Cover

Many in the SCV know my friend and co-worker, Tom Leavey.  For the better part of 13 years Tom worked at Rayne of Santa Clarita.  Always a gentleman in the truest sense, Tom would bring a ray of sunlight in every home he entered and easily won the trust of his customers.
Tom had been fighting a battle with cancer since 2007.  Sadly Tom lost his battle, unexpectedly suffering a heart attack in February of this year.  A deeply private person with his personal problems, Tom was always willing to help others with theirs. I can’t recall Tom ever complaining during his illness and always maintained a positive attitude.  That’s just the kind of man Tom was, truly a kind man.
Tom was also an accomplished musician and has a CD, Illuminations available on iTunes.  Tom wrote this music specifically to create a “healing” effect for others that were suffering from cancer.  Tom presented me with his CD shortly after its release.  The music is truly soothing and for those that believe in helping one’s self in the healing process, I believe it can help.
Tom is probably best remembered as a bass player and blues musician.  He toured the world several times playing with the world famous Mannish Boys and wrote several pieces of music for the group.  He was a humble man and his trademark was wearing a suit on stage for each live performance.  Truly a class act.
Shortly before his passing, I bumped into Tom by the LA News Stand in front of the bagel shop.  I was in a terrible hurry with several places to go and many people to see.  I heard a familiar voice say, “Hey Kirk.”  As I turned, there was Tom with the love of his life for 30 years, his dear wife Wanda.  Despite my hurry, for some reason I made time to chat with them awhile.  I’m so grateful I did as that is the last I saw or spoke with him.
Tom had relayed to me earlier that he was the happiest he had been in many years.  Everything was going his way and he was full of optimism.  For a musician, there is no better way to go out than after your best set ever.
Tom, my friend, you will be missed by many and although our world is greatly diminished by your passing, I’m sure there is a joyous blues session starting somewhere in the next.  The angel with the harp has some serious competition.
In fond memory, Tom Leavey, truly the “Gentleman’s” Gentleman.  God Bless You Always.
Rayne Water Conditioning is located at 25114 Rye Canyon Loop in Valencia.  For more information, please call Kirk Walker at 661-713-7762.

Santa Clarita Magazine

Santa Clarita Magazine