Tom Sutherland Has Crested

Tom's Baptism

Dear Tom, Tyke, Norm the Ag and other aliases of which I am
unaware or not appropriate to mention here,

Because you were the first grandchild for Granny and Pa,
there was much anticipation around your birth! You didn’t let us down. What a joy it has been for us to watch you reach 50! I can’t tell you how excited I was, 14 at the time, to be a first-time uncle and God-parent, to a kid named Tyke who had a baby barbell engraved with his name.

The content already posted here seems so accurate…you liked
to dress well…you always liked to laugh, except when behind at Granny and Pa’s poker table, and you shared my love of playing with matches.

You were also a great role model for Joe and Kate. In fact,
Kate spent most of her younger years building great stories to follow your lead.
Fortunately, she didn’t figure out how to replicate the “Scott Monster.” Great
memories…the kinda stuff you are made of.

Thanks for the joy and memories you brought to our
lives!

Happy 50^th and Gig’em!

John, Rita, Joe and Kate

I’ll be honest. I’ve really struggled with this message. How can I put into words my true feelings?

Finally, I settled on what the first word that comes to mind
when I think of my brother…

SACRIFICE.

Probably the best example was when it was time for me to go
to college. I was separated by four grades from Tom. We never attended school
together. Sure, there were times that he or Scott would drive me to Jr. High
and throw me out of the car before going onto High School, but as touching as
that was, it’s just not the same as being at the same school as comrades.

And college was destined to be no different. Once again,
though we both decided/were forced to go to A&M, Tom would be graduated and off on his own by the time I arrived.

But Tom, the sacrificer, would have none of it. He knew he needed to be there to lead me. So without a second thought toward his own career, Tom sabotaged his academic standing so he could wait to come back…for
me.

Aggie Girls

What a blessing. I learned so much from my big bro. Like the
time he explained the girls would really dig it if I went to buy drinks for the whole table, including him. Or when he would invite me to stay the night at his place, and then supervise my cleaning. Ah, memories.

But most importantly, he taught me the importance of
hate…real hate. Hate for everything burnt orange. It was a lesson I worked hard at and became successful.

BEVO

Yet something changed. Tom suddenly found a soft spot for Mack Brown when he came to coach the Longhorns (sorry Tom, SIPS). I think it was Mack’s love for puppies.

Mack Brown and Friends

Still, Tom yearned for something more for his Aggies. And now, he believes a fellow pup lover will lead the way to a new beginning for the Aggies in the SEC.

Gov. Perry and Puppy

On your 50th Tom, all I can say is God’s Speed to the
Aggies. Let them bring you the birthday present you deserve.

CAS