TOM BLY MEMORIAL

IPMS WEST DES MOINES CHAPTER

TOM BLY MEMORIAL PAGE

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

This year, the Des Moines chapters of IPMS mourn the loss of a longtime friend. Tom Bly, a longtime IPMS member and founding member of the both the Hawkeye Modelers and Plastic Surgeons, passed away the night of April 10th, 2009, after a long and hard battle with illness. Tom began his modeling career in the early 1960's. He was a Charter member of both the Hawkeye Modelers [1969] and the Plastic Surgeons [1994], serving as an officer several times for both clubs. Tom was also the head judge for the Surgeon contests. He was also an early member of IPMS/USA. Tom has been a store manager for ToyFair, a regional manager for KB-Toys, and was the Customer Relations Manager and 2nd-in-command for AmTech. Tom was also one of the "Guys" for Three Guys Replicas. Tom was an amazing guy, and one of the best friends one could ask for. He will be eternally missed

Anyone wishing to say a few words about Tom can send them here. I will put them up as they come in.

It is with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of a friend and great modeler. When I first met Tom, he was the manager of the Toy Fair in Cedar Falls - generally you could find him in the back of the store, building airliners (what a job!) which I think was always his passion. Tom was a unique guy - while he usually suffered verbose and braggadocios modelers patiently, you always knew from his response who the 'true' modeler was. His knowledge of all eras of aviation and modeling was astounding. If you were truly interested, he would describe in great detail, his many techniques as he enjoyed sharing and seeing every modeler improve their skills. He appreciated and took as much interest in a kid building his first model as an IPMS contest winner. I know, I saw it.

God Speed, Tom -- We will miss you

Jim MacKay

Janesville, Iowa

I had to go hoist a beer to Tom's memory before I could start this letter. Tom was truly one of the "nice" guys, always willing to help, with modeling or most any other problem. Although I have not seen Tom in recent years, as I had moved to the far reaches of the state, I still considered him a close friend. We had many good times; wedging 15 people into a motel room in Milwaukee, the "bark like a dog" fiasco, judging o-so-many contests together, buying oop kits out from under each other. The good times will remain.

Fair skies and following seas old friend.

Ray Lathrop

Spencer, IA

I remember Tom when he was working at Great Hobby Adventures on 8th in West Des Moines. I was wanting to build a P-47D representing my dad's fighter squadron from WWII. I was looking for a color reference guide in order to paint it. Tom help me out a lot. And just before last year contest Tom came to the rescue again I had a problem with my C-130 with a gap in the fuselage. He suggested a different kind of model putty or use super glue.
2LT Edward J Sarnecki
C Troop 34-1/113 Cavalry
Iowa Army National Guard

The modeling community has lost one of it's pillars. Tom was one to be always ready with sage advice, a good ear for listening when things didn't go as planned and had the occasional anecdote to make you laugh. When I first got back into modeling after many years away, Tom helped me with techniques and advice that I am certain made me a better builder and a better man. Thank you, Tom! Peace!

Mike Trent

Boiling Springs, NC