Rest in Peace Tom Pugh - founder of Given to Live

mcgruff10

So sorry to hear.  I met him once in 2016, (I think with you Paul) solid guy.  He will be missed.  

droptheleash9

I'm so sorry to hear the news. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but his work with Given to Live has inspired not only me but so many others. The world is a worse place this morning.

2-feign-reluctance

RIP Tom. Paul I am very sorry you lost such a good friend. I thought you eulogized him beautifully. 

Poncier

Wow, such tragic news.
RIP Tom.
Blessings and strength to Ewa and all of Tom's family and friends.

tino_11

I didn’t know Tom personally but always admired the work he did with Given to Live. He put so much time, effort and passion into helping others and had such great impact. 

My thoughts are with his family and friends. 

on2legs

Very sad to hear.  While I never knew him, the many posts on here for GTL over the years really demonstrated his kindness.  RIP.

F Me In The Brain

Horrible to read this!
Like so many it was always inspiring to see what Tom was up to with GTL.
Much love to his family and friends.

stina1118

It’s been quite sometime since I’ve posted in here. I wish it was to complain about the merch line, not to say good-bye to a friend. And not just any friend… A friend I will hold in my heart forever. And a friendship that began right here in the PJ forums. 

Dave and Tom through Given to Live; gifted me, my son Joshua and my husband Josh the most amazing memories any Pearl Jam fan could ever ask for. As corny as it sounds, my heart still feels like I can burst any time I think about it.

I’m still trying to process this, we’re heartbroken. These lyrics really hit home today. 

And wherever you've gone
And wherever we might go
It don't seem fair
Today just disappeared
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

Thank you Tom. Rest in peace.

 Love, The Swansons. 

Johnny Aggro

Very sad news. With GTL Tom made the world a better place. Had the pleasure of chatting with him at like 3am after Leeds 2014. Made the term gent redundant. Thoughts with his loved ones at this sad time

pdalowsky

stina1118 said:

It’s been quite sometime since I’ve posted in here. I wish it was to complain about the merch line, not to say good-bye to a friend. And not just any friend… A friend I will hold in my heart forever. And a friendship that began right here in the PJ forums. 

Dave and Tom through Given to Live; gifted me, my son Joshua and my husband Josh the most amazing memories any Pearl Jam fan could ever ask for. As corny as it sounds, my heart still feels like I can burst any time I think about it.

I’m still trying to process this, we’re heartbroken. These lyrics really hit home today. 

And wherever you've gone
And wherever we might go
It don't seem fair
Today just disappeared
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

Thank you Tom. Rest in peace.

 Love, The Swansons. 


Beautiful

lastexitlondon

Speaking of Leeds that reminded me we all slept outside the arena the night before and there was a drunk homeless man harassing some of the ladies with us so I had a word with the guy and I remember tom saying to me not to be rude to the guy and tom went and spoke with him. It made me a touch more compassionate. Also I don't know if anyone knew tom wasa qualified masseuse. I had hurt my neck sleeping on the floor and he worked on my neck for about 10 mins the morning of the show. Oh and I also remembered he offered (15 years back in my first post) to get on a train from Bristol to come and have a coffee and talk.
The measure of the man

pdalowsky

lastexitlondon said:

Speaking of Leeds that reminded me we all slept outside the arena the night before and there was a drunk homeless man harassing some of the ladies with us so I had a word with the guy and I remember tom saying to me not to be rude to the guy and tom went and spoke with him. It made me a touch more compassionate. Also I don't know if anyone knew tom wasa qualified masseuse. I had hurt my neck sleeping on the floor and he worked on my neck for about 10 mins the morning of the show. Oh and I also remembered he offered (15 years back in my first post) to get on a train from Bristol to come and have a coffee and talk.
The measure of the man

selfless to a T Rob, 

That night outside of Leeds was a LONG one.......but man was it worth it. 

GTL was in its infancy at that point and I remember going up and down the line with a bucket fundraising with Tom, it wasnt an easy sell in the early days either but he was so bloody good at it because he felt it and passionately believed in it. Absolute legend of a man

lastexitlondon

Rained non stop 

Loujoe

Very sweet stories. Seems like a mountain of a person. Nice to hear how he will live in so many hearts forever.

drakeheuer14

Cool person, cool cause. RIP

Sobelberg8

I interviewed Tom for the pod a few years back and thought it would be appropriate to re-share his story for those who want to get the full sense of his impact on this community. I’ve also added a conversation with a young boy named Reece Jones who got the Given To Live experience in Oakland a few years ago. Please take time to listen if you can.

Adam Hewett

It sounds like the man did a wealth of good and left a very impactful legacy. Sending thoughts and love to his friends and family.

jjflash

I'm sorry to hear of the everyone's loss. By all accounts it sounds like Tom was a supernova of a human being. We should all be so lucky to leave a fraction of the compassion and love in our wake. Rest easy, Tom, and sincere condolences to Ewa and all those close to him.

En La Clandestinidad

stina1118 said:

It’s been quite sometime since I’ve posted in here. I wish it was to complain about the merch line, not to say good-bye to a friend. And not just any friend… A friend I will hold in my heart forever. And a friendship that began right here in the PJ forums. 

Dave and Tom through Given to Live; gifted me, my son Joshua and my husband Josh the most amazing memories any Pearl Jam fan could ever ask for. As corny as it sounds, my heart still feels like I can burst any time I think about it.

I’m still trying to process this, we’re heartbroken. These lyrics really hit home today. 

And wherever you've gone
And wherever we might go
It don't seem fair
Today just disappeared
Your lights reflected now
Reflected from a far
We were but stones
Your light made us stars

Thank you Tom. Rest in peace.

 Love, The Swansons. 

I had gotten to know Tom before this tour (2013) and this was one really special moment with him and your family that I definitely won't forget. How is Joshua doing these days? 

CROJAM95

deepest condolences to all his friends & family