Thomas Chen

Tom was one of a kind. He was tall but not intimidating. He was quiet but not unfriendly. He was easy-going but not careless. He was competitive but not aggressive. He was confident but not arrogant. He was never too hot or too cold, he was always just right. Most of all, he let his actions do most of the talking. I met Tom in New Life over 10 years ago. I got to know him a lot better after playing and serving in the same softball team (New Life Agape). One thing that quickly became obvious to me was that Tom was more invested in people than the sport itself. As much as he tried not to be the center of attention, people naturally gravitated towards him. He made the team fun and he made sure everyone fit in well. I know many people who he impacted went from not knowing what softball is to falling in love with the sport, and Tom played an integral part in that. I remember when I was still playing in the team, everyone came out for practices and games not because we had to, but because we all wanted to. And the fun doesn't stop when the game/practice ended. We would go eat out as a team religiously after every game and practice, and often times we would want to hang out some more so we'll head to a bubble tea shop or a dessert place after the meal. Anyone that said they couln't make it to our very regular team outings, he would inist and say "no, you're coming" as a way to show he really wanted them to come. But if they truly can't come, then Tom would say "ok..." and do his signature puppy face (this is when he pouts and hang his head to show sadness). As weird as it seems for a big grown man to do that, he pulled it off quite well. I've personally witnessed it with my own eyes that this actually worked... people would end up canceling their personal plans and come eat with the team... lol What I appeciated in Tom the most was his quiet leadership. Tom is always the first one on the field and last one to leave. When he's carrying or setting up the equipments, he never asked for help. He simply led by example. And over time, we all caught on, and soon enough everyone followed his lead and started helping out as well without being asked. Also, after games we all were eager to go out and eat, but Tom always volunteered to stay behind and ump the following game or even just to stay and cheer for the other teams. When he stayed, we all stayed, because we just want to do things as a team. That's how he managed to create our team culture and team spirit. On and off the field, Tom did not hand pick who he wanted to be friends with. He simply befriended everyone that crossed path with him in his life. It is hard to think of him and not have a smile on my face, but it is equally hard to be reminded that he is no longer physically with us and not get emotional. I thank God for putting Tom in my life, for me to have fond memories and for me to learn from. You will be greatly missed Tom! May Ellie carry on your beautiful attributes and posses the same passion for people.