Tom Hubbard
August 1, 1930 ~ March 5, 2022
We share today the sad news that a long and dear member of the Union Church family has died and entered a wider life, one we pray will be filled with the unfettered joy and release his mind and body were unable to sustain in these last years. Tom died Saturday morning in the presence of his wife, Dorie, at Kenwood nursing home in Richmond, KY, under the attentive care of Hospice Care Plus. He was 91 years old.
Wild nights – Wild nights!
Were I with thee
Wild nights should be
Our luxury!
Futile – the winds –
To a Heart in port –
Done with the Compass –
Done with the Chart!
Rowing in Eden –
Ah – the Sea!
Might I but moor – tonight –
In thee!
~Emily Dickinson
Tom and Dorie first retired to Berea more than 26 years ago and began attending Union Church shortly thereafter. Though Tom never formally joined the church, he also never missed a Sunday, a potluck, a mission program, a children’s play, or a bazaar, often laboring to bring them to fruition. A native of Minnesota, he worked as a social worker in New York City before taking a job in Chicago where he met Dorie when she worked in different branch of the same social service agency. Though they worked in other places, Illinois was home until coming to Kentucky.
An avid amateur magician, Tom donated his time and talent to so many Berea events. He will also be remembered as a great Christmas Santa Claus (and you can see why!). He was an appreciator of fine music, fine poetry, and fine company with special passions for jazz, anything by organist and carillonneur, John Courter (Organist Emeritus at Union Church), and Emily Dickinson. His interests were by no means limited to these, however, and Tom rarely missed any chance to absorb beauty in sound, sight, or print. Keenly interested in world affairs, a great traveler, and with a penchant for deep friendships with interesting characters, Tom brought color and insight to every conversation.
His love of beauty extended to the love of people in our many variations. Tom actively participated in civil rights movements across his career and was an advocate for the fair and equal treatment of all people regardless of color, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, or nationality. Truly embodying the idea that “God has made of one blood all people of the earth,” their move to Berea and Union Church was truly a gift to us all and perfectly inline with their faith and values.
As some will know, these last years have not been easy ones. Tom suffered multiple cognitive declines making it increasingly impossible to read, attend events he loved, or enjoy the company of others. Physical infirmity accompanied the mental ones, and after the loving efforts to keep him safe at home were unsuccessful, his family helped him transition to nursing care in Richmond. Dorie was able to be with him much of this time due to her own rehabilitation in the same facility: a joy and a sorrow in one. His daughters Susan and Christie and Susan’s husband Jim made frequent visits to see him and help manage affairs, and while not able to be present today, were here last week to share time and tears.
All of the family are in our prayers today and for the weeks and months to come. A small private family service is planned in the near future with a larger public commemoration of Tom’s life to be held later in the spring. We will soon know how best to support Dorie and the family, but for now your prayers and your comfort are deeply appreciated. Since Dorie has recently moved to Morning Pointe in Richmond, I’ve included that address below for those who would like to express condolences.
Tom and I spent many good hours sharing poetry (of which his knowledge was nearly encyclopedic), and I treasure the warmth and pleasure he shared over words that matter. After these last months of suffering the fetters of mind and Covid, and decline, I am holding my friend in the light, the wild light of Wild Nights. May he be done with sorrows and done with restraints, and moor deep in the wild, wild love.
With sadness and great love,
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