Tom was a big, but unimposing man. A person whom everyone would like to be around. He loved to talk about "his Guild", and the passion he had for nurturing it into a national, if not a world-wide, network of professional rod builders. The first 50 members were charter members and that list of builders is a list to behold! A true craftsman, who enjoyed working with his hands, with tools, and a master fly rod builder and fisherman, Tom believed that there was a need for professional rod builders to be surrounded by others to spread the craft from hobbyist to those who could potentially make a living building rods. He taught rod building in his home town of Nashville, TN, thru FFF groups and others. He would work with groups or one-on-one to teach others what he knew. As his professional career as an insurance broker grew into a very large business in Nashville, taking much more time than was in a day, he began to lose control over his dream for the Guild. His ultimate dream for the Guild was that it would provide for some of his retirement income.... Retirement never came for Tom. A few short years later, it became clear that the Guild would not succeed if it were not taken to a different level, that being of a member-owned non-profit.

Like you, I once was a novice and knew no one in rodbuilding. I asked Mark Cook about the Guild and Tom Greek in the spring of 2000. Mark said he was a great guy, and that I should join the Guild then attend the Conclave II in Nashville. I did so as member # 68, just missing the cut-off for the original membership founders. As I arrived at the hotel, there was this big guy with a smile on his face and a out-stretched hand welcoming me to the Conclave. I, of course, felt a bit intimdated to meet him first before any other builders, as I had only a few rods built by then and was still learning. He was quick to introduce me to others and seemed to be everywhere at the Conclave.

Before that Conclave was over, Tom had invited me and others to go to dinner and share experiences with everyone. People like Bruce Young, Doug Weber, Bob McKammey, Todd Vivian, Paul "Coach" Bagby, Garry Loomis, Neal Hall, and others went along. What a treat for me!

Each Conclave since, Tom greeted me at the registration desk, and we repeated the dinner deal, the last time was in Minneapolis August 2007.

My last long visit with Tom was at Conclave VIII in Minneapolis. Tom had a vision for the Guild that now has taken another direction from his original plans. He was not at all sorry for the changes but still lamented that his original plans could not be implemented. He also was very proud that the Legends of Rod Building was being kicked off at CVIII. Some of the Legends had been requested to assist in building a community rod that was later auctioned as a fund raiser. Tom had built without the use of any power tools the most exquisite inlayed wooden box for this special 4 - piece Legends Fly Rod. He was so proud of his accomplishment and the way the rod perfectly fit. Hundreds of hours of labor went into this beautiful Legends Rod, and Tom as the guiding force behind it being built. That rod raised over $3,000 at auction during Conclave VIII and was purchased by Bill Batson, Batson Enterprises. The rod hangs proudly in Bill's office in Squim, Washington.

Tom Greek was a true craftsman, a master rod builder, with a passion for fine woodworking. While others knew him better than I, I will never forget his warm friendship. He certainly is a true Legend.

Kris Kristufek

Thomas Richard Greek born September 25, 1944; Died December 31, 2008. Every aspect of his life and character will be missed greatly. Tom was a caring husband, father, grandfather and friend, who devoted his time and talents to those he loved. Tom was a master artisan, whose creations in wood, rod building, and fly tying will be remembered and appreciated by all who knew him. An avid outdoorsman and founder of the Custom Rod Builders Guild, his love of fishing will endure through his friends and children. Thomas Greek is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (B.E.); his children, Michelle, Thomas, John and James; and 6 grandchildren.