2012 Year in Review at alexgtsakumis.com…Only One Story Mattered, Frankly…
I was going to do a review of the year’s top stories.
But that’s not going to happen.
I sat down very early this morning, and started to write, but I couldn’t get past the one story that still causes me so much pain.
The death of Tom Galimberti.
I can’t even write his name without tearing up. He was a mentor, a friend, a supporter–the coach in my corner when I felt I couldn’t get off my stool and lift another glove.
Every time any of you who enjoy what I do here write such lovely notes in support of me, know that you are able to continue to do so because of Tom. He pushed me to stay, as I was ready to quit about a dozen times in the last year. Sean Holman was right: This is a most stressful effort and doing it on your own is exceedingly tough. I got tired of the threats, angst and consternation, particularly over by ‘Basi-Virk’ work. Christy and her cadre of corruption is burying the province, that Gordon left raped and unconscious.
Tom died of a sudden heart attack earlier this year and I miss the midnight calls that came every day; I miss them more than I could possibly articulate. We reviewed the headlines together, he in Victoria, and I in Vancouver. We talked about the posts I put up, future ones too. He was a constant presence in a very lonely business. He appeared here as ‘Deep Throat’. He loved that I loved William Shatner’s ‘Denny Crane’ character from ‘Boston Legal.’ We spent hours laughing about that. We talked ‘Basi-Virk’ as he had insider knowledge of what had happened at the time of the raids–prior to and thereafter. We talked fine wine and cigars, places we visited, our children, women we loved, friends we lost.
And now he’s gone. And I’m alone again in this terminally lonely business. Alone, I suppose, except for the love and respect I get from all of you. I’m really grateful for that. Really grateful. It’s not been an easy year for me. I’m glad it’s over.
I should have taken an extended break after Tom died, but I didn’t.
I could never replace the man as a life coach. Tom’s thorough love of my work was deep and abiding. He warned me about the MSM and I didn’t want to listen. Every betrayal he predicted came true. Every one of them.
Tom was one of the most intelligent, affable, warm, compassionate, caring men I’ve ever encountered.
Yes, we had earthquakes, disasters, tragedies and notable events in this world in 2012. The federal government kept a steady hand on the tiller, while losing their agenda for awhile. The provincial government extended its tyranny, helmed by crazed, deluded high school cheerleader, so completely unqualified to be anywhere near public life.
It was quite a year, indeed.
But out of respect for Tom’s memory, I’m going to simply re-post the story I did on him, and hope you’ll forgive me, for just this once, since I’m doing a post for me. I need some closure on his death, as it keeps bubbling to the top.
So, to one of the most wonderful human beings the world will ever know, the honour of ‘Newsmaker of the Year 2012′ at alexgtsakumis.com, goes, posthumously, to Tom Galimberti.
Here is the most painful post I’ve ever had to write.
So long, pal. Warm winds at your back…
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I’ll be back tomorrow with a ‘Happy New Year’ post.
Please be safe out there tonight.
God bless.
Be well.
Alex, like so many of your fans, I greatly admire your work and effort you do to keep us informed about current events and in particular our unbelieveable rotten BC Government.
I am in my 80′s and have lost so many good friends over the past few years and I know how you feel losing your special friend. Have a good rest over the holidays with your family.
Best regards for the New Year
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You too!
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I guess you’re not totally alone.
While you may no longer have Tom as a mentor or a coach … but.
You can bounce ideas off us riff raff.
God only knows why you’d listen to anything I’d suggest but hey!
For the comic factor alone ask me how well I did at repairing my 42 inch plasma television last Friday night after 6 beers ( and several rum)……..
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Thanks my friend.
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He who has truth as his friend is never alone, so it is with you, i feel your loneliness in the fights i do, and every so often, someone writes a thank-you to me, so nourishing, beyond any source of strength imaginable, because they know where you come from, you come from where they do, and where truth does, at place that just wants to be heard, to shine, to topple dark forces, incrementally post by post, day by day, year by year, until finally, that day will come, the one you have no idea when or how, just that it will be, because truth tells you it will be, and with it, nothing can be in your way, ever. This is strength beyond strength, power beyond power… an unbeatable friend, indestructable, untouchable, and always there guiding and protecting, while you sleep, where you stand, with every breath…. your time approaches as it does for so many of us, afterall, it is inevitable.
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God bless you and your family Alex! This most recent post here also brought tears to my eyes and I can relate very well to your feelings of loss. I lost my dear wife to a tragic car accident almost 10 years ago now and this time of year is the most difficult for me and my 2 sons she left behind. Alex, keep fighting the good fight, you have all of us here who comment on your site to talk to. Tom is also still here, but from afar and I believe he still….I can’t go on anymore, its’ too hard to type and cry at the same time. Have a happy New Year, everyone!
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May God keep her soul rested. Thank you.
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Your most important story post demonstrates the best in us as humans. Can’t say much more without tearing up, I’d give you a hug if I could, and I am not a hugger but sometimes it is what is needed. Have a Happy New Year and thanks for all you have done in 2012. People form all walks appreciate it, and that fact that people form all walks follow your blog is a testament to the quality of work that you do.
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Thank you; you too.
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Family.
Let me say that again: Family.
You have, by all accounts, a wonderful family, Alex.
They can and will be your support. I am sure your wife and childern are very proud of their husband/father. ‘
I know they may not be involved in your matters here on this blog, but I am sure they are 100% behind you.
Take comfort in that, and know, Mr. Galimberti is up there, looking down, and giving you the big thumbs up.
A great New Years to one and all here at AGT.com.
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Thanks, James. You too!
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Hang in there, kid. It’s tough losing someone who really matters. I’ve lost several friends, one whom, him and I went though Social Credit together
as inseperable friends, another relative who wasn’t blood related but was
always one of my favourite aunts.
Hang in there, kid. You did fine.
We’ll be at this day exactly a year from now, the province will be much different in terms of governance.
Hang in there kid, enjoy the evening, and look forward to next year.
Hang in there, kid. May you have a Happy New Year, and may 2013 bring you every success and achieving every goal you have set on both your to achieve list and your bucket list.
Hang in there, kid. Keep the blog smokin.
See ya next year, Old Boy.
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Thanks pal. Bless you and yours.
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Happy New Year to you and yours, AGT.
Have a good one. See you around somewhere.
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Thank you, and the same to you and yours. Take care.
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Alex,
Nothing in this world is forever and your life is richer because of his friendship and the memories you now carry and hopefully you can draw some comfort from that. I always enjoyed reading his posts and wish I’d had the chance to meet him. I’ll drink a toast to him tonight my friend. Best in 2013.
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Thanks pal. I’m about to mix my first of the night.
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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
― Thomas Campbell
It’s really hard when those we really love and care about, leave unexpectedly. They leave such an empty space behind in those moments that used to be filled with them, their spirit, their touch, their words. And everytime one of those moments comes up again.. and they aren’t there to fill the empty space, you feel that raw pain all over again.
In time, it hurts less and less, although the absence is still felt.
May you grieve now in such a manner that you can move forward. Take care.
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Thanks Laila. Bless you and your beautiful babies.
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Hopefully everyone is fortunate enough to have a friend and mentor such as you had with Tom.
I had the great fortune to work with 2 master teachers in my first year working in special education. I miss them both dearly, but I know they succeeded in “passing the torch from failing hands.”
You too, Alex are carrying that torch. God bless.
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I am very sorry for your loss and your heartache. I am not the kind of person to normally leave comments on a public website. However, I read your work every morning before I read the Sun, Province, Globe and Times Colonist. I do so because I value your work – in particular, the stories that you have broken and the perspective you provide.
I just wanted you to know how much I valued your work – you are truly providing a public service. Hang in there.
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Thank you so much. That’s means a great deal to me.
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There is something so acute, so life changing when someone incredibly close to you moves on and is no longer flesh and blood. Your thinking undergoes a subtle change and because of them you are able to see more clearly. They have left their strength with you and it defines you further.
You are a tribute to Tom. He had an impact on your life. He made you better. There is joy in that. I am so glad you as well as I had this ‘person’ who gave you and me what was needed at THAT particular time.
Bless them and let their souls rest in peace. They are never forgotten. Love you auntie Elda.
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Percy Shelley: Adonais
Peace, peace! he is not dead, he doth not sleep.
He hath awakened from the dream of life.
Having lost three great friends to suicide in the course of my 53 years, and many other beautiful people due to old age and disease (I hoped I’d die before I got old) it is one of the horrors of life. Yet our children and loved ones show us why life is a true gift. I always choose to look forward and revel in today and the future. But the past does shape us in many ways. Remember the good, forget the bad, don’t hold grudges and tell your kids you love them every day. Every day, without fail or regard to their age, or where they live.
Happy New Year everybody!
P.S. And yes I’ve had a Grey Goose or two. Damn sentimentality.
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I’m on the Ketel One and rereading Hitch-22. It’s quite lovely out here.
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Magic, just plain magic. Enjoy.
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May the Peace of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you now my friend.
I really enjoyed speaking with you the other day and I am glad there are people like you out there who are willing to do the right thing just because it is right.
Tom is honoured by your continued work for sure. You are making a difference and rest assured, most are grateful.
Bless you!
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It’s pretty tough being the Only Living Boy in New York. It is the grief that is seldom seen, but seemingly everpresent. You know where to find me if you need me.
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Alex, God bless you and your family, as you know I come here at least three times a day looking for your articles. As you have read my book you know I lost my brother many years ago, my son a while ago and now living in Clearwater, the sadness at the loss of two young school teachers. Worse for me as they were the grandchildren of my very good friend and golf partner who died last year. We all have our crosses to bear, some more than others. Lost from our lives but never forgotten.
As we pick the brightest rose, so does God sometimes. Take care my friend and may you and your family have a great new year.
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God rest their souls.
You have a great year too, pal.
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I knew of a Wayne Russell – Kwalikum Secondary School?
All the best to you and your sons. God bless you all.
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Alex, I’m sure your friend Tom is up there, looking down and saying, “Go get ‘em, kid.” And that you do. Very many thanks for the past years, and I look forward to lots more in years to come.
Take care.
Happy New Year to you and yours, and everyone who visits here.
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Right on, Bruce W.!!!
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Here is CC year end review!! Watch this clip!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/christy+clark+yearender/video.html?v=2322231023&p=4&s=dd#video
Then read this!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Rate+hikes+increases+higher+user+fees+ring+2013/7758542/story.html
Making life more affordable HAHAHA. WOW what a space case!
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“I know Burns Lake.” LOL
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Whom do you think would be the best choice for Minister of Justice and Attorney General in the likely NDP government that we will get after the May election? The talk is always about Leonard Krog because he is the Opposition critic and also a lawyer. I think Bruce Ralston would be the better choice. He’s a lawyer too and seems to have the disposition for the job. An experienced cabinet minister like Mike Farnsworth might also be an option even though he’s not a lawyer, as Colin Gableman wasn’t. I think Krog is too partisan.
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Only two lawyers in NDP caucus. My choice is Bruce hands down. Krog is totally useless. A complete lightweight. His idiotic positions on the entrails of tge Basi-Virk trial are stunning.
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I just found out yesterday about an old work mate I lost touch with who died much too young and it really hit home. He may not have been everyone’s favorite person but we spent many an hour at shift change spilling our guts about our private lives as well as funny and outrageous stories. He would give you the shirt off his back and help you out no matter what time of the day or night it was. Definitely a wake up call on the old mortality angle. Keep up the good fight Alex, we’re all here for you, good friends are hard to find these days and the old ones we usually lose contact with turn out to be your best.
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Your friend Tom died but he hasn’t left your side. I suspect, as with my memory of my parents, you’ll continue to draw upon his wisdom, his humour, his courage and his conviction, at the moments when it most matters. His voice will speak in your conscious mind and that is how we live on, in the minds of those we loved. Your perspective and insight is like sunshine to an otherwise drab media filled news sky. We will never agree on many things and on others I applaud you. I relish reading every new post (and a few past ones). Cheers and happy new year Alex.
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Alex – I know to some extent what you are going through. At a young age I lost my father and a step father and recently lost yet another friend/step father to ALS. I felt rudderless for the longest time and still do to some extent. The only thing that keeps me engaged and wanting for a more reasonable world are the children that come behind us – (mine, yours, all).
What I have taken away from all my experiences is that the knowledge transferred from those special people is priceless and will forever be a part of me.
The power of your blog, your endurance and commitment reflects well on your relationship with Tom. Where else can you bring the generations together to comment/analyze the current state of our Banana Republic. The ones who have turned their backs on you are not friends and they will face the piper sooner or later.
All the best Alex – allow your self the time to heal, cherish the memories and never forget.
Cheers! Friend.
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Alex
Thank you for your hard work, without you we would never know what is happening to this province, keep it up.
May you ALWAYS make the right move
May your cup runneth over with love
May you always find shelter from any storm
May you remain good looking and looking good.
May you find the perfect diet for your body and your soul.
May you find perfect balance in the company you keep.
May you have as much fun as you can before someone makes you stop.
May the worst thing that happens to you come in slobbery pink and furry TAN.
May you manage to MAKE time for Time Out!
May all the new folks you meet be interesting and kind.
May you always know when to walk away….. and when to RUN!
And may your friends and family always bring you joy.
May the first day of 2013 be your BEST EVER!!!
May this time only hold good health, successful projects, professional growth and happiness for you and your loved ones!
THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN 2013,
Doug
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Alex,
I, too have lost a best friend to sudden death. It hurts.
But please don’t ever believe you are all alone. You have developed a huge following of people who can and will support you. For most of us, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to do it.
You have a huge human resource out there that you have yet to tap.
Respectfully,
persey
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Thanks so much for all the tireless work you do Alex on behalf of all of us. And all the best for 2013 – it has be a better one one hopes.
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Thank you for a wonderful article, AGT. I’m sure you were as much of a blessing to Tom as he was to you. And I think you’re the kind of person that will make sure Tom lives on through YOUR mentoring, which if it hasn’t happened yet, hopefully will soon. The MSM could certainly use some.
Yeah, this was the first Christmas without my Dad, who passed last summer. No matter how we were getting along, we’d always call each other at Christmas. I really missed that this year. Being the oldest of 4, I kept in closer touch with my fellow orphans. That’s what the season’s about anyway, largely… life too, IMO.
Looking forward to your stories in ’13, Alex! Thanks again for your dedication and integrity, and Happy New Year! Slainte, and Gung Hey Fat Choy!
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May God keep at peacevyour father’s soul.
Take good care.
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Can understand your loss as no doubt others had likewise experiences
just remember there is a lot of strength in his/hers memories of the departed.
I know words cannot ease the pain but support, time and the memories will,
I wish you strength and wisdom and a healthy 2013.
Best regards.
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I just read that Bernie Smith had died, last month (Whistlin’ Smith), just announced in the G and M. Guess you knew him when he worked for the Vander Zalm years? Quite the character!
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Yes, liked him a great deal. Couldn’t make the memorial.
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Hi Alex,
I can be your new Tom. The past decade has been hell for me.
I don’t live in Victoria but in Coquitlam.
I have an acute sense of news.
Definately not a Larry Bennett.
Last year an associate said his long time friend died of cancer.
I said you will just have to get a new friend.
That is why I don’t have alot of friends. Can’t deal with the pain.
Tough enough dealing with your own pain.
I wish you well and I don’t even know you!
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Thanks Ron. Too kind.
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“Definitely” not! See how agreeable I can be Ron? I really do feel your pain though.
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Hi Alex,
We want to wish you all the best in the New Year… to both you & your family. I understand how difficult it is to lose a good friend…. and allow me to pass along a phrase told to me years ago… ” Your best friend is always looking for you “.
When it comes to the work you do… it’s best explained this way. While the MSM reports the news….. Alex Tsakumis makes the News.
Guy in Victoria
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Bless you and the lovely Eunice!
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Alex.
What more can a stranger say than, “I’m sorry for your tremendous loss”?
More than once during the past year I thought I sensed, in your replies to posts, a tiredness approaching exhaustion. I also read impatience in some of you followers when you were not around for half a day. I get the feeling a few of them are out of sync without you and don’t get what is involved beyond the print.
I hope you take your “health” seriously and that people will allow you time away and not get twitchy if you take a break. The last thing we need is for you to follow Tom. There wouldn’t be a hall big enough for all of us.
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Hawgwash sort of expresses my sentiments/thoughts I’ve had on occasion.
I’ve often wondered how you [AGT] find the time to do what you do in terms of family commitments, earning a living and then expending the energy on your blog.
I am reminded of the story about the sand, the rocks and the jar. If the rocks represent what is a priority or important to us [family, friends, health] and the sand represents other things in our lives; how we put them in the jar makes a difference. Put the sand in the jar – followed by as many rocks – all the rocks/stones may not go in the jar. However, if we put the rocks/stones in first [symbolic of our priorities] and then the sand, the sand will find a way to fill in the space.
Nobody on their death bed said – “I sure wish I had made another posting on my blog”.
Sometimes it takes an effort to find time to be selfish and make time for yourself and your family.
Food for thought – consider having others review collections of information, organize/assemble them in some format, submit for your review & editing and then post. After all the publisher of the newspaper doesn’t write all the content.
I appreciate the work you do and the contribution of your readers. One doesn’t have to agree with everyone but in looking at alternative ideas we all learn and become better for it.
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Thanks. Much appreciated.
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“One day, and it won’t take long, you’ll be bigger than a lotta them.”
A very sage man indeed. It didn’t take long at all.
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All the best to you and family in the new year.
Just finished watching Ezra on Sun News investigation on Theresa Spence and I think my head will explode! I wish we could get everyone in Canada to listen to this and see what they think of the manipulation and hypocracy being spewed out by the Attawapiskat Chiefs! (3)
I am curious to hear your opinion.
Thanking you in advance for your attention.
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I saw it. Ezra is bang on!
Blackmailing someone into a meeting is beneath contempt. I sincerely hope the Prime Minister stays the course.
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