Tom Kalina

Meeting you was a dream come true, our time together was treasure

You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure

We think about you always, we talk about you still

You have never been forgotten, And you never will

I had the unique distinction of meeting Tom Kalina on New Year’s Eve. It was a quiet evening with dinner and a movie to ring in the new year. We saved the fireworks and festivities for the years that followed!

I look back in awe at the many memories we created in the years that we shared. There were family celebrations for Diwali, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There were life events like graduations, a wedding, and a funeral. And there were many enjoyable trips together. We explored beaches in Punta Cana and kayaked the Colorado River near the Hoover Dam. Our trip to Alaska was magical. We enjoyed salmon fishing near Homer, the rain forest at Kenai Fjords National Park, 49th State Brewing Company in Anchorage, and a glimpse of Mount Denali from Talkeetna.

Tom was a man of many talents. He loved to explore new food, new places, and new technology. He took great pleasure in barbecuing Turkish lamb chops in his secret marinade, dry-ageing ribeye steaks at home, or spending a nice afternoon smoking salmon in my backyard. We spent many weekends exploring the rich diversity of cuisines in Northern Virginia and the wineries and breweries in the region. 

Tom’s most endearing qualities were his quiet presence, his intelligent observations, and his dependable promises. He was also known for his outrageous stories and was never one to shy away from an opportunity to pull someone’s leg. Tom was born in Ethiopia (now Eritrea) and he would joke that he was African-American. However, those closest to Tom knew about his constant battle with anxiety. He had devised many ways to manage his distress but the pandemic posed a challenge that he could not overcome. The routines and rituals that grounded him were disrupted and his life was thrown off kilter. We will miss his warm friendship and wise advice, his silly jokes and elaborate stories, his adventurous meals and friendly hospitality, his big-hearted generosity and unwavering support. 

Birthday celebrations were our special tradition. On my birthday, he never failed to send me flowers and help me celebrate my special day. For his birthday, he did not want a fuss but he enjoyed a nice meal followed by a key lime pie or sour cherry tart. He spent his last birthday with us and we celebrated just the way he wanted it. This year his birthday fell on Memorial Day weekend. It was a beautiful day. We barbecued and smoked salmon in the backyard. It seemed fitting to celebrate his life and remember the incredible man that he was by keeping up the tradition that we built together. 

Tom had lived in many countries and his address changed every few years. For him, home was a concept and not any particular place. I would like this tribute page to be his home and final resting place. Friends are welcome to visit as often as you wish. Share your stories and photos of Tom and add to the tributes posted in his memory. Tom's humour and warmth will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.