Thursday, February 23, 2023
Will was my Uncle. My father and I would regularly go to Chicago White Sox games with him and his family in the 1980's at the original Comiskey Park. We would play baseball together before the games in the adjacent park, listening to the delightful sounds of organist Nancy Faust and enjoying the beautiful summer days. Our mutual love of baseball was exhilarating as well as inspiring. Will was the most dedicated White Sox fan I've ever known; his expertise on the team and it's history were second to none.
His language abilities were extraordinary and command of the English language exceptional. I often needed a dictionary at my side when I read his letters! He had an incredible talent for figurative language and syntax in general. I've tried my best over the years to emulate his abilities, although I still feel I can't hold a candle to him. He has inspired me to read more, write better, and communicate more effectively in an age where these skills are becoming more and more undervalued. I have adopted much of his own diction and colloquialism; for example as I write this, there's a car alarm that's gone off a fourth time now, which caused me to exclaim "mercy!!!", which is one of his signature expressions.
One character trait that could be overlooked was Will's sense of humor. He was hilarious! One of the funniest men I've ever known! There were countless times when I was a kid that his expressions, quirks, reactions, word choices, metaphors, dry humor, wit, and unique perspectives would make me laugh uncontrollably!
After my father's passing in 1997, Will would regularly send me letters and call me on the phone. These would cheer me up immensely as his sense of humor, confidence, and optimism would make me feel like I was taking life too seriously, calm my anxiety, and help brighten my day. He was also well versed in history, politics, and especially film. I enjoyed discussing and debating films and other subjects with him, as he was incredibly open minded and tolerant to new ideas and differing viewpoints. There were always implicit reminders that my own personal perspectives were limited, as well as those of others. This quality made Will very easy to talk to and relatable.
Perhaps the most glorious moments I can remember were the moments late in the White Sox games we attended. Will's vibrant energy, optimism, and enthusiasm would be felt by our tribe and seemingly transferred throughout the entire ballpark! The team seemingly picked up on the crowd's energy every time and performed better. In 2005, I had the fortune of attending the historic Sox game in Anaheim in which they clinched the American League pennant. Late in the game, I felt that family enthusiasm seemingly come over me. I started cheering with full vigor, thereby reviving the tiny minority of Chicagoans in attendance, making them fully engaged and determined to end this long and seemingly endless World Series drought. I remember thinking "the time is now," and it seemed to me the other Sox fans sitting nearby felt this same sense of resoluteness. This surge of participation seemingly culminated in an inning rally which was as emotional as it was surreal--after a pivotal, hard hit double, I knew they had the game and would be going to the World Series! It was at that moment where I fully realized the magic of determination, optimism, and teamwork amidst a sea of adversity (this one consisting of an infinitude of red uniforms!). I've used this memory to get me through some incredibly difficult times throughout my life, including this one.
As I write this, I feel Will almost looking over my shoulder for correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling- especially visualizing him giving me a firm reminder to edit this! I will miss him incredibly- from the fun and often fierce card games of Hearts we would play with the family, as well as sharing a pint of Guinness together over great conversation. It will be quite hard watching Field of Dreams from this point forward without getting overly emotional! I have a list saved of many of his favorite films and will continue hoping I will witness the White Sox win another World Series within the next millennium. (I'm going to need a plethora of reincarnations). I will thoroughly allow his Zen-like appreciation of simplicity, work ethic, aesthetics, and humor to inspire me going forward, and will put creativity first rather than last, just as he advised.
I hope nothing but the best for Phyllis and her family during this especially harrowing time. His spirit and influence will surely live on through his family, friends, and the countless students he influenced.
With love and sympathy,
Brian Tomory
