Tom LaBonge passed away suddenly yesterday. This post comes after learning the sad news a short time ago.
I only met and spoke with him once in the corridor of the Mark Taper Auditorium inside the Central Library downtown. I mentioned to him that I also graduated from John Marshall High School a few years after him.
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| Tom with Gary Leonard October, 2018 |
Prior to that I observed from afar his mischievous banter as he sauntered up to sportscaster Jim Hill during a plaque dedication at the Memorial Coliseum for Olympians Joan Benoit Samuelson and Anita DeFrantz in June, 2017.
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| Sportscaster Jim Hill |
Before then I first experienced his gregarious personality at the Natural History Museum's 100th anniversary program in November, 2013. About half an hour into the speeches, Tom arrived and crossed the stage to take hold of the microphone from whoever was speaking and proceeded to enthusiastically talk for the next fifteen minutes.
Tom, dubbed Mr. Los Angeles, had a partner-in-crime for good deeds with photojournalist Gary Leonard. Both shared a love for photography and supporting the Los Angeles Central Library's photographic collections with their donations.
Today, in remembrance of the passion-filled life of Tom LaBonge, Gary Leonard wrote:
"On September 4th I needed a way to mark the day, in that there was no official ceremony. Tom was always game."
Thank you, Mr. Los Angeles.
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| Tom celebrating L.A.'s birthday on September 4, 2020 (Photo courtesy of Gary Leonard) |
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| Conducting business while he was Councilmember, 4th District (Photo courtesy of Gary Leonard) |
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| Gary with Tom (Photo courtesy of Gary Leonard) |
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| (Photo courtesy of Gary Leonard) |
Great article. I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim. It is sad that it had to be written. But he was a wonderful man.
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