! He will be missed.
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Melissa Minor posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Bonnie (Lall) and I are so very sad to hear of Tom's sudden passing, he was truly one of a kind. We worked with Tom (& Doug & Dennis) at Ammirati & Puris Toronto. Tom was a talented, generous, wonderful gentleman. We had such fun times and great memories. We are all better human beings for having Tom in our lives. Tom you will be missed.
To Lisa, David, Steven and Sarah, our hearts break for you as you navigate through this difficult time. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love from Mel and Bon.
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Tariq Khan uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
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March 10 ...
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Tariq Khan lit a candle
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
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I am devastated to hear about the loss of Tom Nelson. Just a few weeks back we were in Manor Park doing our usual thing of coffee, family updates and conversation on topics we loved to hear each other's views on. Politics, evolving trends, marketing, latest food experiment, Tom had rich stories about. Just 2 weeks ago, he helped me on a zoom call to guide one of my mentees with their social media start-ups. It is hard to believe he has gone. Sincere condolences to Lisa David Steven Sarah for this incredible loss.
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Mark Mox posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Tom was one of my younger fraternity brothers at MSU so many years ago. We shared a lot of great memories including the one where he came to my printing shop in Lansing to make his resume for a future advertising job. I can't remember exactly what it said. He and Stanley Bruce Mays were always coming up with great ideas. I think Tom's was the one who said he'd come work for free and if they didn't like him, no pay was required. Maybe there was a picture of a baby Tom in that resume. He laid it out in my shop and did the typesetting himself. Then our other brother Larry Peterson did the printing. Obviously Tom was successful with his resume and was soon on the payroll.
Although we didn't have a lot of contact over the years, I did go to his wedding to his lovely bride and best friend Lisa. She and Tom were seen at the Phi Psi house many times. I had the occasion to see the Nelson family a few years back when he lost his brother. I never ever thought I'd be hearing of Tom's passing since he is 5 years younger than me. I'm so saddened by this news. Tom was one of the kindness brothers in our house. Took time to hear your stories and then would entertain you with his music.
My prayers have been since I heard of Tom's passing, that Lisa and the children will be blessed with the wealth of friends at their side this week and those to come. Although having to say goodbye so early, you were truly blessed with a wonderful husband, kind father and great friend to all of us.
Mark Mox
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Ted Utz uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
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And play!
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Ted Utz uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
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We loved to gather at Sunshine!
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Larry Goldstein posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Tom, you were awesome
I wish I told you that more
Thank you for making me a better writer - your kindness and genuine ways were filled with wisdom and warmth.
I’ll miss you, Tom!
With big love and tears... for you and a huge outpouring of condolences for Lisa and your children.
Larry Goldstein
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Vivian Young posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
It is hard for me to wrap my mind around this tragedy. I worked with Tom for many years at Ammirati & Puris, and we could always rely on him for witty and incisive observations. He had a powerful BS detector, and many times he would be the one to point out that a strategy we brought to the team missed the mark. Tom was one of a kind.
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Cheryl Bailey posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Dear Lisa and family: My heart goes out to you duirng this time.
I am so priveledged to have known Tom and worked with him for many years at A & P. Countless hours in Detroit Metro airport and in Atlanta Hartsfield...there was no better person to be "stuck with" than Tom.
He was always one of my most "favortie people."
There are so many wonderful memories of Tom...but here is the best one. We had just won the GM account...Tom, Martin, Vivian and a bunch of us flew to Detroit. Tom told our driver (hey, it was the 80's in those days when we had drivers) to take us on a "different route" before arrving at GM. The route took us by the house he grew up in...complete with with swingset still in the backyard. Here was this beautiful litle house...Tom was SO proud! So proud of his roots! Then...he promised to take us to the 'best place in Detroit" for lunch. Our driver pulled up to this hot dog shack...and Tom's father was there eating lunch! It was such a special moment between father and son...and yes...the best damn hotdog I've ever had!
From Ian Allistair Mackenzie for UPS to Raymond and Maureen for PMOM...oh...Tom could do it all and write it all. His humanity always showed through and I am so proud to have been associated with him in some small way during those times.
I will always remember how kind we was...that lyric in his beautiful song "Let's Waste Some Time" where he says "i'm glad you're here" is TOTAL TOM. We are all so blessed to have known him...
Hey Tom! I know you are up there...hopefully having a ball with Howard and everyone else who has "moved on" from those wonderful days...
Again, Lisa, Tom was so very special.
Cheryl
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Stephen Baer posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
In 1976 I started my first job at D’Arcy/Detroit. I was the new kid. Then three months later there was this new kid-Tom Nelson. He was a real Ad Guy. Always telling me what was good or bad about my work. Always ready to show me how to do it better. Tom was very in your face. After a year we went our separate ways. Tom to Chicago. Me to New York. In 1992 we both found ourselves working at A&P for Martin and Ralph. The Tom I met at A&P was a different Tom. Just as hard working with an unrelenting work ethic, but Tom had becoming thoughtful, considerate, understanding and a true gentleman-Tom had become really NICE! I wondered what could have transformed the man? Then one night over dinner at Ralph’s home I met LISA. And it became obvious what had happened to Tom-he had met this amazing woman who gave us this wonderful, loving Tom. I am so thankful for having known you Tom-and so in awe of your success as a father, husband, and friend. Much love, Steve Baer
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Arthur Vibert posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Tom and I first worked together at O&M Chicago back in 1983. We’ve remained friends ever since. There had been pauses in our friendship but we were always able to pick up where we left off. In recent years we spoke quite a lot and it was wonderful to see him reborn as a professional musician. We had talked in the early days about “dids,” how we looked forward to being able to say “I did that” in reference to some amazing campaign. We both found our dids in the end. But looking back, what matters most after a lifetime of friendship is not the work we did but the love and respect and pleasure in each other’s presence. That’s gone now and while I still have the memories there is a hole in my life that will never be filled. Goodbye, Tom. I miss you already.
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Judy Wolff Riggio posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
There will never be the right words to express the sadness and the depth of loss we feel at a time like this. Whenever we lose someone so close, so loved and so special who was such an integral part of our lives and our families and friends, words never feel like enough.
Tom was such a kind and beautiful man. We had a chance to work together many times over the years and it was always a joy, as were those Gardner/Nelson Christmas parties where the highlight was watching and listening to Tom and the band do what I think made Tom so happy, which was to entertain and share his great talent for playing his guitar and creating music. There was always a lot of love in the room.
We had a few times breaking bread together and shared a kind of bond that came from the fact that we're both from Detroit. It's a city that's always struggled but has produced some great people, like Tom. He so passionately loved Lisa and the kids and although way too short, Tom lived and shared an extraordinary life.
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Ian Phillips uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
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Tom in Chicago.
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Gene Fattore posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I will remember Tom fondly as a classmate at U of D Jesuit Academy and later as a fellow New Yorker as we were reacquainted much later in life via a Midtown NYC sidewalk happenstance. Tom's intelligence and wit were often evidenced in our social conversations when his word-play had me pause only to realize I'd been the victim of a well-disguised and delivered, but friendly (and deserved) disparagement. Tom operated at an intellectually higher level than most of us and he also exhibited unusual commitment to long-time friendships. As a favor to my request, Tom took time to provide advice to my nephew when he decided to pursue a career in advertising. That nephew is now an Associate Creative Director at Chait Day's NY office - one of many successful young ad execs over whom Tom's shared insights had meaningful influence.
Tom's talent and passion for music was known to many. While I lived in the NYC Metro area, I had the pleasure of attending several Heathcote Hill performances. In spite of his extraordinary success as an "ad man", I sometimes sensed he was thrilled to leave the business to follow his true calling as a musician.
I speak for many U of D High alumni and childhood friends when I say Tom will be deeply missed by us all. We have lost a truly special person.
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Benjamin Bensimon lit a candle
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Everyone knows that working for and with Tom was about much more than making great advertising. It was also a masterclass in being real, honest, and celebrating common sense. Yes, in an ad agency. A khaki shirt, washed-out jeans and well-worn Timberlands never looked more at home on anyone. I’ll always remember one particular line that must’ve originated from deep within Tom’s soul and made it into our homes on TV. It was the UPS delivery guy’s response to Ian Allister McKenzie’s question: “No trouble finding me, did ya, lad?” “No trouble at all.” Tom was very humble. He led by example. He made me want to do my best work ever. For myself - and for him. He made us all better. What an honour it was to be hired by Tom, and to have worked closely with him for years. May his memory be a blessing to his beautiful family and an inspiration to us all.
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Monica & Mark posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
We moved to Larchmont in ‘97 .... was not long after that we met the young Nelson family that were so welcoming ( Piano recitals and other social gatherings)
I truly cherished not frequent enough exchanges with Tom - no conformity , very quick minded and I would stumble to keep up with his wit . His path was true to himself . Perhaps we never said this out loud but his love for Lisa was absolutely obvious to all and you could always feel their mutual love of life together!
Finally his passion and ability to compose /play music was both intimidating and seriously cool.
No words can truly convey our condolences well enough but privileged to have had the opportunity to know him and our payers are with the family at this very difficult time .
With love
The Hantho’s
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Anne Marie & Mark Fallek lit a candle
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Lisa, David, Steven and Sarah: there are no words for the enormity of this loss in your lives!! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time!!
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Robert Solomon uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 5, 2021
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I wrote about Tom Nelson a couple of years ago, not long after he made the leap from being an agency Creative Director to singer-songwriter-bandleader, playing lead guitar for the very polished group, Heathcote Hill. Judging from the videos of the band, it looked as if he was enjoying himself immensely. Many see Tom as a superb advertising executive. I see him as a performer and artist because I think, at heart, making music was his true passion.
I didn’t see reason to write about Tom again, until a message arrived from his friend and Gardner Nelson & Partners co-founder, Steve Gardner, which prompts me to recall three acts of kindness, for which I was the beneficiary.
The first occurred 18 years ago; I was just shown the door at Rapp Collins, where I had been CEO of New York. At loose ends, I heard from Steve; before long, I was working with Steve and Tom at their shop. You could say they were doing me a favor; you could say it was the practical thing to do, asking a fellow Ammirati alum to join them. I would say it was simply an act of kindness.
The second occurred about 13 years ago. I just recovered (sort of) from a debilitating stroke. Steve, Tom, and I were in a meeting with a bunch of colleagues. Not realizing I was deep in brain fog, I blurted out something that best can be described as gibberish, or something possibly much worse (I don’t recall). Tom and Steve couldn’t help but notice, but chose not to comment, letting the moment pass. A small thing perhaps, but the agency remaining patient as my brain slowly rewired and righted itself was, to me, an act of kindness.
The third occurred when I resigned from Gardner Nelson. Steve and I always had an uneasy relationship that had grown increasingly contentious, culminating in a rancorous final meeting. Tom, not taking sides, stepped in to turn down the temperature on a one-sided, bullying diatribe, a moment of wisdom when wisdom was what was needed most.
Sadly there will be no more acts of kindness from Tom, who suddenly, unexpectedly, and tragically exited the stage. A loss to advertising, a loss to art, a loss to friends and colleagues. A loss to brothers Jim, Pat, Rich, and Joe; to sons and daughter David, Steven, and Sarah; and, above all, to Tom’s wonderful wife Lisa.
If you thought Tom difficult – moody, temperamental, remote – you will get no argument from me; I bear witness. But I also bear witness to someone collaborative, supportive, capable of taking a half-formed idea and transforming it into a fully realized one.
Tom gave me a job when I needed one. Tom was patient when illness robbed me of who I was. Tom looked forward when an argument pushed backward. When it mattered most, I saw moments of true kindness, and this is what I choose to remember. Godspeed Tom.
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Tommy Saputo uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Tommy Saputo posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, April 5, 2021
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I worked with Tom at Ammirati Puris Lintas as a freelance creative director. When my wife and I started our design firm, The Gardner-Nelson Project worked with us on going projects. He was pleasure to be around. A wonderful human, empathetic and interested in what you had to say. Wicked smart, witty, and and an amazing writer. Beyond working together we formed a personal bond that I will never forget. Anytime I was in NYC I would call to meet up. Unfortunately that didn't happen enough. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.
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Bob Goulart posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
So saddened by Tom's passing. He assembled an incredible group of people in the early days of Ammirati Puris in Toronto and I was fortunate to make the cut. Every day was a masterclass in advertising but more specifically, human behaviour and storytelling. I’ve never worked at a place that fostered a sense of respect for all like AP did. Talent and decency in equal measure was always his M.O. The lessons I learned there are countless. Not a day goes by that I don’t think back on my time there under Tom’s leadership. Whether its connecting with the many industry leaders that were incubated there or a piece of wisdom that Tom would pass on. I still often quote one of the many Tom lessons with young people today. He was a great creative director, leader and a pretty good foosball player.
I still have a collection of layouts for a campaign Tom and I created together for a beloved beer brand. We loved it, client loved it, research loved it and yet it got shelved due to budget cuts. One of my best campaigns never produced. I remember storming into Tom’s office with my bruised ego, cursing and complaining at the turn of events. I remember vividly Tom looking at me with that familiar unimpressed gaze while he strummed an unplugged Gibson and said, “Bob, there will be other ads.” He sighed and continued, “We have the privilege and good fortune of starting each day with a clean sheet of paper to create something new and wonderful. Go make something else that’s wonderful. It’s going to be okay.” And just like that he shook the overly precious behaviour out of me for good.
In many ways Tom is still my creative director. Thank you Tom.
My sincerest condolences to the family and colleagues who were fortunate to have worked with him.
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Doug Robinson posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I had the extreme pleasure to be one of Tom’s partners in opening up the Ammirati Toronto office.
As creative partners we worked night and day starting that office with third partner Dennis Stief. Over those 3 years we won a lot of new business. But I think the three of us would all say that those times were the most rewarding years we spent in Advertising. We had a blast.
Tom was the most talented writing partner I’ve ever had a chance to work with. We pushed each other to keep working and to never settle for second best. Our results and awards were many. We became one of the top 3 agencies in Canada in less than 2 years. And from that small startup Ammirati’s office in Toronto many other successful agencies thrive today.
It also discovered and groomed many of the most successful and talented people in our business over the last 20 years.
Tom was a great leader. A creative pioneer with a vision. He was sharp with a keen eye for execution and I loved his wry humor.
After Tom’s advertising days he took on his other passion music and playing the guitar – what a talent.
Forever missed.
We send our deepest condolences to Lisa, David, Steven & Sarah.
I’ll miss you partner. Dougie
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David Kincaid posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
Tom was my colleague, creative mentor, friend and fellow musician. My fondest memories were all collected during those early years, starting up A+P Toronto, when the company was him, Doug Robinson and Dennis Stief - and they gave us full confidence in handing over one of the largest corporate accounts at the time, Labatt Breweries.
Whether it was debating over a logo, a colour, a script or the strategy for the Labatt corporate brand, we would find ourselves sitting there in cramped rental office space, Tom strumming away on his guitar, firing off brilliant one-liners and somehow just making everything work. He had a gift for being able to rationalize a totally creative judgement call and an ability to find creative insight out of numbers and logic.
Add to that his trademark soft, monotone delivery punctuated with that wacky laugh of his....classic.
While we haven't talked in a few years, whenever we did, our discussion would naturally go right back to those special, "once in a lifetime" times or to both of our first loves: making music.
I'll miss Tom Nelson; but take some solace in knowing that his true gift, once knowing him like I did, was that he never leaves you.
My love and prayers go out to the entire Nelson family.
David Kincaid
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John McCartney posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I went to grade school and high school with Tom. My two nicest memories were hanging out with him in Mr. Kona's basement working on Woodworking merit badge, and in 5th or 6th grade when Tom did drawings of Peanuts characters on students' 3-ring binders for 25 cents a crack. A working artist even at a young age. I don't recall if he was any good at woodworking, but I can still see the Snoopy on his dog house that cost me a week's milk money. Nice guy who made me smile.
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Alex Abadir posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
Mr. Nelson showed me more than anything that being successful in your profession does not mean you have to give up pursuing your passions or family life. From buying a coffee for me while waiting on the Larchmont platform for the perpetually delayed morning train, to raising one of my dearest friends, I will always remember him as someone who was genuine to others while being genuine to himself. Our family's deep condolences to the Nelsons, he will be missed in Larchmont. -Ali Abadir
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Susan Gomes posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I was a lowly assistant account exec in the 1990s at Ammirati on my very first shoot - totally intimidated by everything and everybody there. Tom was a bigwig creative director yet he treated me with as much respect and importance as anybody else there. So much class, character, talent and kindness all in one person.
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Steve Denvir posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Tom in both his first and his second careers.
I freelanced for him when he was opening Ammirati Canada, and I later built him a 12-string guitar that he used with Heathcote Hill.
He was smart, he was funny, and he was a pleasure to be around. I'm going to miss him.
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Chris Boak uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Worked with Tom twice. First on UPS at Ammirati & Puris. The picture below shows Tom, Peter Fredo, Me, Clem McCarthy & Bob Samuel somewhere on a Klong somewhere in Bangkok. We than flew to Scotland, where one night somewhere near Crovie Tom played Springsteen in a pub after a long dinner. Indelible memories. We also worked at Gardner Nelson & Partners (nee The Gardner-Nelson Project. Amazing times in the Flatiron. Remember a few Christmas Parties & guitars at the tip of building very late into the evening. And of course their was Steve's Rolling Stone b'day party that Tom cooked up.
The other shot was at the Bitter End a few years back. . Was so looking forward to the next performance. Will really miss Tom.
Chris
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Doug Hall posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I had the good fortune of providing music for some of Tom’s wonderful ad campaigns over the years. He was always delightful to work with, a true gentleman. I didn’t know until later that he himself was a musician, which in retrospect made perfect sense.
Doug Hall
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Brett Mays posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, April 5, 2021
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No standout memories short of a few conversations through my dad Stan Mays, a lifelong friend of Tom. But I know Tom’s particular brand of creativity had a major influence on my dad, and through him influenced both me and my sister Lindsay. He will be missed by many. Rock on, Tom.
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Liz Paley posted a condolence
Monday, April 5, 2021
I worked with Tom at Ammirati Puris Lintas and The Gardner-Nelson Project. He was a smart, sharp, witty, and clever writer who made me a better writer. I last saw Tom just before the pandemic when we had overpriced (he said) excellent (I said) coffee in West Chelsea and talked about the proper use of punctuation, the joy of newsprint on the hands and the difference between a grouch and a curmudgeon. I will think of Tom whenever I remove an extraneous word from a sentence. My condolences to the Nelson family.
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Evan Molho uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Tom loved music. He loved playing music, was a very savvy and thoughtful player, and he especially loved guitars. Everyone that played with Tom became a better musician. I was fortunate to have been in a band with him for five years. He and I were founding members of MPH & The Overdrive. In the five years we played together, we did about 50 gigs. Tom was a tremendous guitar player. We once had a band meeting to talk about what everyone wanted from our band. We went around the table. Everyone pretty much said “I want to have fun.” Tom said “I want to have fun being good.” That was Tom.
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Steve Piccone uploaded photo(s)
Monday, April 5, 2021
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Some very good times with The BP's...
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The family of Thomas David Nelson uploaded a photo
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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The family of Thomas David Nelson uploaded a photo
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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The family of Thomas David Nelson uploaded a photo
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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The family of Thomas David Nelson uploaded a photo
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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The family of Thomas David Nelson uploaded a photo
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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Ted Utz uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 4, 2021
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I am in shock!