Condolence Messages

On behalf of my film crew, hosts and myself,
I send our deepest sympathies and condolences.
We will never forget Dr. Van Flandern's generosity in sharing his knowledge and theories with us, and of course, the great hospitality Tom and his wife Barbara, showed us while we were visiting their home in May of 2007.
It was a precious moment we cannot forget.

Paul Stoichevski
Producer
Polar Shift Productions Ltd.

TVF

The first time I spoke to TVF was back in 1999 when I called him (cold) at his office in Maryland and he actually answered the phone. WoW.

We spoke about Hoaglands position that the Face is a human/feline visage and he made it clear that he supported a totally symmetrical model. He would never consider the idea of a bifurcated formation. Over the years I engaged conversation with him on his Meta Research web site (heated at times) and finally got the chance to meet him at the first X-Conference in April of 2004. We met at the cocktail party (he was standing with his back to the wall all by him self). I walked up and introduced myself and we talked for about an hour debating the symmetrical and two-faced aspects of the face over a few drinks, but he was stead fast to his stance. It would have been nice to have known him better.

It is a shame that he passed just days before NASAs "big" press conference about the methane on Mars; he would have a lot of insights on its significance.



Burn bright, you cosmic diamond, the Bracelet of Heaven awaits.

Zip Monster

OMG I just found out. What can I say. I am very saddened. I have purchased over a dozen copies of his book and given them away as gifts. I refer people to this website all the time. I never met Tom but he has had a huge influence on me. My condolences to all his friends and family.

Emanuel Sferios

Annice and I were privileged to accompany Tom on five total solar Eclipse Edge expeditions beginning in Mexico in 1991 and ending in Zimbabwe in 2001. His knowledge, patience, kindness and friendlieness made each of the trips an unforgettable experience. We met Barbara and other family members on those trips, and our hearts and prayers are with them. Although Tom died way too young, reflecting on all the good he accomplished must be of some comfort to those who knew and loved him.

Bill Chapin

/William L. Chapin/

Posting on behalf of Paula Foggo:

What is a true scientist?

When I think of the one word that best describes Tom Van Flandern, commitment comes to mind. He taught me the importance of that word to a level I have perhaps seen only in my own father; commitment to his family, to health, to learning, to his work ethic, to his peers, and most importantly to the pursuit of truth in scienceat his own expense.

Rarely are we given the opportunity to cross paths with such a remarkable individual. In 1989 Tom, my then client who booked an airline ticket for the occasional astronomy conference, called to tell me he was starting up his own research company and asked for my assistance in organizing his first eclipse expedition. After explaining that I knew nothing about eclipses, little about hosting groups to foreign countries, and possessed few leadership skills, I said I was on board. He didnt care. He just gave me his trust.

Over the years Ive had the privilege of working with him on 6 eclipse and 2 meteor storm expeditions. He always strived to maximize the number of people who could experience this great phenomenon by making the tours as affordable as possible, and by strategically choosing the most optimum viewing sites for clear skies. I came to share this goal and Eclipse Edge Expeditions became the most important part of my travel career. I am grateful for the fact that, during his lifetime, he enjoyed success with every one of his 6 eclipse expeditions.

While on those tours I would always stay up the night before the eclipse, as if my watching the sky would control the clouds that threatened the two years of planning we had just brought to fruitation. It was not officially a success until Tom said so. As one of many commonly repeated conversations, I remember sitting with him at a picnic table in Bartin, Turkey waiting for the early reports from those participants with telescopes that we have first contact. Tom turned to me and said, I think were 4 for 4. On cue Id start crying to symbolize the relief.

What started as a business arrangement between a travel agent and her client became a remarkable relationship that only the students of the greatest minds can appreciate. Tom gave meaning to my career and the opportunities of a lifetime, but most importantly, taught me the importance of never compromising my principles in return for power, popularity, or prosperity.

In our last conversation Tom expressed concern over the future of Eclipses Edge. I promised him that, so long as any of his family members or colleagues are committed to continuing this legacy, I will be available to assist to the best of my ability.

It is with immense gratitude that I join with his family and friends in celebrating the life of Tom Van Flandern. He touched my life in a way no one else could. He was my friend, my teacher, my mentor, and my hero.

Tom, although I remember very little of what youve taught me about the constellations, I will never again be able to look at a star without thinking of you. Rest well dear friend and may you now have the final pieces to the answers you have worked so hard to discover. With love, Paula Foggo

Posted on behalf of Esko Lyytinen:

At my early stage of "more serious astronomical work" Tom was the the only one (besides my own family) to give me support and encouragement and the only one to whom I could write and discuss on astronomical things that interested me. Without his support, encouragement, suggestions and advice and trust, I would probably have never done, what I may have done, in part with Tom, to promote (in a small branch) the astronomy study and for example would not do now here with the Finnish Ursa fireball-group the fireball-data analysis etc that I am doing. Tom always had time to concentrate and deal with the things that I wrote to him and

I VERY STRONGLY VALUE THE SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP HE GAVE TO ME.

I miss him,
Esko