Tom Hagoort, my grandpa, was one of my greatest supporters. He always encouraged my imagination and curiosity. He was a great teacher and a staunch proponent of education. He could speak at length about a huge array of topics, a student of the world and of life. He was always reading and learning new things. Much of what he learned was self taught, most notably sailing. When I was growing up and until recently, Lois and Tom had a large sailboat called the Peripatetic. The word peripatetic comes from the name for the itinerant followers of Aristotle, a great thinker and philosopher. So peripatetic  refers to a person who travels from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods. The name is apt, as Lois and Tom are great adventurers, always traveling great distances by car, by boat, by plane--braver than I will ever be. He was a brilliant wanderer.
	Tom was an inspiring man. I always aspired to be as intelligent and accomplished as he was. He was also kind, a great listener, and a responsive sounding board. He was a wonderful role model, both in his work life and his family life. Grandpa was a loving person, which he expressed in his relationships with his wife, children and grandchildren. Lois and Tom had known each other since they were children, and so many years later they remained in love, a testament to the institution of marriage. They offered a template for what a loving marriage looks like. When I got engaged I knew that he should be the one to officiate at my wedding. In his speech, he was clear that marriage is complicated and full of compromises, but incredibly worth it. His words resonated and remain with me.
	He was passionate and focused, driven to impact and better his communities. He taught me to stand up for what I believe in, to always take action if you can make a positive change, to improve the world around me. I took his advice and I have managed to manifest some of the change he showed me I could make. He helped make me who I am, and I will always be grateful.
	Tom was a great man, an intellectual, a proactive shaper of the community,  a doting father, a loyal and loving husband, and a supportive, loving grandfather. He left the world a better place than he found it. His live was inspiring.  I will miss him every day for the rest of my life, but I know he will always be with us in spirit and in our hearts.