Comments on: R.I.P. Tom McCulla

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:19:15 +0000

I shall never forget the inspiration that Tom was to me at a difficult time in my ministry. He was so encouraging, and when I last visited him with the New Testament in tape form at St. Andrew’s hospice he was his normal self. What a courage man he was and I shall remember him with great love and fondness, but most of all I shall remember Tom as a very special Christian who loved people because he knew that his Christ loved him. Sleep in peace Tom.

By: ip

ip — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:49:08 +0000

Simon and Jan……many thanks for yet more stories about, and insights into, the life of this amazing man. Everything you have said has been already said by others so your comments are obviously perfectly valid. Everywhere he met people, he impressed them and we have never found anyone who had a bad word to say about him.

We are continuing to get responses about him, and no doubt will continue to do so. It is probably interesting to keep an eye on this blog.

I am going to copy your information and send a copy to his mother.

Again, many thanks for sharing your memories with all of us.

By: Simon & Jan Lui

Simon & Jan Lui — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:29:41 +0000

Tom was the pianist for our wedding in August 1990. We loved the way he played his piano. We went to the same church for a number of years, from late 80’s to late 90’s.
Tom was always faithful in doing his music for the church. I still remembered the time we sang christmas carol outside Safeway (now Morrison) near Partick Station. Tom always loved travelling and I could still remember he used to work in a Travel Agent in Partick. He always came up with a lot of jokes. He came to our house for a meal for a few time. He loved our chicken wings. We also loved the way he laugh. He loved his job in thepiano shop in Glasgow in fact we brought our keyboard under his recommendation. He was very professional in his job and because he was so good with his music that he made a lot of friends and also told people about his christian life. Last time I met Tom was outside the wee shop accross his church in Paisley.
He told me that his tumour was under control and I was glad for him. But we were shock to hear him passed away.
But, I believe he is in a better place now.

By: ip

ip — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:26:24 +0000

Dear all…..those of us who were able to attend the funeral yesterday found an amazing unanimity in what was said by those who paid tribute before, during, and after the service. A gentle, comedic, musically-skilled, deep-thinking, Christian, whose faith was untouchable, and whose composing skills never fully came to fruition. His piece ‘Gentle Rain’ was not an easy piece to sing well but the Kedron Singers sang it from the heart, as Tom would have liked. Also how his niece was able to sing so capably at such an event I just don’t know.

Tributes have come from Ballachulish as to his courage, but it is the almost Chaplin-like sense of fun which will be forever, for me at least, Tom McCulla.

By: Heather Ennis

Heather Ennis — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:43:09 +0000

Tom was a special person in every way, truly one of a kind. We loved his silly jokes, his upbeat humour and the ability to look on the bright side of life no matter what. He handled his illnes with great dignity and faith and is an inspiration to us all. I’ll miss our musical talks and playing piano together. I have great and fond memories of all our trips out to concerts and ballets together – my musical guide extraordinaire.

We miss our special friend loads.
Love, Heather, David and Fearghus Ennis xxx

By: ip

ip — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:36:42 +0000

Julie and Donald……thank you both for your kind words. Tom was one of those people who moved very easily from one section of the christian church to another. He was overwhelmed by St John’s and the historical significance, which was quite different to the Church of the Nazarene where he went and from where his funeral will take on Thursday.

His family is much in our prayers and I have passed your words to them.

By: Rev Donald Davidson

Rev Donald Davidson — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:18:07 +0000

It was a joy and privilege to be part of the service of Sung Evensong at St Johns Ballachulish on 8th March.
The singing and enthusiasm of the group was inspiring.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom and my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Thought I would include this verse by Joyce Grenfell:
If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I am gone speak in a Sunday voice
But be your usual selves that I have known
Weep if you must, parting is hell
But life goes on, so……..sing as well.

By: julie

julie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:17:38 +0000

We were privileged to meet Tom for the first time on 8th March (a Sunday of challenging West Highland weather & long journeys) for Sung Evensong led by Angelus Singers @ St John’s, Ballachulish.
We can only hope, that he gained as much pleasure from singing in the church, as we did from observing his courage & participation in the event.

BI AIG FOIS (in Gaelic, Be At Peace)

Vestry & Friends of St John’s, Ballachulish

By: ip

ip — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:33:11 +0000

Hi…..thanks for your comments….I hope the photos reminded you about him. We will be at his funeral on Thursday, and I hope that I can write a short piece in his memory.

By: Kamlesh Bahanda

Kamlesh Bahanda — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:55:52 +0000

I echo these sentiments of his puns and music. I had the rich blessing of Tom being one of my very best friends for the past 20 years. Through thick and thin he woould always joke his way through but took his music most seriously especially for the Church. I’ll remember tonly the fun, food, concerts, restaurants, his place full of pianos and heavenly music. The Prince of all TOM- foolery. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. I can hear laughter in Heaven now.. Au revoir.
Kamlesh Bahanda. London