Tom Sutherland Has Crested

The party is over, Tom, good to see you back at work…

txag60 — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:14:05 +0000

Another Day at the Office

Tom had a hell-of-a-birthday for his 50th and now he is back to the ritual of work. Take it easy, Tom.

Photo courtesy of Kate Johnson…

Uncle John Remembers the First Grandchild

txag60 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:31:20 +0000

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

CRAIG: “When I think of Tom…”

txag60 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:19:59 +0000

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

Happy Birthday, Tom, We All Love You

txag60 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:00:46 +0000

Tom enjoying another reason to celebrate.

Well, Tom, it is almost the memorable day – Aug. 16, 2011 – the day you hit the crest of life and begin the long slide down the hill.

Actually, from one who can barely remember turning 50, I can assure you it is not that bad.

We all love you and hope you have a great many decades of happiness ahead.

Love, Mom & Dad

Tom and daughers Brooke and Brynn

txag60 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:11:04 +0000

And, Tom loves his girls…

Brooke, Brynn and Tom - Easter 2011

Brooke gives little sister Brynn a hug

Brooke an early cheerleader

Brynn Leads Cheers for Shelton Chargetrs

Brynn mugging with a friend

And don't let us forget Lacey.

Honoring Laura at the First Annual Memorial Run

txag60 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:57:53 +0000

After Laura’s death in 2010, the family started an annual memorial run/walk in San Antonio during Easter weekend. Below are some pictures from the first even in 2010.

The whole family joins in...

Business is right next to family with Tom

txag60 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:42:47 +0000

Tom and John Conger are steaking through the Texas commercial real estate market with CASE Commercial…

John Conger, left, and Tom, right, close the deal to buy out Bill Cawley and begin CASE Commercial

And then there were four…

txag60 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:39:02 +0000

What a family Tom has enjoyed….

Brooke was the first to join Tom and Laura

: And then there were four….

What a pretty picture...

Nice backyard shot

When the camera came out, Tom hit a pose!

txag60 — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:58:44 +0000

Tom in his white tennis outfit!

Okay, everyone enjoyed the post of Tom lapping up the attention in his ski outfit, well, he also played tennis.

How do you like that look? Take in the hair, the super short shorts, and…. the pose. He was always ready for the camera. Notice he is standing dead-center in front, too.

Tom Graduates an Aggie!

txag60 — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:40:39 +0000

Tom graduated from Texas A&M University and had to enter the real world… most think Texas A&M was happier than he was about his graduation.

He set the mark, however, for his siblings. The others all followed his lead to get their Aggie diplomas and, more importantly, their Aggie rings. In ring picture are Craig, Beth, Scott and Tom.

Tom may not have actually set the precedent, however, since his great grandfather was an Aggie football player in the class of 1912. His mother’s father graduated in 1936. And, his Dad in 1960 and his Dad’s brother, John, in 1969.

Siblings Show Off Their Aggie Rings